Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen will be looking to bounce back in Week 12 as he faces a tough matchup against the Minnesota Vikings' secondary. After a frustrating performance in Week 11 against the Green Bay Packerswhere Allen saw eight targets but only caught four passes for 41 yardshe's eager to get back on track. Despite seeing consistent target volume from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, Allen's fantasy production has been underwhelming this season, and the connection has yet to click fully. The Vikings' defense has been one of the most formidable in the league, ranking 4th in points per game allowed and 5th in EPA per pass. This makes it a difficult matchup for any passing game, including Allen's. To make matters more uncertain, Allen (ankle) was added to the injury report late in the week and is now listed as questionable. Head coach Matt Eberflus said it was a rolled ankle in practice, but they don't believe it's serious. While Allen is not a recommended start this week due to the tough matchup and his injury concern, fantasy managers dealing with bye weeks or injuries might be forced to use him as a desperation flex. Keep a close eye on his status before game time.

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson is a speculative play in Week 12 as he faces a daunting matchup against the Minnesota Vikings' elite run defense. The Bears' backfield rotation continues, making Johnson a potential dart throw for fantasy managers in deeper leagues or those searching for a sleeper. In limited action last week, Johnson showcased his goal-line potential, rushing 10 times for 33 yards and a touchdown, which is encouraging for those hoping he'll see more opportunities in Week 12. With starter D'Andre Swift (groin) limited in practice this week, there's a chance Johnson could see an uptick in touches, though Swift practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play. Johnson's fantasy viability this week largely depends on whether the Bears can get into the red zone and decide to use him in short-yardage situations. The Vikings rank 4th in points allowed per game and 1st in EPA per rush, making it difficult to trust any back in this matchup. For fantasy managers dealing with bye-week fill-ins, Johnson could be a desperation play with touchdown upside. His value hinges on the Bears' ability to push the ball inside the 5-yard line and give him a chance to punch it in.

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift is shaping up to be a risky RB2 option in Week 12 as he faces one of the most formidable run defenses in the NFLthe Minnesota Vikings. Swift had an efficient Week 11 performance, rushing for 71 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, but big plays have buoyed mainly his fantasy value in recent weeks. With Minnesota's defense ranking 4th in points allowed per game and 1st in EPA per rush, it will be challenging for Swift to replicate those explosive moments on the ground. The Vikings' defense, led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, has stifled opposing rushing attacks, making it hard to expect significant yardage gains or a multi-touchdown outing. Swift (groin) has been dealing with a minor injury, but he practiced fully on Friday and should be ready for Sunday's game. With many fantasy teams dealing with bye weeks, sitting Swift is difficult, but fantasy managers should temper expectations. He's still a solid flex or low-end RB2 play, but the matchup should give you pause before locking him in as an automatic starter.

This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams presents a high-risk, high-reward fantasy option as he faces the Minnesota Vikings. After a solid performance in Week 11 against Green Bay -- Williams completed 23 of 31 passes for 231 yards and added 70 rushing yards -- he's looking to build on his momentum. Williams demonstrated improved poise in that game, getting the ball out quicker and evading pressure thanks to a more efficient scheme under the new offensive coordinator. This quicker release helped keep Williams upright against a Packers defense that's no slouch. However, Williams faces a much tougher test in Week 12 against a Vikings defense that blitzes at the second-highest rate in the league and has been tough on quarterbacks all season. Minnesota ranks fourth in points allowed per game and fifth in EPA per pass, making this a difficult matchup for any passer. If you're stuck with a quarterback on a bye or dealing with injuries, Williams could be a potential desperation play, but Minnesota's aggressive defense may cap his ceiling. In single-QB leagues, exploring other options is wise unless you're in a deeper format or need a true boom-or-bust gamble.

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (groin) has been tagged as questionable ahead of the Week 12 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Swift has been progressing throughout the week as he sat out of Wednesday's practice. Swift was limited on Thursday and was able to get through a full practice session on Friday. The fact that Swift was able to get through a full practice session on Friday should mean that he'll be ready to go this weekend. If he sits, Roschon Johnson figures to become the lead back and would see an increase in snaps. Swift should be considered a RB2 for this tough matchup against the Vikings rush defense.