Fantasy Football: 5 bold predictions for Week 8

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 22: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to pass during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on October 22, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Giants 22-21. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 25: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints reacts against the Carolina Panthers during a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 25, 2020, in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

2. Brees struggles in Chicago

Because we exist in an era of hot takes, a disclaimer is necessary. This does not mean Brees is suddenly inept. Brees is a good starting NFL quarterback.

Against the Bears, though, the 41-year-old will not be a fantasy connoisseur. The Bears defense will likely be angered by its loss (the fault of offense) vs. the Rams on Monday Night Football. What’s more, Brees should not be starting in your standard 10-team leagues at all. He’s the 20th-best fantasy quarterback through seven weeks of 2020. Why are you still starting him? Nostalgia? You’re slightly better off with Derek Carr or Garnder Minshew II by the numbers.

On top of Brees’ declining fantasy stock, Chicago’s defense is ruthless against opposing signal-callers. Matt Nagy’s team allows just 13 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, so surmising that Drew Brees will be the guy to break down the walls is silly. Only the Indianapolis Colts are better against quarterbacks for fantasy purposes. (Hint, hint: Don’t start Stafford either this week)

If you play in a super-deep league north of 14 teams, then Brees makes sense to start in Chicago. Otherwise, this has all the nasty ingredients for a Brees stinker: The Bears defense as a whole, Brees’ 2020 production to date, and Chicago’s ability to specifically subdue quarterbacks.

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