Week 11 Recap

BJ & Da’Bears vs Make Fantasy Great Again

Another week, another tight loss. I thought this would be the final nail in my 2025 coffin, but I was given another week of life when my division leader was beaten on Monday night.

Not much went right for my team this week. Caleb Williams managed only 6 points. I played the wrong two running backs, Aaron Jones & Rachaad White, who were both outscored by my benchwarmers, Kyle Monangai & Bhayshul Tuten.

My receivers, other than MVP Tetairoa McMillan, were bad. TE Trey McBride was his usual great self.

Week 12 Preview

BJ & Da’ Bears vs Dawgs of the Gridiron

Previous Matchup

It’s pretty simple, a win this week keeps me alive for one more week, a loss eliminates me from playoff contention.

Last time we met, I left a lot of points on the bench, enough that I could’ve won comfortably. This time around, my opponent needs to play their backup QB due to bye & they need to find a tight end.

I’m tentatively favored at this point, but that’s hardly mattered this season.

My keys to the week:

1. Caleb Williams: As a Bears fan, I don’t care if Williams only puts up single digits as long as the Bears win, as a fantasy manager I need more out of him. If I’m to survive any longer this season, I need him to approach twenty points.
2. Rome Odunze: Odunze is similar to Williams, I care more about the Bears results than Odunze’s individual numbers, but for fantasy purposes I need more. A double digit output would be huge.
3. Bhayshul Tuten: I left Tuten on the bench last week and it cost me. He’s got a good matchup against Arizona this week and I need him to take advantage of it.
4. Trey McBride: McBride has been hands down the best tight end in fantasy football for the last month or so and I need him to keep that up. My opponent is going to have to grab a TE off waivers and I need McBride to win this matchup big.

Week 11 Recap

Trash Pandas vs ACME Giants

This week started off well for the Pandas when my MVP, TreVeyon Henderson, put up 28 points on Thursday night. It quickly went sideways on Sunday.

My opponent had big weeks from all three of his running backs, while the Los Angeles Chargers didn’t show up in Jacksonville, meaning my QB, Justin Herbert & WR Quentin Johnston posted season lows.

Jahmyr Gibbs had a nice game with 19 points and Brock Bowers won the TE matchup with 8 points.

My cause wasn’t help by the Arizona Cardinals defense getting -3 points or my IDP, Tatum Bethune, getting knocked out of the game, and probably heading to IR, with only 3 points.

Time to regroup and prepare for next week.

Week 11 Preview

Trash Pandas vs Prestige Worldwide

I need a bounce back week. This is the last regular season game outside my division and I need to be in a position to make a run at winning it.

My QB1 is on bye, so that presents a challenge. My opponent may need to go to his backup, as well, because Aaron Rodgers is questionable.

My opponent also has two running backs on bye. I’m favored, by quite a bit, but I was favored just as heavily last week & lost.

My keys to the week:

1. Trevor Lawrence: Lawrence gets the start because Herbert is on bye. Lawrence has a pretty good matchup against Arizona. As bad as Herbert was this past week, Lawrence could put his name in the mix to be my QB1 down the stretch.
2. TreVeyon Henderson: Back to back big weeks for Henderson. I really hope this means he’s established himself as the lead back in New England. He could be key to my playoff and championship hopes.
3. Brock Bowers: Huge TE matchup in this one as my opponent has Trey McBride. I need the good Bowers. It’s tough because the Raiders are such a mess & Cleveland has a good defense, but Vegas needs to run their offense through Bowers.
4. Marvin Harrison Jr: Harrison missed last week due to an appendectomy, I’m hoping he returns this week. His production had been on an uptick and I could really use him. If he’s out, I may have to get creative at my flex position.

Yes, that’s real. On November 18, 2025, through eleven weeks of the season, my beloved Chicago Bears have sole possession of first place in the NFC North. It’s been way too long since the Bears were playing truly meaningful games at this point in the season. I cannot contain my happiness.

