The Bears recorded three takeaways and a sack in the 35-13 loss to the Bills in Week 16.

Analysis: The Bears held the Bills to just six points in the first half, but the floodgates opened in the second half. They will be without top CB Jaylon Johnson (finger) for the rest of the season, which will be a major issue against the Lions' high-powered offense. The Lions rank fifth with 26.1 points per game while coughing up a league-low 15 turnovers. With such a depleted defense, Bears D/ST shouldn't be trusted in fantasy championships.

The Bears recorded three takeaways and a sack in the 25-20 loss to the Eagles in Week 15.

Analysis: QB Jalen Hurts suffered a shoulder injury in the third quarter but finished the game, but the Bears still contained him before the injury with some timely turnovers. Turnovers can be flaky, but the Bears rank 13th with 18 turnovers while the Bills -- their Week 16 opponent -- has coughed up 21 turnovers (27th) this year. Still, fantasy managers shouldn't be taking the risk on Bears D/ST this year, as the Bills rank fourth with 27.5 points per game. There's certainly some justification in DFS,…read more

The Bears didn't record a sack or a takeaway in the 28-19 loss to the Packers in Week 13.

Analysis: The Bears have failed to record a takeaway in four of their past five games, and they recorded just three total sacks in that stretch, too. Their ceiling is extremely limited, so this unit simply isn't worth the risk in Week 15 against the Eagles' league-leading offense (29.7 points per game) that has given up a league-low 10 turnovers.

The Bears recorded a sack and no takeaways in the 31-10 loss to the Jets in Week 12.

Analysis: The Bears' defense took a major hit after trading away DE Robert Quinn and LB Roquan Smith, and now they'll be without S Eddie Jackson (foot) -- who recorded four interceptions and two forced fumbles through 12 games -- for the season. There's some decent upside against the Packers, who have given up 17 turnovers (26th). However, the Packers have posted 30-plus points in two of the last three games, so there's probably too much risk to trust this unit in season-long leagues.

The Bears recorded a fumble recovery in the 27-24 loss to the Falcons in Week 11.

Analysis: The Bears traded away two of their best defensive players, and the results have been as expected. They have recorded just three sacks and two takeaways over the past four games while allowing 35.2 points per game. It will be extremely difficult to trust Bears D/ST at any point going forward. However, there's a decent opportunity against the Jets, who have posted just 19.9 points per game (22nd) while coughing up 13 turnovers (17th). This unit is well-suited for large DFS tournaments and deeper…read more

The Bears recorded two sacks in the 31-30 loss to the Lions in Week 10.

Analysis: The Bears have posted just 15 sacks (29th) and 13 takeaways (16th) this season while allowing 24.7 points per game -- the eighth-most in the NFL. They have particularly struggled against the run, allowing 142 rushing yards per game (28th), and the Falcons have produced 119.4 rushing yards per game -- the fourth-most in the league. There's upside because the Falcons have coughed up 13 turnovers this season, but the Bears are better suited for DFS rather than season-long leagues.

The Bears didn't record a sack or a takeaway in the 35-32 loss to the Dolphins in Week 9.

Analysis: The Bears have allowed 24 points per game -- the 12th-most in the league -- this season, but they have managed to force 13 turnovers, which ranks 10th in the league. However, their top edge rusher Robert Quinn and top linebacker Roquan Smith are now in Philadelphia and Baltimore, respectively, so this unit's upside has lowered. They may be exposed against the Lions, who rank 12th with 23.5 points per game, though there's enough upside to roll the dice in DFS.

The Bears recorded an interception and a sack in the 49-29 loss to the Cowboys in Week 8.

Analysis: The Bears have now given up 22.6 points per game (19th), but they have forced 13 takeaways (seventh). Unfortunately, they traded LB Roquan Smith and DE Robert Quinn at the deadline, so there could be some extra growing pains moving forward. This unit is too risky to start in Week 9 against the Dolphins, who have looked simply unstoppable with WRs Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill at the helm.

The Bears recorded four takeaways and a sack in the 33-14 loss to the Patriots in Week 7.

