Disclaimer
These contests are intended to be fun as you’re watching the game. It’s incredibly difficult to get a real edge as there are so few options, and in MME contests, there are often many duplicate lineups. One play or one penalty can change the entire outcome of the game.
Game Strategy
The Patriots are 7.5-point home favorites against the Bears. The story of this one will be how Justin Fields fares against Bill Belichick's defense. Evaluating the matchup, it doesn't look good for the Bears. The Patriots defense ranks sixth in EPA/Play Allowed, fourth in Dropback EPA Allowed, and 11th in Success Rate. Meanwhile, Fields and the Bears offense only ranks 24th in EPA/Play Allowed, 25th in Dropback EPA Allowed, and 31st in Success Rate. Thus, we want our lineups to be Patriots focused in this one.
INJURY REPORT
- Mac Jones reportedly IN and expected to start
- NKeal Harry reportedly IN
- Nelson Agholor Questionable
- Kendrick Bourne Questionable
Captain Consideration:
New England Patriots
QUARTERBACK
Mac Jones - Captain/Flex
Mac Jones is expected to start but we of course want to double-check his status and designation before the game. If he is all systems go, Jones has a favorable matchup at home against a Bears defense that ranks 20th in EPA/Play Allowed, 19th in Dropback EPA Allowed, and 27th in Success Rate. And prior to his injury Jones was slinging it as he ranks 11th in passing yards per game (262).
Running Back/Wide Receiver/Tight End
Rhamondre Stevenson - Captain/Flex
Damien Harris was injured in Week 5. Over the first four weeks, Rhamondre Stevenson averaged 14.25 opportunities per game compared to Harris' 15.5 opportunities per game. Harris is off the injury report and will play so this will once again be a timeshare but Stevenson has been healthy, playing well, and has the advantage in the passing game. In a favorable matchup against a Bears defense that ranks 23rd in Rush EPA Allowed, Stevenson is in captain consideration.