Two 1-2 teams with suspect defenses square off in Chicago, and this one projects as a shootout. Caleb Williams is heating up under Ben Johnson’s offense, while Geno Smith has new weapons in Las Vegas that are producing in a big way. Fantasy managers should prepare for plenty of fireworks.
📊 Quick Start/Sit Table: Don’t Let the Records Fool You!
Player Start/Sit/Sleeper Projection (Points) Notes
Caleb Williams 🔥 Start 22–26 Rookie QB coming into form, dual-threat upside
Rome Odunze 🔥 Start 18–22 Clear WR1, dominating early-season targets
Brock Bowers 🔥 Start 12–15 Back healthy, red-zone weapon
Tre Tucker 🔥 Start 14–18 Coming off 154-yard game, speed threat
Geno Smith 🔥 Start 19–23 Volume passer vs weak secondary
Jakobi Meyers 💪 Flex 11–14 Team target leader, steady PPR floor
Ashton Jeanty ❄️ Sit 6–8 Volume without efficiency, just 1 TD
D’Andre Swift ❄️ Sit 7–9 Inconsistent role, capped by game script
DJ Moore 🌙 Sleeper 10–13
🔥 Must-Start Players
Caleb Williams – QB, Bears
• Start Meter: 9/10
Williams is starting to look comfortable in the NFL, and his connection with Odunze is blossoming. Add in his ability to extend plays with his legs, and this matchup screams fantasy upside.
Projection: 22–26 points | 265 pass yards, 2 TD, 35 rush yards, 1 rush TD
Rome Odunze – WR, Bears
• Start Meter: 9/10
Odunze is already commanding WR1-level targets and producing at a high clip. Against a Raiders secondary that struggles with size and speed, he’s a must-start.
Projection: 18–22 points | 7 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD
Brock Bowers – TE, Raiders
• Start Meter: 8/10
Healthy again, Bowers is a mismatch over the middle. With Tucker stretching defenses and Meyers handling possession routes, Bowers should thrive in the seams and red zone.
Projection: 12–15 points | 5 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD
Tre Tucker – WR, Raiders
• Start Meter: 8.5/10
Tucker has been a breakout story, scoring four TDs already and torching defenses deep. His speed will give Chicago’s corners trouble again.
Projection: 14–18 points | 4 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD
Geno Smith – QB, Raiders
• Start Meter: 8/10
The Raiders will likely have to throw to keep up with Chicago’s offense. Geno’s connection with Tucker, Bowers, and Meyers gives him solid QB2 upside with room for more.
Projection: 19–23 points | 245 pass yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
💪 Flex Spotlight
Jakobi Meyers – WR, Raiders
• Flex Meter: 7.5/10
Despite the emergence of Tucker and Bowers, Meyers still leads the team in targets. His consistent PPR floor makes him a strong flex option in what should be a pass-heavy game.
Projection: 11–14 points | 5 catches, 72 yards
❄️ Sit Candidates
Ashton Jeanty – RB, Bears
• Sit Meter: 3/10
Jeanty gets work but hasn’t converted volume into fantasy production. With just one rushing score this season, he’s best left on the bench unless you’re desperate.
Projection: 6–8 points | 14 carries, 52 yards, 2 catches, 12 yards
D’Andre Swift – RB, Raiders
• Sit Meter: 4/10
Swift’s inconsistent role and the Raiders’ shift toward a pass-heavy scheme limit his value. He’s unlikely to break out in this matchup.
Projection: 7–9 points | 12 carries, 48 yards, 2 catches, 14 yards
🌙 Sleeper Pick
DJ Moore – WR, Bears
• Sleeper Meter: 6.5/10
Rumors about a possible trade shouldn’t scare fantasy managers off this week. With Odunze drawing top coverage, Moore could quietly post a strong stat line.
Projection: 10–13 points | 4 catches, 66 yards
Wrap Up
This game sets up as one of the week’s fantasy gems. Caleb Williams is trending up, Odunze is becoming a weekly star, and DJ Moore has sneaky sleeper value. On the Raiders’ side, Geno Smith has enough weapons to post a solid outing, with Tre Tucker looking like a legitimate breakout. Meanwhile, Bowers and Meyers offer dependable floors. The only caution here: running backs. Both Jeanty and Swift are risky plays in what will likely be a high-scoring, pass-driven contest.