From the day Matt Eberflus was fired, through the hiring of Ben Johnson to replace him, I allowed myself to hope but tempered my expectations. I came into the season prepared to be happy with just noticeable improvements. I wanted Caleb Williams to show growth and start matching his vast potential to the job of being a franchise quarterback. I wanted to see the Bears coaching staff display competent game management. I wanted the Bears to at least be competitive and, perhaps, stay in the hunt into December.

We’ve gotten that, and more. The Bears aren’t just in the hunt, they’re leading the division. It hasn’t always been pretty, and they’ve yet to beat an opponent with a record above .500, but they’re 7-3 and that’s nothing to sneeze about.

The schedule does get tougher, but the playoffs are within their grasp and I truly believe this Bears team can get there. These are not the Eberflus Bears, this team is different. Watch the Bears post game locker room videos, they remind me of Matt Nagy’s first season. You can tell that this whole team has bought into what Ben Johnson is selling. They believe and belief can help a good team be better.

There’s work to be done yet. Caleb Williams needs to improve his accuracy. The offense, as a whole, needs to stop shooting themselves in the foot. They leave too many points on the field. They do not put teams away when they have the chance. Aside from creating turnovers, the defense has not been good. Special teams makes too many mistakes.

The Path Forward

The Bears have seven games remaining and, with a record of 7-3, I figure they need to go at least 3-4 down the stretch to make the playoffs. To win the division, I think they need 4-5 more wins. Let’s take a look at the schedule:

Week 12

I feel like if the Bears are going to make the playoffs, winning this game is step one. The Steelers are 6-4, but they’ve been very inconsistent. It’s at home and Pittsburgh is one of the weaker opponents left on the Bears schedule.

I like the Bears to win this one, especially if Aaron Rodgers is out. Truth be told, though, I want Rodgers to play. I want to beat Rodgers in the worst way.

Week 13

I’ve penciled this one in as a loss. As much improved as the Bears are, they aren’t on the defending champs’ level yet. I look at this game as a measuring stick, if the Bears can keep it close, it bodes well for their chances. If not, it doesn’t necessarily kill their chances, but it should tell us it will be a slog to make the postseason.

Week 14

It’s always a big game when the Bears play the Packers, but it’s been awhile since a December match up with the Packers meant anything more than pride to the Chicago Bears.

Lambeau Field is a tough place to play, but Green Bay is not the juggernaut I thought they’d be before the season. The defense is good, but not dominant and the offense has been very inconsistent.

Truth be told, I don’t think Jordan Love is more than an above average quarterback and none of their receivers truly scare me, except Christian Watson.

Even better for the Bears, I truly expect both Jaylon Johnson & Kyler Gordon back for this game.

Losing here won’t sink the Bears hopes, while a win would all but assure them of a playoff berth and really boost their chances of winning the division.

Week 15

If the Bears are making the playoffs, this is another must win game. Cleveland’s defense is scary, but their offense is atrocious and this game is being played at Soldier Field, and the Browns have been much worse on the road.

A loss here probably doesn’t mathematically eliminate the Bears, but deep down we all know the season would be effectively over.

Week 16

If the Bears are going to the playoffs, I think they need at least a split with the Packers and this one is in Chicago.

If the Bears can win two weeks prior in Lambeau, a win here could end Green Bay’s chances of winning the division.

Week 17

Depending on how things go over the next five weeks, this game could have huge implications for both teams. It could mean the difference between making or missing the playoffs for either team or it could be a battle for seeding.

The Niners have been ravaged by injuries this season but they keep winning. The defense doesn’t scare me, but Christian McCaffrey does and George Kittle has always had big games against the Bears.

Hopefully, the Bears take care of business before this game and the result won’t determine whether or not they make the playoffs. I think the Bears match up okay with San Francisco but this is a tough road trip late in the season.

Week 18

Aside from Philadelphia, I think the Lions are the best team left on the Bears schedule. We all know how the first matchup with Detroit, in week two, went, but this one is in Chicago and could have major stakes.

It’s okay to think that this game could determine the NFC North champion, but a lot has to happen to get to that point.

