Chicago Bears DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

The Chicago Bears' running back Roschon Johnson is poised for increased usage in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. Reports indicate that the Bears want more opportunities for their young back, especially as starter D'Andre Swift has struggled. In recent games, the Bears have experimented with different carry splits among Swift, Khalil Herbert, and Johnson. Given their current ranking of 31st in both yards per game and yards per attempt, there's nowhere to go but up. Sunday's matchup against a Rams run defense that ranks 25th could be the perfect chance for improvement. The Bears missed a good opportunity in Week 3 against a vulnerable Colts defense, raising concerns about Shane Waldron's run scheme and its adaptability to the available talent. Johnson showed promise in Week 3, averaging 3.5 yards per carry with a more physical running style. While Swift led in rushing plays with a 56% snap rate, Johnson carved out a role on passing downs, taking 51% of the snaps compared to Swift's 42%. Johnson also outperformed Swift in the red zone, logging a 47% snap rate versus Swift's 29%. For fantasy managers needing a dart throw at running back, Johnson's recent usage and anticipated uptick in touches make him an intriguing option this week.

The Chicago Bears' running back, D'Andre Swift, is a borderline RB3 for Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, which offers a favorable opportunity. Swift has expressed his frustration with the Bears' struggling run game, stating, "It's high," after a Week 3 loss to the Colts. Last week, he saw a season-low 53% of the snaps, managing just 15 touches for a modest total of 42 yards. With backups Roschon Johnson and Khalil Herbert getting more playing time, it is getting harder to keep starting Swift. With the Bears ranking 31st in yards per game and yards per attempt, there's nowhere to go but up. Swift is averaging only 1.8 yards per carry and 1.7 yards after contact, highlighting the difficulties faced by both him and the offensive line this season. However, Sunday's game against a Rams defense that ranks 25th against the run could be a turning point. The Bears missed a chance for a breakout performance against the Colts, raising concerns about Shane Waldron's run scheme and its adaptability to the players available. Given that the Rams are a favorable matchup for running backs, Swift has the potential to emerge from his slump and provide flex-level production. The Rams have the fourth-lowest stuff rate, allow the 12th-highest yards after contact per attempt, and rank among the top for rushing success rate and total rushing yards allowed. Fantasy managers in 12-team leagues or larger can approach this matchup with cautious optimism.

This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams presents a high-risk, high-reward option against the Los Angeles Rams. Both teams come into the game with 1-2 records, eager to avoid falling to 1-3. Last week, Williams delivered his best performance yet, throwing 52 passes and completing 33 for 363 yards, along with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He has shown steady improvement each week, and facing a struggling Rams defense, he's poised to have his strongest outing of the season. The Rams have allowed the highest yards per pass attempt in the league, making this matchup particularly favorable for Williams and the Bears. Comparatively, the Titans, Texans, and Colts rank 11th, 14th, and 16th in expected points allowed, while the Rams sit at 31st. With the potential for more scoring, it's worth noting that Brock Purdy threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns against the Rams just last week, following Kyler Murray's 266 yards and three scores the week before. Additionally, Williams might get back his security blanket, Keenan Allen (heel), who has missed the last two games due to plantar fasciitis. While Williams has a friendly schedule ahead, he remains a streaming option until he demonstrates more consistency.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) is trending toward playing against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4 with a heel injury that he said has left him "hurting" since training camp. Allen, 32, practiced in full on Friday for the first time since Week 1 and was deemed questionable on the final injury report after missing each of the last two games. The Bears held him out of football activities the last two weeks before he returned to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday. Allen said he dealt with a similar injury in 2023 and classified it as "a wear-and-tear type of deal." He doesn't think this injury will hinder him the remainder of the season. With Allen sidelined in the Week 3 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, rookie first-rounder Rome Odunze went off for six catches, 112 yards and his first NFL touchdown. Allen will be a shaky flex play if he's active, although he did see 11 targets in Week 1.

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze (hip) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The rookie wideout popped up on the injury report on Thursday when he was limited in practice. However, he was able to get through a full session on Friday and appears to be fine heading into the weekend. Odunze finished with over 100 yards and a touchdown last week, but he could see a dip in usage going forward. Fellow wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) was a full participant during Friday's practice and is questionable to play on Sunday. This would be Allen's first time suiting up since the season opener. He saw 11 targets in Week 1 and figures to be an important part of the offense going forward. Odunze should be in the mix as a low-end WR3 for Week 4.