The expected return of Khalil Herbert could make the Chicago Bears‘ backfield very crowded for Week 11. D’Onta Foreman has been solid, while rookie Roschon Johnson cannot be overlooked. So, which of the three should fantasy football managers start this week? Let’s check the fantasy outlook for each player.
Should You Start Khalil Herbert, D’Onta Foreman, or Roschon Johnson This Week?
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, our Consensus Rankings say Herbert is the player to start. His projected 8.4 points include 49 rushing yards, one catch, and five receiving yards. That projected stat line barely outperforms the consensus projections of Foreman (8.0 points) and Johnson (4.1 points).
However, when you isolate my rankings, I see Foreman outperforming both Herbert and Johnson. Foreman has been too productive in recent weeks not to be given every chance to carry the ball this week.
Fantasy Outlook for Herbert This Week
Prior to his ankle injury, Herbert had established himself as the main man in the Bears’ backfield. He’s averaging over five yards a carry (5.2), had a 100-yard game in Week 4 vs. the Denver Broncos (103 yards), and the following week vs. the Washington Commanders, he rushed for 76 yards on just 10 carries before suffering his ankle injury.
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Herbert was believed to have a chance to make his return last week vs. the Panthers but ultimately was not activated for the game. While he is expected to return for Sunday’s game vs. the Lions in Detroit, how much fantasy managers should expect out of him is uncertain.
The Bears have rushed for at least 130 yards in six of their last seven games, so even with Herbert out, Chicago has had success running the ball. Given the success Foreman has had in recent weeks as the starting running back, it’s hard to see Herbert not splitting touches with Foreman, at the least.
Fantasy Outlook for Foreman This Week
Foreman has more than held his own as the primary ball carrier for the Bears. He has rushed for at least 80 yards in three of his last four games and has scored four total touchdowns over his last four games, including last week against the Panthers.
The four touchdowns since Week 7 are tied for third-most in the NFL.
The Bears clearly like what they see out of Foreman, giving him a combined 41 carries over the last two games, so it’s hard to envision the team deciding to cut him off once Herbert returns.
The Optimizer projects Johnson to finish with 55 rush yards and one catch for two yards.
Fantasy Outlook for Johnson This Week
Although limited in touches, the rookie continues to get out on the field. Last week, Johnson was on the field for a season-high 30 offensive snaps. He finished last week with nine touches, albeit for only 32 yards.
He is becoming a reliable pass catcher as well, with 19 receptions in eight games. He’s had two or more catches in five of his eight games this season.
The Optimizer projects Johnson to finish with 22 rush yards and one catch for four yards.
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