Fantasy Football Thursday Edition: Giants Vs Bears

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

NEW YORK GIANTS (0-5) @ CHICAGO BEARS (3-2)

WHEN: 7:25 p.m. CDT

WHERE: NFL Network

Who knew when the season started the New York Giants would be one of 2 teams 0-5 after five weeks. This looked like a marquee match up in preseason. Not so much now, but the Giants are still a dangerous team.

With Fantasy Football roster decisions due today in regards to the players taking the field tonight, let’s take a look at some of the pertinent information about the Giants and the Bears.

INJURIES

NEW YORK GIANTS

Running back has become an issue for the Giants as Andre Brown is still listed as Out this week with a leg injury, and starter David Wilson is Out because of a neck problem. Brown did some running in practice Tuesday so look for him to return in the next couple of weeks. Wilson will be evaluated each week until he is healthy.

Tight end Brandon Myers is listed as Questionable with an ankle issue but practice on a limited basis Tuesday. He has been a fantasy disappointment anyway.

On the defensive side of the ball, corner back Corey Webster is listed as Doubtful, which will hurt the secondary depth for the Giants. He will be missed against Jay Cutler‘s gunslinger style of passing.

CHICAGO BEARS

The biggest question mark for the Bears is the emerging receiving weapon, Alshon Jeffery. He is listed as Questionable with a sore ankle , but fresh off his breakout game this past week against the Saints, look for him to play.

Tight end Martellus Bennett is also list as Questionable with a sore knee but practiced a bit on Tuesday.

Linebacker Lance Briggs practiced at full speed Tuesday so look for him to play on defense Thursday. He is now listed as Probable. Cornerback Chris Tillman did not practice at all on Tuesday and is definitely Questionable tonight.

Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

THURSDAY NIGHT START, SIT

Teams have had surprising success against the Bears pass defense this season, racking up nearly 1,400 yards through the air. With a decimated backfield which is now relying on the unproven Da’Rel Scott, the Giants will have to count on the erratic arm of Eli Manning even more in week six.

Strictly from a fantasy point of view, Manning is probably a good start ’em candidate this week.

Manning’s primary targets, Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks are must starts about every week now.

If your bye weeks are cutting into your running back depth, you might want to take a one week flyer on Da’Rell Scott. Heck, the Giants can’t pass it every down, can they?

Like the Bears pass defense, New York’s has surrendered over 1,300 yards as well. Jay Cutler, although up and down, has played himself into an almost every week starter at quarterback. He has over 1,300 yards passing and 10 touchdowns, so unless you have Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Peyton Manning, you should probably be starting Cutler.

Brandon Marshall is an every week starter at wide receiver and the aforementioned Alshon Jeffery should start if he is healthy enough to play. Keep an eye out for word on him as game time approaches.

Unlike the Giants, the Bears have a must starter at running back in Matt Forte. Unless hurt or on a bye, seldom should Forte be on your bench.

I would stay away from both defenses tonight as it will probably be a high scoring game. The over/under is set at 47, which I think is a little low. Regardless, don’t take chances this week. Unless your other defense is going against the Broncos or Saints, play them over either of these teams. I have the Bears defense and they are firmly on my bench for week 6.