Last week: 16 (+3)

Record: 5-3

The Bears are 5-3, but they aren’t as good as their record. They get Jay Cutler back this week, but I don’t think that’s going to solve their problems. Cutler only missed about 7 quarters and Josh McCown played about as well as Cutler could have in his absence, completing 59.0% of his passes for an average of 7.8 YPA, 3 touchdowns, and no interception. Cutler is a better long-term solution, but the offense is hardly the problem, moving the chains at a 78% rate. The defense is the bigger problem, allowing opponents to move the chains at a 77% rate. Henry Melton is out for the season. Lance Briggs is out indefinitely. Charles Tillman is dealing with a debilitating injury. Julius Peppers, Tim Jennings, and Major Wright are all struggling by their standards. They are forcing a league worst 30 punts and things have only gotten worse of late as their takeaway rate has predictably dropped and their health has gone downhill. Last season they were an elite stop unit that could also take the ball away from you. This you, if they are unable to come up with a takeaway, they have a very, very hard time getting you off the field and preventing you from scoring.

Week 9 Studs

QB Josh McCown

RB Matt Forte

WR Brandon Marshall

LT Jermon Bushrod

LG Matt Slauson

Week 9 Duds

RT Jordan Mills

SS Major Wright

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