Analysis: The Bears defense keeps humming along. It currently ranks seventh in the league with just 18.9 points allowed per game and fifth with 12 takeaways, although its 12 sacks (23rd) is less intriguing. The Cowboys have averaged 22.2 points per game over their last six outings while coughing up a total of four turnovers. They have a healthy QB Dak Prescott under center, too. This unit will have some cheap DFS appeal on a weekly basis, but it's still hard to trust Bears D/ST in season-long formats.

The Bears recorded three sacks in the 12-7 loss to the Commanders in Week 6.

Analysis: The Bears' offense is pitiful, but their defense still has some of its former glory. It has given up just 19.7 points per game (11th) in addition to eight takeaways (14th). Still, it will have a tough matchup against the Patriots in Week 7. QB Mac Jones is expected to return this week, and while he was unimpressive to start the year, he still recorded 8.1 YPA while getting sacked just five times in three games. That leaves a lower ceiling for the Bears D/ST, but this unit is still worth the…read more

The Bears recorded a sack, an interception and a blocked kick in the 29-22 loss to the Vikings in Week 5.

Analysis: The Bears' defense has forced eight turnovers (eighth) this year, but they have produced just eight sacks (30th) while giving up 21.2 points per game (15th). They'll now face the Commanders on Thursday. The Commanders have averaged just 18 points per game (26th), and they have coughed up eight turnovers. While the Commanders haven't had much success in the pass rush, QB Carson Wentz is vulnerable and has been sacked a whopping 20 times, so Bears D/ST is set up well to put up a big night in Week…read more

The Bears recorded a sack and a fumble recovery in the 20-12 win over the Giants in Week 4.

Analysis: The Bears' defense is holding up despite the team's offensive deficiencies, as it ranks 11th in the league with 19.3 points allowed per game and seventh with seven total takeaways. Nevertheless, they could struggle against the Vikings, whose pass-catching weapons are in the top tier of the league. Namely, WR Justin Jefferson could do some damage, especially if CB Jaylon Johnson (quadriceps), who has missed the last two games, sits out again. There's still some upside, but Bears D/ST carries too…read more

The Bears recorded two interceptions and a sack in the 23-20 win over the Texans in Week 3.

Analysis: The Bears' defense is keeping this team afloat, as it ranks 11th with 19 points allowed per game and seventh with five total takeaways. They'll travel to the Big Apple to face the Giants in Week 4. Through three games, the Giants have yet to score more than 21 points. They've given up three turnovers and QB Daniel Jones has been sacked 13 times. That leaves intriguing upside for Bears D/ST, and the floor should be high because the Giants can't seem to find paydirt much.

The Bears recorded three sacks and a takeaway in the 27-10 loss to the Packers in Week 2.

Analysis: The Bears have five sacks and three takeaways through two games, and they've allowed 37 total points in the process. This is an above-average but not elite defense, and it will be fantasy-viable for at least another week. In Week 3, they'll face the Texans, who have scored 29 total points this season. QB Davis Mills has posted 5.6 YPA this season and has been sacked six times. He hasn't thrown any picks, but the Bears should be able to keep him off the scoreboard and put up a solid fantasy day.

The Bears registered two sacks and an interception in the 19-10 win over the 49ers in Week 1.

Analysis: The Bears had monsoon floods working in their favor, but they won't be so lucky in Week 2 against the Packers. While the Packers are still ironing out the kinks in their passing game, their two-headed backfield of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon can do some damage on the ground and through the air. It wouldn't be surprising if this was a relatively low-scoring outing because of both teams sticking to the run, but the Bears have limited upside against cautious QB Aaron Rodgers.

LB Roquan Smith called off his holdout and returned to camp.

Analysis: Smith's return to the team is massive, as he's a two-time All Pro that led the team with 163 tackles last season. However, the Bears -- who ranked fourth last year with 49 sacks -- traded pass rusher Khalil Mack to the Chargers. DE Robert Quinn racked up 18.5 sacks last season and should torment quarterbacks just fine on his own. The secondary also added second-round CB Kyler Gordon. They should be able to string together a decent fantasy season as long as their offense doesn't put them in too…read more

LB Roquan Smith is holding out of training camp for a new contract and was placed on the PUP list to start camp.

Analysis: Smith is the major returnee for Chicago following the offseason departure of Khalil Mack, so it's important the two sides reach a deal so Smith can take the field. Even with Smith available the Bears D/ST appears poised for a rebuilding year.

