Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert is positioned to see his role increase this season with David Montgomery now in Detroit, yet fantasy football managers are hesitant to take the plunge. Can Herbert take advantage of this opportunity, or is Chicago’s offense not set up to have a running back worthy of weekly lineup consideration?
Behind in research? Get a trade offer in your dynasty or redraft league? Not sure who to start or sit this week? Leverage PFN’s FREE fantasy tools — our Fantasy Football Draft Kit, Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer and Calculator, and Start/Sit Optimizer! Put the finishing touch on your A+ draft with 1 of our 425+ fantasy football team names.
Khalil Herbert’s Fantasy Outlook for the 2023 NFL Season
The Bears added free agent D’Onta Foreman from Carolina and drafted Roschon Johnson in the fourth round to bolster their backfield alongside the uniquely gifted Justin Fields. Much has been made this offseason about Johnson’s ability to pass protect, something that could get him on the field early and often.
The #Bears offense is rolling! 🔥
Electric catch and run by Khalil Herbert! pic.twitter.com/BrnoXcO5UR
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) August 12, 2023
Chicago’s offense figures to be more consistent than it was a year ago, if for no other reason than Fields has more experience. But wait, there’s more.
DJ Moore was brought in from Carolina, and he’s an addition that I actually think helps this backfield. With Moore comes greater offensive balance and, in theory, more first downs, thus putting everyone involved in better scoring positions.
The Bears’ offensive line is a work in progress and could overachieve based on their scheme, but it is certainly a unit that is worth watching for those investing in this backfield.
Is Herbert a Good Fantasy Pick?
There are few players I am drafting with more consistency than Herber. Until his ADP adjusts to the idea that he is going to be the leader of the Bears’ backfield, I don’t see that changing any time soon.
Last season, both Montgomery and Herbert were top-10 backs in fantasy points per carry — and that didn’t happen by accident. The numerous ways in which Fields threatens defenses is going to create running lanes, and Herbert has proven more than capable of making the most of those opportunities.
Look at Herbert’s first two seasons and match them up with Tony Pollard’s numbers during his second and third campaigns — they’re nearly identical. In both of those situations, the promising young talent was behind a veteran lead back, something that is no longer the case for either. So grab both!
Speaking of Pollard, he, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Kenneth Walker III were all easily RB2s last season despite being drafted outside the top 30 at the position. Herbert is my favorite pick to be on that list this season, and that makes him a steal at his current asking price.
- PFN Consensus: 75th overall
- ADP: 105th overall