Home Field

I think it will take a minimum of ten wins to make the playoffs in the NFC & I think there are two keys to the Bears getting there, the first being home games.

Of the Bears seven remaining games, four are at Soldier Field: Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Green Bay & Detroit. If the Bears go .500 or worse at home, they’ll need at least one road win to get to 10 wins and none of those three; Philadelphia, Green Bay & San Francisco, are easy.

Win three of four in Chicago and the Bears are likely in the playoffs and perhaps even challenging for the division title. Sweep their home games and the Bears will not only be in the playoffs, but likely be the kings of the NFC North.

Division Games

The Bears play three games against divisional opponents in the last seven weeks; Green Bay twice and Detroit once. Two of those three are at home. The Bears need to win at least one of those to have any hope of making the playoffs.

Two division wins likely puts them in the playoffs and three would almost certainly make them kings of the North.

Synopsis

The road isn’t easy, but playoff runs aren’t supposed to be. The Bears do, however, have a legitimate shot. They get the benefit of four home games with a probable need for three wins out of seven games.

I’m cautiously optimistic. I can see the path to the playoffs and it seems very possible. My optimism will grow with a win this week against the Steelers. It will reach a fever pitch if they can win in Lambeau.

The thing to remember, Bears fans, is no matter what happens down the stretch, we’re playing with house money. The Bears have already topped last season’s win total and we know the answer to the two most important questions entering the season. We have our coach and we have our quarterback. The playoffs would just be a cherry on top of what has been the most fun Bears season in seven years.

Last Week: 9-5 / 7-7

Season: 96-53 / 77-72

New York Jets @ New England Patriots (-10.5)

Two teams in different stratospheres, I’ll take the Patriots at home.

Washington Commanders vs Miami Dolphins (-2.5) in Madrid

The Dolphins showed some fight, I don’t think Washington has any left.

Chicago Bears (+2.5) @ Minnesota Vikings

Surging Bears gets their first division victory.

Cincinnati Bengals (+5.5) @ Pittsburgh Steelers

I like the Steelers at home, but… I’ll take the points and Cincinnati.

Los Angeles Chargers (-2.5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Chargers solidify their standing in the playoff race, while Jacksonville continues to falter.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+5.5) @ Buffalo Bills

I’m losing confidence in both these teams, but Buffalo is at home.

Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans (+7.5)

I think the Titans will keep it close at home.

Carolina Panthers (+3.5) @ Atlanta Falcons

These are two teams that are increasingly hard to predict. Call it a hunch, I’ll take the Panthers.

Green Bay Packers (-7.5) @ New York Giants

Giants just fired their coach, perfect get right game for the Packers.

Seattle Seahawks @ Los Angeles Rams (-2.5)

Huge battle of heavyweights, I’ll take the Rams at home.

San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals (+2.5)

Playing another hunch here, give me the Cardinals at home.

Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns (+9.5)

Ravens keep winning, but that’s a lot of points.

Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5) @ Denver Broncos

Are the Broncos for real, I have my doubts. Feels like a must win for Kansas City.

Detroit Lions @ Philadelphia Eagles (-1.5)

Another battle of heavyweights, I’ll take the Eagles at home.

Dallas Cowboys @ Las Vegas Raiders (+3.5)

Not sure how much the Cowboys defensive additions will help, but they should pull out the win.

BYES

Week 10 Recap

BJ & Da’Bears vs The Juice is Loose

Another week, another disappointing loss in a game I had a chance to win. I’m now 3-7, mathematically still alive, but on life support. I am lucky that I’m in a weak division, but I still feel like this one was the first nail in my coffin.

Caleb Williams was solid, putting up 22 points, but it could have been even better. Bears receivers had at least 6 drops, two of which should have been touchdowns. I lost the QB battle by 7 points.

This matchup hinged on running backs, and I got crushed here, 67-13, because Jonathan Taylor had a monster game in Berlin. It’s a testament to the rest of my team that I was able to make it as close as it ended up being.