The Bears finished 2021 as the 22nd ranked scoring defense (23.9 PPG) and traded pass rusher Khalil Mack to the Chargers during the offseason.

Analysis: The Chicago D/ST wasn't much of a fantasy producer in recent years, but it fell off further last year, and the team opted for some flexibility by offloading Mack. Some fresh young talent was brought in, as second-round rookies Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon join 2020 second-rounder Jaylon Johnson in the secondary. The Bears seem unlikely to be a major factor in 2022, but there's still a handful of pieces like Roquan Smith, Eddie Jackson and Robert Quinn that can be difference makers.

The Bears allowed 155 yards and three points during the Week 17 win over the Giants and play the Vikings on Sunday.

Analysis: The Chicago D/ST missed out on any defensive touchdowns, but it came up just short on two takeaways during the first quarter. The unit totaled four takeaways and four sacks overall while giving up a mere 2.8 yards per play and minus-six yards passing. QB Kirk Cousins is back for Minnesota for the season finale, and RB Dalvin Cook and WR Justin Jefferson are also healthy. The Bears D/ST is a below-average option for Week 18 with Cousins leading the Vikings offense.

The Bears allowed 331 yards and 24 points during the Week 16 win over the Seahawks and play the Giants on Sunday.

Analysis: The Chicago D/ST had two sacks and zero takeaways while surrendering 170 yards on the ground, but it still proved to be just enough to best Seattle. Jake Fromm and Mike Glennon are filling in at QB for New York with Daniel Jones (neck) on injured reserve, and the team has failed to score more than 10 points in three of the past four games. The Bears D/ST has been decidedly unimpressive in 2021 but is a strong option for Week 17 given the attractive matchup.

The Bears allowed 193 yards and 17 points during the Week 15 loss to the Vikings and play the Seahawks on Sunday.

Analysis: The Chicago D/ST had one takeaway and four sacks while holding Minnesota to 3.2 yards per play but couldn't overcome the offenses shortcomings. The Bears are a solid defensive unit but rank near the bottom of the league in takeaways, so it's fantasy potential is limited despite being tied-third in sacks (40). QB Russell Wilson and Seattle continue to struggle offensively but generally take care of the ball, so this isn't a great fantasy matchup. The Bears D/ST is a middling option with a low…read more

The Bears allowed 439 yards and 38 offensive points during the Week 14 loss to the Packers and play the Vikings on Monday.

Analysis: WR Jakeem Grant delivered a 97-yard punt return for a touchdown, but otherwise the Chicago D/ST managed zero takeaways and three sacks. The road doesn't get easier on Monday Night Football, as the Vikings have been one of the more productive offenses in the league with WR Justin Jefferson and RB Dalvin Cook leading the way. The Bears D/ST is a below-average option with limited upside for Week 15.

The Bears allowed 257 yards and 33 points during the Week 13 loss to the Cardinals and play the Packers on Sunday.

Analysis: Arizona had only 14 first downs and averaged 5.0 yards per play, but it regularly had a short field thanks to four Chicago giveaways, Meanwhile the Bears D/ST had one sack and zero takeaways for a quiet fantasy performance. Things won't get easier this weekend, as QB Aaron Rodgers and the Packers continue to showcase excellent ball security, making the Chicago D/ST an option to avoid for Week 14.

The Bears gave up 239 yards and 14 points during the Week 12 win over the Lions and play the Cardinals on Sunday.

Analysis: Overall it was a decent performance from the Chicago D/ST as Detroit managed only 14 first downs, but one sack and one takeaway resulted in a subpar fantasy performance, especially given the plus matchup. QB Kyler Murray (ankle) appears on track to take the field this week, which immediately handicaps this matchup for Chicago. The Bears D/ST is a below-average option for Week 13 if Murray is able to play.

The Bears allowed 16 points and 299 yards during Sunday's loss to the Ravens and play the Lions on Thursday.

Analysis: Chicago had the good fortune of facing Baltimore without both QB Lamar Jackson (illness) and top WR Marquise Brown (thigh), and it had six sacks and one takeaway. Overall the Bears D/ST played well, but it surrendered 10 points in the final four minutes to lose the contest. The Lions have been one of the worst offenses in the league this season, and it's a strong matchup even if QB Jared Goff (oblique) is able to return. The Chicago D/ST is a top-tier option with an appetizing matchup…read more

The Bears rank 12th in total defense (348.9 YPG) and 23rd in scoring (24.9 PPG) heading into Sunday's matchup with the Ravens.

