50 Shades of Fantasy Football, Vol. VIII: Fightin’ for that inch

1.  Over the first two weeks of the season, the Chicago Bears were outscored 60-31.
2. However, if you examine closer, the Bears played much better than the score indicated. In Week 1 against Chicago, the Bears led by one point in Houston at the start of the fourth quarter. Quarterback Jay Cutler was sacked five times and hurried throughout the game. He also threw an interception to start the second half.
3. In Week Two against Philadelphia, the Bears had three turnovers (one interception, two fumbles). The defense, however, only allowed 190 passing yards to rookie Carson Wentz. This represents Wentz’s lowest passing total of the season.
4. Playing at Dallas in Week Three, the Bears were under the direction of Brian Hoyer for the first time. Hoyer struggled in the first half as the Bears fell behind 24-3. Hoyer did however, finish with 317 passing yards and two touchdowns.
5. Last week, the Bears shut down the high powered Detroit Lions offense. Entering the game, the Lions were averaging 27 points per game. With 2:02 left in the game, the Lions had six total points.
6. In that game, the Bears defense recorded two sacks and two interceptions. The Bears offense did not turn the ball over. Hoyer was 28-of-36 for 302 yards and two touchdowns.
7. The Indianapolis Colts played in London last Sunday. They deferred their bye week until later in the season and chose to play this Sunday at home. Last week, the 0-3 Jaguars sacked Andrew Luck six times and recorded an interception.
8. The Colts passing defense ranks 24th allowing 277 yards per game.

Prediction:  In the big upset of Week 5, Chicago quarterback Brian Hoyer leads the Bears to a win at Indianapolis. He passes for over 300 yards and two touchdowns again, and still remains the starting quarterback when Jay Cutler is healthy.