Rome Odunze bounced back from being shutout a week ago, scoring his first touchdown since week 4. Tez Johnson was an emergency start due to injuries and he scored two touchdowns. I won the WR battle, 36-21.

Trey McBride is firmly established as my MVP, not just for this game but for the season. He had another big game and I won the TE matchup 19-1.

Jake Bates was an emergency pick up when Ka’imi Fairbairn was ruled out. He won the kicker battle for me, 15-1.

Week 11 Preview

BJ & Da’ Bears vs Make Fantasy Great Again

I’m still alive, barely, thanks to being in the worst division in our league, but I have no margin for error. A loss this week won’t eliminate me, but this is still pretty much a must win.

This isn’t going to be easy, the only clear advantage I have is at tight end. I’m going to have to be completely on top of my game in my lineup decisions.

My keys to the week:

1. Trey McBride: As I said, tight end is my only real position of advantage and that is because of McBride. If I have any chance of winning this one, McBride needs to continue his hot streak.
2. Caleb Williams: On paper, the quarterback matchup is pretty even, but I think there’s a chance Williams can better his projections. I need him to win this and handily.
3. Defense: Right now, I’m leaning towards picking up the Green Bay defense off the waiver wire. You have no idea how much this pains me, but if I want to win, this is a move I think I have to make.
4. Rachaad White: This is really about whichever running backs I decide to play. My opponent has Bijan Robinson, which gives him an advantage. I need my RBs to somehow counteract that.

Week 10 Recap

Trash Pandas vs Shamrocks N Shenanigans

Wow, I’m starting to feel it with this team. A second straight game where an opposing player scored over 60 points and I overcame it, in part because of a Monday Night defense.

The Trash Pandas have won four in a row and it would take an epic collapse for me not to make the playoffs. I do have to worry about my QB1 going on bye in a couple weeks, but this team is starting to click.

The week didn’t start well. Brock Bowers, who I had been counting on after his huge game in week 9, was shutdown by Denver and only managed three points. Then, Jonathan Taylor went absolutely nuts in Berlin, racking up 66 points for my opponent.

But, slowly but surely I clawed my way back into this game. TreVeyon Henderson finally had the breakout game I’d been waiting for all season, racking up 49 points. Jahmyr Gibbs rebounded from his dud last week to put up 43 points and I actually won the RB battle, 92-76.

Marvin Harrison Jr and Rome Odunze each scored touchdowns, though I lost the WR matchup, 35-31.

Justin Herbert wasn’t great, but he did outscore Sam Darnold, 18-16.

I came into Monday night needing 6 points from the Philadelphia Eagles defense, they scored 22, and I had my fourth straight win.

Henderson gets my MVP, welcome to the party, rook.

Week 10 Preview

Trash Pandas vs ACME Giants

On paper, this should be an easy win for the Trash Pandas, but as we learned earlier in the season, it never quite pans out that way.

Our quarterbacks and running backs are pretty evenly matched, but I should have a clear advantage at wide receiver and tight end.

My opponent needs to find a kicker and should probably change their defense and think about a new flex play. I will probably change my defense.

My keys to the week:

1. Brock Bowers: I’ve got a big advantage at TE and Bowers has a great matchup against Dallas. Bowers could be the difference in this game.
2. TreVeyon Henderson: Henderson had a huge game in a big matchup for the Patriots. I hope this solidifies him as RB1 in New England. If he starts becoming a reliable start down the stretch, that would be huge.
3. Rome Odunze: Odunze has been up and down, lately. I need him to string together two consecutive good performances. I have a clear advantage, on paper, at WR, I need to capitalize on that.
4. Quentin Johnston: I’m sticking with Johnston over Jordan Addison at my flex spot because I don’t want to play Addison against my Bears, even though his projection is higher. Johnston can make me not regret that.

The Giants have fired head coach Brian Daboll. I can’t say I’m surprised. I think it was inevitable after that epic collapse against the Denver Broncos. This latest blown lead versus my Chicago Bears was just the final straw.