Analysis: Chicago has given up 29-plus points in each of the past three games and will have its hands full this weekend with QB Lamar Jackson. Baltimore has endured some major ups and downs offensively, but with Jackson under center it continues to have a high ceiling. The Bears D/ST is tied-seventh in sacks (25) and tied-22nd in takeaways (nine), and it's a below-average option for Week 11.

The Bears allowed 467 yards and 33 points during the Week 8 loss to the 49ers and play the Steelers on Monday.

Analysis: San Francisco averaged 8.6 yards per play, as the Chicago D/ST fell off after a solid first half in which it gave up only three field goals. The Bears had zero sacks and zero takeaways in a bust of a fantasy performance. The unit now has three sacks and one takeaway while giving up 31.6 PPG across the past three weeks. RB Najee Harris figures to have a heavy workload for Pittsburgh this weekend, which could be trouble for Chicago, which allows 4.5 yards per carry. QB Ben Roethlisberger are…read more

The Bears gave up 408 yards and 38 points during the Week 7 loss to the Buccaneers and play the 49ers on Sunday.

Analysis: Things went south quickly in Tampa Bay -- in part due to turnovers by Chicago's offense -- as the Bucs took a 21-0 lead before the end of the first quarter. The Bears remain a solid defensive unit, but the struggles of QB Justin Fields and the offense overall often leave it in compromising situations. QB Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers have also struggled of late and are averaging 16.3 points in the past three games. San Francisco ranks tied-ninth in sacks allowed (11) and tied-24th in giveaways…read more

The Bears allowed 323 yards and 24 points during the Week 6 loss to the Packers and play the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Analysis: The Chicago D/ST performed decently and gave up 5.7 yards per play, but three sacks and zero takeaways provides minimal fantasy output. It was hardly a surprise, as QB Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay continue to dominate the matchup despite a mostly unspectacular performance. QB Tom Brady and the Bucs will provide many of the same issues, leaving the Bears D/ST as an undesirable option again in Week 7.

The Bears allowed 259 yards and nine points during the Week 5 win over the Raiders and play the Packers on Sunday.

Analysis: The Chicago D/ST didn't do anything flashy with three sacks and one takeaway, but it limited Las Vegas to 4.3 yards per play and one touchdown. A tougher matchup awaits this weekend, as QB Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are averaging 29.3 PPG and have committed only two turnovers in the past four contests. It's not quite the MVP performance that helmed the NFL's highest scoring offense in 2020, but Green Bay is mostly on track after an abysmal season opener. The Bears D/ST has been performing…read more

The Bears gave up 348 yards and 14 points during the Week 4 win over the Lions and play the Raiders on Sunday.

Analysis: The Chicago D/ST lived up to the attractive matchup with four sacks and two takeaways while holding Detroit to a pair of touchdowns. The Raiders mustered only 14 points on the Chargers last week, but before that loss the offense was averaging 30.0 PPG. The unit has taken good care of the ball with only three giveaways, though QB Derek Carr has been sacked 12 times. The Bears D/ST leads the league in sacks (15) and rank 10th in scoring defense (22.8 PPG), but it remains a mid-tier option for…read more

The Bears allowed 418 yards and 26 points during the Week 3 loss to the Browns and play the Lions on Sunday.

Analysis: Those defensive numbers don't look great on the surface, but the Chicago D/ST fared relatively well considered its offense managed only six first downs and 47 yards of offense. The Bears didn't manage a takeaway but recorded five sacks as the Browns won the time-off-possession battle nearly two-to-one. That's now nine sacks over the past two games for Chicago, and it will now face a Detroit offense that's scored 17 points in each of the past two games. The Bears D/ST is a strong option for Week…read more

The Bears gave up 17 points and 248 yards during the Week 2 win over the Bengals and play the Browns on Sunday.

