The Chicago Bears are limping to the finish line of their 2021 NFL season. Sadly, so is their starting quarterback Justin Fields. Fields missed practice on Thursday for the Bears. This is a downgrade as he actually was a limited participant on Wednesday. That does not bode well for his chances of suiting up Sunday.
Bears QB Justin Fields did not practice today due to an ankle injury.
Andy Dalton was activated from the COVID-19 list and was a full participant.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 23, 2021
Meanwhile, back up quarterback Andy Dalton was taken off of the COVID-19 reserve list and practiced in full Thursday. This could have really big implications for fantasy football managers heading into their semi final matchups.
Andy Dalton might not give the Bears a better shot at winning the game. But he has helped the skill position players around him provide better results for fantasy managers.
At this point, there are probably only two Bears players worth starting in fantasy football. That would be running back David Montgomery and wide receiver Darnell Mooney.
Let's begin with Montgomery. In the four games that Dalton started and finished the game at quarterback, Montgomery is averaging just over 14 fantasy points per game, in half PPR leagues. He averaged only 11 points per game with Fields at the helm.
His target share is not as high as when Fields is under center, but there is a hidden bonus. Without Fields on the field, you don't much have to worry about the quarterback poaching your rushing touchdowns.
For Mooney, it's even better. In Weeks 11-13 with Dalton playing quarterback, Mooney received a whopping 16, 8 and 7 targets respectively. That translated into 15 catches for 271 yards. He then fell back off the map the last two weeks with Fields at the controls.
With a game this weekend against the demoralized Seahawks and their putrid secondary, Mooney is easily a flex play with WR2 upside.
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