As far as primetime football goes, Sunday’s clash between the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Chargers leaves a lot to be desired. Both teams have mightily underachieved relative to preseason expectations. The Justin Fields-led Bears are 2-4 to open the campaign, looking completely rudderless at times. Similarly, the Chargers have failed to unleash their offense to its full potential, mustering just 19.3 points per game over their past three. Still, one team is leaving with the win Sunday, and the early betting action implies that it will be L.A.
This article will discuss 3-5 of my favorite pick’ems from various DFS sites like Betr, Sleeper Fantasy, PrizePicks, and Underdog Fantasy.
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Bears-Chargers NFL Fantasy Pick’ems
Austin Ekeler Higher 49.5 Rushing Yards
Austin Ekeler burst onto the scene this year, compiling 117 yards on 16 carries before an ankle injury forced him out of Week 1’s loss to the Miami Dolphins. Subsequently, the Chargers running back missed the next four weeks before returning in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys. Although he hasn’t looked like his usual self, Ekeler continues to demand a healthy portion of the offensive workload, and he should enjoy some success in attacking a Bears defense that doesn’t travel well.
The Chargers continue to distribute the ball to Ekeler frequently. The Western State product has carried the ball 14 times in both games since returning, albeit with a disappointing 62 yards across that modest stretch. That leaves him with a miniscule 2.2 yards per carry, which is a substantial deviation from his career benchmark of 4.6. A steady workload should help Ekeler progress back up toward his usual production.
Chicago can also help facilitate that growth. Through their first three road games of the season, the Bears have allowed three 50-yard rushers. Further, hosts are averaging 100.7 rushing yards per game against the Bears, which is well above the 68.5 yards per game Chicago is giving up at Soldier Field.
With two games under his belt now, Ekeler should be ramping into midseason form. His yards per carry should progress back up toward career norms, and he’ll continue to be a primary weapon for the Chargers. Chicago is projected to be playing from behind, giving Ekeler yet another advantage in pursuit of 49.5 or more rushing yards. We’re betting he gets there on Sunday Night Football.
D’Onta Foreman Higher 48.5 Rushing Yards
Austin Ekeler isn’t the only running back who should thrive Sunday night. Like his Chargers counterpart, D’Onta Foreman missed a few weeks early this season, albeit for slightly different reasons. Foreman found himself too far down the Bears depth chart and was left out of the lineup for several weeks due to a coach’s decision. However, unlike Ekeler, Foreman made immediate contributions when called upon.
The Bears halfback has played in each of their last two games, totaling 154 yards on 31 carries. Over that abbreviated stretch, Foreman eclipsed 65 yards in both outings while bumping his yards per carry up to 5.0. He’ll have a chance to maintain that standard against an inviting Chargers defense.
So far this season, Los Angeles is giving up 406.8 yards per game, with 96.8 of those coming via the rushing attack. Moreover, several running backs have burned the Chargers already this year, with four players exceeding their rushing yards projections over LA’s last five games.
Foreman has made the most of his time in the Bears backfield, forcing the coaching staff to take notice. Now it’s time for bettors to recognize that too, taking him to go north of 48.5 rushing yards against the Chargers.
Roschon Johnson Lower 11.5 Receiving Yards
The emergence of D’Onta Foreman in the Bears backfield has eaten into Roschon Johnson’s potential workshare. The rookie running back made an impression in training camp and the preseason, and he was widely expected to compete for snaps in the regular season. But with Foreman taking over the lead-back duties, and Johnson coming off the injured list, it’s unlikely he musters the looks required to send him higher than 11.5 receiving yards.
At first glance, it looks like Johnson is making tertiary contributions to the Bears’ cause. However, it’s worth noting that most of his snaps have come during garbage time when the game was already out of reach. Further, Johnson hasn’t been a priority in the passing game, instead being used in a more traditional ball-carrier role.
Since Week 1, Johnson has only been targeted five times, not earning more than two targets in any of Chicago’s six games. His usage in the passing game can be chalked up to outlet passes or checkdowns, as Johnson has accumulated a paltry 23 receiving yards on his last five catches.
Johnson is an afterthought in the Bears schemes, instead being used in “run-out-the-clock” type scenarios. Even then, Johnson isn’t getting looks in the passing game, hauling in just one pass since the start of the month. Those issues will be compounded by Johnson returning from injury and taking a backseat to Foreman, who has cemented himself as an every-down back.
The future may be bright for Johnson, but his Week 8 matchup against the Chargers isn’t. We’re betting he stays beneath 11.5 receiving yards Sunday.