Analysis: The Chicago defense put in a fantastic showing, holding Cincinnati to 4.6 yards per play while racking up four sacks and four takeaways, including a pick-six from LB Roquan Smith. Cleveland has put up 60 points across the first two games of the season, but QB Baker Mayfield (shoulder) is a bit banged up, as are top WRs Odell Beckham (knee) and Jarvis Landry (knee), the latter of which is now on injured reserve. RBs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt provide plenty of punch in the run game, but a…read more

The Bears gave up 386 yards and 34 points during the Week 1 loss to the Rams and play the Bengals on Sunday.

Analysis: QB Matthew Stafford did whatever he pleased in his debut with Los Angeles, as Chicago allowed 11.6 yards per pass while recording one sack and zero takeaways. QB Joe Burrow was sacked five times by the Vikings in the season opener as the Bengals offensive line remains subpar, so there should be some opportunities for Chicago's pass rush. However, Burrow looked good in his first game back from an ACL tear with his strong complement of young weapons, leaving the Bears D/ST as a tepid option for…read more

The Bears will open the 2021 season against the Rams on Sunday.

Analysis: Chicago will go up against a familiar face Week 1, as QB Matthew Stafford will make his debut with Los Angeles after being acquired from Detroit during the offseason. The veteran signal-caller will have an upgraded offense even with RB Cam Akers (Achilles) lost for the season, as WRs Roberts Woods and Cooper Kupp and TE Tyler Higee are plenty dangerous. The Bears should be a solid defensive unit again in 2021, but the Rams should be a far more dangerous offense now that the team has upgraded…read more

The Bears allowed 13 points and 326 total yards during a victory over the Dolphins in the preseason opener.

Analysis: Chicago forced two turnovers and recorded three sacks, which is a welcome sight after struggling in both areas last season, though the results are hardly meaningful given the context of an exhibition game. S Eddie Jackson was on the NFI list to opener camp but has since been cleared to practice, and he'll play a stabilizing role in the secondary for the Bears once again in 2021.

The Bears placed safety Eddie Jackson (hamstring) on the NFI list for the start of training camp.

Analysis: It isn't believed to be a serious injury for the safety, so his availability for Week 1 doesn't appear to be in doubt. The Bears return most of the unit from last season after post solid, if not underwhelming results. Chicago's lack of playmaking limits its fantasy potential, as Khalil Mack can only have so much of an impact on his own up front.

The Bears signed CB Desmond Trufant after cutting CB Kyle Fuller this offseason.

Analysis:

The Bears allowed 17 points and 279 yards during the Week 16 win over the Jaguars and play the Packers on Sunday.

Analysis:

The Bears allowed 407 yards and 27 points during the Week 15 win over the Vikings and play the Jaguars on Sunday.

Analysis:

The Bears allowed 263 yards and seven points during the Week 14 win over the Texans and play the Vikings on Sunday.

Analysis:

The Bears surrendered 460 yards and 34 points during the Week 13 loss to the Lions and play the Texans on Sunday.

Analysis:

The Bears surrendered 393 yards and 34 offensive points during the Week 12 loss to the Packers and play the Lions on Sunday.

Analysis:

The Bears come out of their bye week ranked ninth in total defense (340.1 YPG) and sixth in scoring (20.9 PPG) as they get set to play the Packers on Sunday.

Analysis:

The Bears gave up 17 offensive points and 228 yards during the Week 9 loss to the Titans and play the Vikings on Monday.

Analysis: Chicago held Tennessee in check for most of the day, but WR A.J. Brown came through for big chunks and totaled 101 yards and a touchdown on four catches. RB Derrick Henry averaged only 3.2 yards per carry, which bodes well with Minnesota up next. RB Dalvin Cook has 478 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns over the past two games, so the Bears' run defense (4.1 YPC) figures to play a big role. WRs Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson provide lethal options on the outside, but Cook has dominated the…read more

The Bears allowed 394 yards and 26 points during the overtime loss to the Saints in Week 8 and play the Titans on Sunday.

