September 05, 2012|By Dan Richman | For RedEye
Week 1 in the NFL is here, and for the first time in over a decade the Bears have more than a few viable fantasy regulars. Am I drinking Bears Kool-Aid? Yes, based on facts. The team has outstanding fantasy options, and that's without even mentioning the defense or Devin Hester. Look for these Bears to provide a huge lift all season.
Jay Cutler
Cutler was hampered by a thumb injury and offensive coordinator Mike Martz in 2011. But this year he is a top-tier fantasy QB. The positives: great arm, good awareness in the pocket, loves to throw to Brandon Marshall. The negatives: the offensive line, poor decision making in the red zone. The positives outweigh the negatives though, so look Cutler is a fantastic option.
Brandon Marshall
The Bears' big offseason splash will be great. Marshall caught 81 balls for over 1,200 yards for a bad Miami team. With Cutler slinging the rock, 90 catches, 1,300 yards and 10 scores should be a breeze for Marshall.
Matt Forte
Forte got paid, but his fantasy stock could go down a smidge with the addition of Michael Bush. Forte, a do-everything back, is valuable for fantasy owners. He should get 1,000 yards on the ground and 500 receiving, but I'd be surprised if he scores more than seven times.
Michael Bush
Bush is a good flex option. He was great for Oakland in 2011, rushing for just under 1,000 yards and seven scores. Bush will get the bulk of work deep in the red zone. Look to this Bear for 10 rushing touchdowns, too.
Robbie Gould
The kicker keeps getting better. Gould made 87 percent of his field goal attempts, connected six times from over 50 yards and did not miss an extra point last year. He's a top-10 fantasy kicker, and his value will improve with the Bears lighting it up.
Alshon Jeffrey
The rookie from South Carolina is a sleeper. Jeffrey looked good in preseason, catching eight balls for over 100 yards. Cutler likes big targets, and Jeffrey fits the mold at 6-foot-3 and 216 pounds.
Dan Richman has played fantasy football for more than 15 years and hosted a show on WSCR (670-AM) for years under the moniker "Super Fan Dan." @danrichmanffl
Want more? Discuss this article and others on RedEye Sports' Facebook page.
