Much to the dismay of certain fantasy football owners, Alshon Jeffery is emerging as a true talent for the Chicago Bears. After a breakout game in Week 6, the second-year pro is starting to overshadow Brandon Marshall. As the Bears head into a Thursday night showdown with the New York Giants, Jeffery could be the better pickup over Marshall on the roster.
Jeffery is coming off a team-high week against the New Orleans Saints. He put up 10 catches for 218 yards after being targeted 13 times from quarterback Jay Cutler. This follows the week he had five catches for 107 yards. Jeffery's stats have continued to increase with each week as Marshall's have decreased. After putting up back-to-back 100+ games, Marshall had just 79 yards against Detroit and 30 yards against the Saints.
The days of Cutler targeting Marshall on every other play are likely over. Granted the receiver is facing double coverage with each game, but Marshall is struggling to get open and Jeffery is benefitting from it. Going into Week 6, Jeffery only has four less targets than Marshall this season. After a quiet rookie season, this is a positive progression for the receiver.
In the past three weeks, Marshall has failed to get into double digits for fantasy owners. While it is not time to panic about Marhsall, it is a trend that should be noted. Heading into the game against the Giants, matchups work in both receivers' favors. Currently sitting winless on the season, both Jeffery and Marshall should not struggle to be open for Cutler, allowing for both receivers to put up big numbers.
Cutler is confident in both players. Marshall and Jeffery rank in the top 16 in receiving yards. Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut predictor as to who will have the better week each Sunday. Cutler certainly is not hating the supposed problem.
Marshall recently spoke out to the media about his displeasure with the lack of balls being thrown his way. Cutler acknowledged the receiver's frustration which could lead to more targets in Week 6. Marshall is looking to get back into top form and remind people he is still an All-Pro receiver. Cutler predicted the receiver would have another big game soon enough and Week 6 could be it.
Do not jump the Marshall ship just yet. He deserves to remain a starter, but against top-level defenses, he will get most of the coverage. Jeffery is proving that he deserves to be a starter as well, so it is "pick your poison" time in Chicago.