Analysis: It was another solid defensive performance from Chicago as it held New Orleans in check most of the day, but there was once again minimal meat on the bones with only one sack and zero takeaways. The Bears ranked tied-19th in takeaways (nine) and tied-25th in pressure rate (19.0 percent), though they're in the top half of the league in total defense (348.5 YPG) and scoring (20.8 PPG). Meanwhile, the Titans rank second and tied-second in giveaways (four) and sacks allowed (nine) respectively, so…read more

The Bears gave up 371 yards and 24 points during the Week 7 loss to the Rams and play the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: Chicago capitalized on its lone takeaway as S Eddie Jackson returned a fumble for a touchdown, but that was about the only highlight of the night on either side of the ball. The Bears managed only one sack and allowed 160 yards (4.7 YPC) on the ground. Chicago remains a stout defense, but its poor pressure rate (20.1 percent) and subpar offense are major limiting factors. New Orleans' strengths in pass protection (eight sacks allowed) and giveaways (five) makes this an unattractive matchup,…read more

The Bears allowed 16 points and 303 yards during the Week 6 win over the Panthers and play the Rams on Monday.

Analysis: Chicago big struggles since the start of last season has been sacks and forcing turnovers, but it came up big in both areas in Carolina. The Bears had three takeaways and four sacks while holding the Panthers to 3-for-13 on third down. The Rams have been inconsistent over the past few weeks and have failed to reach 20 points in two of the last three games. Los Angeles doesn't offer a ton of playmaking chances with seven giveaways and only seven sacks allowed, but the Bears D/ST remains a decent…read more

The Bears allowed 19 points and 339 yards during the Week 5 win over the Buccaneers and play the Panthers on Sunday.

Analysis: It was a strong defensive performance from Chicago that resulted in modest fantasy production with one takeaway and three sacks, which has become a familiar tune. The Bears rank middle of the pack in both takeaways (five) and sacks (11) but are top-10 in scoring (20 PPG) and total defense (344 YPG). The Panthers have been a nice surprise with QB Teddy Bridgewater enjoying a good start to the season, but this remains a solid, albeit somewhat unexciting matchup for the Chicago D/ST.

The Bears allowed 289 yards and 19 points during the Week 4 loss to the Colts and play the Buccaneers on Thursday.

Analysis: It was a strong defensive performance from Chicago as it held Indianapolis to one touchdown on four trips to the red zone, but there wasn't lot of fantasy production with one sack and zero takeaways, which has become a familiar theme. QB Tom Brady and the Bucs have struggled to take care of the ball with six giveaways, including two pick-sixes, but it's still an offense that's averaging 30 points and 371.5 yards. The Bears rank near the bottom of the league in pressure rate (15.2 percent) and…read more

The Bears allowed 26 points and 371 yards during the Week 3 win over the Falcons and play the Colts on Sunday.

Analysis: Chicago had two sacks and one takeaway, and slowed down QB Matt Ryan enough to help overcome a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit. The Colts have been above-average offensively through three games, ranking 13th in scoring (28.0 PPG), 12th in total offense (384 YPG), fifth in sacks allowed (three) and tied-ninth in giveaways (three). It's a better matchup than Week 3 for the Bears D/ST, but it remains a middling option versus the Colts.

The Bears allowed 295 yards and 13 points during Sunday's win over the Giants and play the Falcons in Week 3.

Analysis: Chicago took advantage of the strong matchup, limiting the Giants to 4.8 yards per play while recording four sacks and two takeaways. Week 3 isn't quite so favorable, as QB Matt Ryan and the Falcons are averaging 32 points and 443 yards through two games. The Bears D/ST still has the talent to provide some production this week, but it's a risky play against a high-powered offense.

The Bears gave up 426 yards and 23 points to the Lions in Week 1 and play the Giants on Sunday.

Analysis: It could have been worse for Chicago, as it managed to hold Detroit scoreless during the fourth quarter to allow the comeback. The Bears offered minimal fantasy production with one sack and one takeaway. The Giants struggled offensively last season and had two giveaways and allowed three sacks in the season opener, so Week 2 provides a better matchup for the Chicago D/ST.

The Bears will face the Lions in a divisional matchup in Sunday's season opener.

Analysis: Chicago enters 2020 with high expectations on defense once again, with Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn leading the pass rush. The big question for the Lions is the availability of top wideout Kenny Golladay (hamstring), as his status for Week 1 is up in the air. QB Matthew Stafford (back/hip) is healthy after being limited to eight games last season, which limits the ceiling of this matchup for the Bears D/ST, though you could still do much worse in Week 1.

The Bears finished 2019 ranked eighth in total defense (324.1 YPG) and fourth in scoring (18.6 PPG).

