Caleb Williams Ready for Redemption Against Bengals’ Defense
After a disheartening Week 8 performance, the Chicago Bears’ quarterback Caleb Williams is poised for a significant turnaround this Sunday as he faces off against the Cincinnati Bengals, who currently hold the title of the NFL’s weakest defense. Fantasy football experts are optimistic, predicting a standout game for Williams in Week 9.
A Rough Week for Williams
Last week, Williams struggled in a loss against the Baltimore Ravens. The Bears’ offense displayed a lack of cohesion, and settling for field goals in the red zone highlighted their difficulties. A critical interception thrown by Williams late in the game, while attempting a risky pass into double coverage, ultimately sealed the Bears’ fate.
However, with a fresh opportunity on the horizon, Fantasy experts are urging owners to start Williams this week—not just because of his potential for resilience, but because of the favorable matchup against a struggling Bengals defense.
Bengals’ Vulnerability
The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves at the bottom of the league, ranking 32nd in both points allowed and passing yards per game. This presents an ideal scenario for Williams to bounce back and demonstrate his capabilities. Furthermore, the Bengals will likely be without star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson due to injury, which could provide Williams with the time he needs to execute plays effectively.
Adding to the intrigue, the absence of leading running back D’Andre Swift may place even more pressure on Williams to deliver in the passing game. With the stakes higher, Fantasy analysts see this as a perfect opportunity for the young quarterback to shine.
Fantasy Insights Favor Williams
NBC’s weekly “Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em” segment strongly advocates for inserting Williams into Fantasy lineups. The network notes, “This is a great spot for the young passer. The Bengals have given up the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this year and rank 30th in EPA per dropback play allowed.”
Williams has shown promise against weaker defenses this season, achieving his best performances against teams ranked among the bottom ten in passing EPA. Notably, his most recent encounter with a similarly ranked defense saw him rack up impressive stats, including 298 yards and four touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys.
Concerns for Other Bears Offense Players
While optimism surrounds Williams, the same cannot be said for rookie tight end Colston Loveland. Fantasy analysts have suggested that he should be benched in favor of veteran Cole Kmet, who is expected to return after missing last week due to a back issue. Loveland’s performance has been underwhelming, particularly when Kmet is on the field, leading to speculation that the Bears might adopt a committee approach at tight end, ultimately limiting both players’ fantasy potential.
Bears’ Outlook Against the Bengals
As the Chicago Bears prepare for their matchup against the Bengals, they enter as slight favorites, with the game set for a Noon kickoff at Paycor Stadium. With the pressure mounting, all eyes will be on Williams as he aims to turn in a spectacular performance, potentially revitalizing both his season and the Bears’ offense. The stakes are high, and the opportunity for redemption is ripe.
