The Chicago Bears are heading into a hugely important game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday and after defeating the Green Bay Packers on the road without Jay Cutler, players like Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery will be expected to step up once again as they host the NFC north divisional matchup.
Josh McCown has played well in the absence of Cutler and while reports say he could return for the game against the Lions, it appears that he likely will be held out of that matchup as a caution, leaving McCown to get a second straight start. The backup was solid coming in for Cutler against the Washington Redskins in the shootout loss that saw him complete over 70 percent of his passes and on Monday night he was efficient again. McCown has three TDs and no picks and on Monday he was sharp, including on a beautiful pass to Brandon Marshall for a TD.
Marshall and Jeffery each had a touchdown reception in the game and Forte was excellent, gaining over 150 total yards in the matchup. Forte has been one of the best players for new coach Marc Trestman and his offense has put him in some very favorable situations, which is why he is one of the league leaders in total yards and touchdowns. Forte was not used enough under Lovie Smith and now he has been consistent in the rushing and passing game, as he has 40 receptions already this season.
Forte is ranked in the top 10 in yards, rushing yards per game and touchdowns with seven and he has over 650 yards on the ground this season to go along with his 40 catches for 316 yards and he has been a fantastic fantasy player as well. Cutler had been having a nice season before getting injured and Marshall and Jeffery each are over 600 yards on the season, with Marshall having 53 catches and Jeffery with 38 and nine TDs combined. Forte was solid against the Packers with 125 yards and he has been the most consistent back in football with at least 55 yards in each of his last five games and over 90 in three of those contests.
The Bears are firmly in the NFC North race now with a win over the Packers and after Aaron Rodgers was injured, Green Bay could be suffering a bit without him. The Bears play against the Lions and Ravens before playing four road games in five weeks against the Rams and Vikings before hosting the Dallas Cowboys on MNF and then the team finishes with the Browns, Eagles and then the Packers at home in a huge matchup.
