This matchup comes with plenty of fantasy uncertainty: both the Bengals and Bears are riddled with injuries, and several key players are questionable heading into Sunday. Make sure to check the active/inactive lists right before kickoff because late changes could swing fantasy outcomes dramatically. Still, there are some clear plays and a few traps to avoid this week.
Chicago Bears
| Player | Designation | Fantasy Outlook |
| DeAndre Swift | ✅ Start | Swift has been one of the most consistent dual-threat backs lately. With all three starting WRs banged up, expect him to shoulder a major workload both on the ground and through the air. A top-12 RB play this week. |
| Rome Odunze | ✅ Start | Odunze hasn’t practiced much this week, but reports suggest it’s precautionary. With over 20 targets in his last three games, he’s a volume monster if active. Plug him in confidently as a WR2. |
| DJ Moore | Flex Start | Williams hasn’t delivered big numbers lately, but this matchup sets up well. The Bengals’ defense is giving up yardage through the air and struggles against mobile QBs. A sneaky QB2 streamer or DFS dart throw. |
| Caleb Williams | Sleeper | Williams hasn’t delivered big numbers lately, but this matchup sets up well. The Bengals defense is giving up yardage through the air and struggles against mobile QBs. A sneaky QB2 streamer or DFS dart throw. |
Cincinnati Bengals
Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase remains elite despite team’s struggles – Ben Baby via ESPN
| Player | Designation | Fantasy Outlook |
| Ja’Marr Chase | ✅ Start | Regardless of whether it’s Flacco or Browning at QB, Chase is the focal point. Expect double-digit targets again. Lock him into lineups as a must-start WR1. |
| Chase Brown | Flex Start | Brown’s touches have been valuable, and he’s shown burst in limited work. If Flacco doesn’t play, expect more ground volume and checkdowns, making him a decent RB3/Flex play. |
| Samaje Perine | ❌ Sit | Perine’s strong outing last week looks like a one-off. The Bears’ run defense is quietly solid, and his volume is unpredictable. Keep him on your bench this week to avoid the letdown. |
Final Take
This game could turn into a battle of attrition, depending on which stars suit up. Expect a heavy dose of the running backs early and creative play-calling to mask offensive injuries. Fantasy managers should lean on high-volume players like Swift and Chase while keeping a close eye on late-breaking injury news Sunday morning.