I remember when the Giants hired Daboll, it was the same offseason that the Bears hired Matt Eberflus. I wanted Daboll. I pounded the table for Daboll.

Daboll played a big role in developing Josh Allen, and I thought he could do the same for Justin Fields, who was the Bears franchise quarterback at the time.

After a great first year in New York, things started going sideways for Daboll. I placed a good amount of blame on Daniel Jones. I thought Daboll was saddled with a mediocre quarterback, who reached his ceiling in Daboll’s first year as head coach.

This year has proven otherwise. Jones has been very good in Indianapolis, I still think he’s only slightly above average and he’ll revert to that come playoff time, but there is no denying his play in Indy has made the Giants look really bad.

Then, there’s the Giants on field product this season. I survived two and half years of Matt Eberflus, and I know when I see a coach that is in way over his head.

Daboll is a good offensive coach, he showed that against the Bears as the Giants gave the Bears D fits until Jaxson Dart left the game with a concussion. However, Daboll has shown time and again that he doesn’t have a grasp of game management.

The massive collapse against Denver was facilitated by an awful Dart interception. Yes, it was a terrible decision and awful throw by the rookie quarterback, but Daboll should have never put him in that situation.

The Giants had a huge lead, all they needed to do was burn clock. I am not one to advocate a conservative approach, but the Giants were in a position that that was exactly what was required. Three runs, if you don’t get the first down, punt and make Denver march the length of the field.

Against Chicago, there was his decision to take a field goal instead of going for a touchdown from inside the one yard line. Yes, the field goal put them up by two scores, but ultimately, that decision provided the margin of victory for the Bears.

Ultimately, Brian Daboll is a good coordinator that just didn’t have it as a head coach. He’ll be an OC somewhere next season and will probably be a candidate for another head coaching opportunity down the road.

As for the Giants, where do they go from here? They should be an attractive job, they have their quarterback in Dart, they have some pieces on offense in Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo, once they return from their injuries next season. They have a good pass rush.

I think some names you’ll hear are Arizona OC Drew Petzing, Seattle OC Klint Kubiak, Buffalo OC Joe Brady & Kansas City OC Matt Nagy. One name I’d keep an eye on in Kevin Stefanski.

I’ve said it before, Cleveland would be stupid to move on from Stefanski, but Cleveland is known for stupid moves. If Stefanski should become available, he should be at the top of the Giants wish list.

Last Week: 10-4 / 9-5

Season: 87-48 / 70-65

Las Vegas Raiders (+9.5) @ Denver Broncos

Broncos should win, but Raiders will keep it close.

Atlanta Falcons vs Indianapolis Colts (-6.5) (in Berlin)

Colts get back to winning on an overseas trip.

Cleveland Browns (+1.5) @ New York Jets

The Browns defense will be too much for the Jets to handle.

Jacksonville Jaguars (+1.5) @ Houston Texans

I like the Jaguars, especially if CJ Stroud is out.

Buffalo Bills (-8.5) @ Miami Dolphins

I don’t expect a let down game from the Bills in south Florida.

New England Patriots @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5)

I’ll take the Bucs, at home, by a field goal, in this battle of heavyweights.

New York Giants @ Chicago Bears (-3.5)

Bears should roll at home.

Baltimore Ravens (-4.5) @ Minnesota Vikings

Ravens continue their resurgence with a road victory.

New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers (-5.5)

Panthers continue their surge in the NFC South.

Arizona Cardinals (+6.5) @ Seattle Seahawks

I expect the Seahawks to win, but Arizona hasn’t lost by more than 4 points all season.

Detroit Lions (-8.5) @ Washington Commanders

Lions get revenge for Washington bouncing them out of the playoffs last season.

Los Angeles Rams (-3.5) @ San Francisco 49ers

Niners won in LA earlier, but I think that was a fluke. Rams even it up.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Los Angeles Chargers (-3.5)

Chargers are banged up on the offensive line, but this is a long road trip for Pittsburgh.

Philadelphia Eagles (+2.5) @ Green Bay Packers

The Eagles let the NFL know they are still the defending champions.

BYES