Analysis: The base numbers remained solid, but Chicago struggled making big plays and finished tied-24th in sacks (32) and tied-22nd in takeaways (19). The Bears have the talent to be a upper-echelon defense once again, but it seems unlikely they'll rediscover their playmaking prowess from 2018. Replacing Leonard Floyd with free-agent signing Robert Quinn should bring a boost to the pass rush, but the fact Eddie Goldman opting out of the season is a big blow to the interior of the defensive line.

The Bears gave up 350 yards and 26 points to the Chiefs in Week 16 and play the Vikings in the regular-season finale.

Analysis: Chicago provided minimal fantasy production versus QB Patrick Mahomes, recording only one sack and zero takeaways. Meanwhile, Minnesota averaged an embarrassing 2.2 yards per play and had only seven first downs against Green Bay last week, and RBs Dalvin Cook (shoulder) and Alexander Mattison (ankle) remain questionable at best for Week 17. The Vikings are coming off an ugly primetime performance but have been a quality offense for most of the season, keeping this as a below-average matchup for…read more

The Bears allowed 21 points and 292 yards to the Packers in Week 15 and play the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.

Analysis: Much as expected, Chicago's lack of playmaking meant little fantasy production against Green Bay, as it had only one sack and zero takeaways. It's been the story of the Bears' season on defense, as they rank in the bottom half of the league in sacks (31) and takeaways (16) while performing well in total defense (324.0 YPG) and scoring (18.1 PPG). Week 16 presents a similar problem against Kansas City, though its offense has been significant more potent than Green Bay's in 2019. The Bears D/ST…read more

LB Roquan Smith (pectoral) is out for the season as the Bears get set to play the Packers on Sunday.

Analysis: Smith will be a significant absence in the middle of Chicago's defense, which has also been without Danny Trevathan (elbow) for the last four games. The Bears had a solid defensive outing against the Cowboys in Week 14, but with two sacks and zero takeaways, they ended up with little to show for it given the Cowboys' garbage-time points. The Packers come into Week 15 having struggled to move the ball against quality defenses this season, and they're averaging only 18.8 PPG over the last five…read more

The Bears allowed 364 yards during the Week 13, 24-20 win over the Lions and will play the Cowboys on Thursday.

Analysis: Chicago appeared to have a prime matchup against third-string QB David Blough, but the Bears had only one takeaway and two sacks as the undrafted rookie played relatively well. The Chicago D/ST had top-tier matchups against the Giants and Lions the last two weeks but had only three sacks and two takeaways between the two contests. Dallas enters Week 14 leading the NFL in total offense (432.8 YPG), sacks allowed (16) and is tied-first in yards per pass (8.5). The Bears' struggles to create big…read more

The Bears allowed 243 yards and 14 points in Sunday's win over the Giants and will play the Lions on Thursday.

Analysis: New York predictably struggled to move the ball all afternoon, but Chicago disappointingly had only one takeaway and one sack in the contest. Backup QB Jeff Driskel seems likely to receive another start in place of Matthew Stafford (back) for the Lions, which just had an ugly performance against the Redskins. The Bears D/ST can be safely fired up in most formats with another appetizing matchup in Week 13.

The Bears surrendered only 283 yards and 17 points to the Rams in Week 11 and will play the Giants on Sunday.

Analysis: Chicago had two takeaways and zero sacks as Los Angeles attempted only 18 passes, though they averaged 9.6 yards per attempt. The unit was once again let down by the offense, which managed only seven points in the loss. The Giants and rookie QB Daniel Jones present an even better opportunity for turnovers in Week 12, as their offense ranks 31st with 24 giveaways and is also tied-24th in sacks allowed (34). The Bears D/ST is a must start against this mistake-prone offense.

The Bears gave up 357 yards and 13 points to the Lions in Week 10 and will play the Rams on Sunday.

Analysis: Chicago had only two sacks and one takeaway, so it was a somewhat disappointing performance against a Detroit offense that was without QB Matthew Stafford (back). Meanwhile, the Rams are coming off an ugly four-giveaway and four sack performance against the Steelers, as QB Jared Goff is enduring a rough season. Los Angeles has looked like a shadow of its offensive self compared to last season, so the Chicago D/ST remains a solid option this week.