Justin Fields Fantasy Football News | Shark Bites

It was reported when the Steelers traded for QB Justin Fields that he was coming in to back up QB Russell Wilson. HC Mike Tomlin clarified the situation over the weekend, calling Wilson the favorite for the starting job but adding that Fields is in the mix, too. "When it's time to compete, Justin will given an opportunity to compete," Tomlin said. "But I thought it was appropriate to describe it in a way for when we get started. Russell's in pole position, and I think his body of work justifies that." Wilson was decent last year, completing 66.4% of his passes, averaging 6.9 yards per attempt, and ranking 19th among 30 qualifiers in Pro Football Focus' passing grades. It's certainly possible that he plays well enough throughout 2024 to keep Fields on the bench. But fantasy drafters should not be treating Wilson as a locked-in starter at this point. Fields, meanwhile, is tough to spend a pick on in early best-ball drafts. But this could be a nice time to buy low in dynasty leagues.

The Bears are sending QB Justin Fields to the Steelers for a low-level draft pick. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Chicago gets only a sixth-rounder in 2025 that will become a fourth-rounder if he plays at least 51% of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps this year. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that a source told him "Russ is the starter." That, of course, refers to Russell Wilson, also recently acquired. It's a steep fall for Fields but a decent landing, behind a 35-year-old starter in clear decline. Fields is also unlikely to have his fifth-year option picked up this offseason. So we're betting he'll hit unrestricted free agency ahead of the 2025 season. We'll see about Fields' status at that point. For now, hold him if you can in dynasty -- just in case he finds a starting opportunity this year. We've seen that Fields can deliver fantasy points even while playing iffy-to-poor football. But Fields isn't a must-hold in shallower formats.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Bears are finalizing a deal to make Shane Waldron their new OC. Waldron spent the past three seasons as Seattle's OC, finding particular success in passing efficiency. The Seahawks finished those years ranked ninth, ninth, and sixth in pass-offense DVOA. That span covered QB Russell Wilson's injury-interrupted final Seattle campaign and then QB Geno Smith's first two as starter. The Seahawks also increased their passing rate the past two years vs. Waldron's first in town. We'll see what the Bears do at QB this offseason. If Justin Fields remains at the 2024 helm, we wouldn't bet on a pass-heavy approach -- though we wouldn't be surprised to see at least a bit more of a lean in that direction. Chicago, of course, owns the No. 1 NFL Draft pick (from the Panthers), though, and could select USC's Caleb Williams. That move could signal a new era of Chicago passing. The uncertainty for both players is likely to make Fields and Williams intriguing values in early best ball drafting.

The Bears have fired OC Luke Getsy and other members of the offensive staff, NFL Network reports. QBs coach Andrew Janocko is also among the coaches being dumped. Chicago did improve its ranking in both points and yards in the second season under HC Matt Eberflus but still ranked just 18th and 20th, respectively. The Bears also finished just 22nd in offensive DVOA (a slight boost from 24th in 2022). It's tough to say whether these moves tell us anything about the team's plan at QB. Chicago could keep rolling with Justin Fields, move him and replace with a rookie, or keep Fields and draft a QB early. It'll be an interesting offseason for that spot no matter which path the Bears choose. And Fields remains a solid-to-good fantasy asset. We'd bet on him starting somewhere in 2024. You might not want to go buying him in dynasty, though. It's possible Fields' passing struggles knock him out of a consistent starting position beyond the coming season.

Bears QB Justin Fields completed 20 of 38 passes for 268 yards and a TD in Sunday’s win vs. the Falcons. He also ran for a score and tallied 45 rushing yards on 11 carries in the contest. Though he missed 4 games due to a thumb injury, Fields ranks second among QBs in rushing yards (630) through Week 17 and helped fantasy managers with seven top-12 weekly finishes in four-point per passing TD scoring in that span. It’s evident that he can be a difference-making player, but the largest question looming over him this offseason is still whether or not he’ll be the Bears’ QB in next season. Chicago holds the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and could opt to either part ways with Fields or continue to build the offense around him. It’s reasonable to view him as a low-end QB1/high-end QB2 in dynasty at this stage, though we’ll be anxiously awaiting clarity surrounding his future. Where he suits up next year will have a sizable influence on how he’s viewed moving forward.

Bears QB Justin Fields made his return from a thumb injury in Week 11 vs. Detroit. He instantly paid off for fantasy managers, posting 169-1 passing and 104 rushing yards on 18(!) attempts. (Those 18 attempts matched a career-high.) His lone score came on a beautiful deep ball to D.J. Moore, who led the team with 9 targets, 7 catches, and 96 yards. Week 12 turns up a neutral matchup vs. the Vikings, followed by a Week 13 bye. Fields will be a no-doubt QB1 down the stretch, especially for matchups with Detroit (Week 14), Arizona (Week 16) and Atlanta (Week 17).

Bears QB Justin Fields (thumb) put in a full week of practice and isn’t listed on the final Week 11 injury report. He’ll be back for Sunday’s game against the Lions after missing the past four. Fields carries elevated risk coming off the throwing-thumb injury. But the full practices are encouraging. And, of course, Fields derives much of his fantasy value from his rushing production. See where he sits in the Week 11 QB Rankings.

Bears QB Justin Fields (thumb) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. It's confirmation that he's on track to return for this weekend's game vs. the Lions -- and a good sign that the thumb shouldn't be a major factor. See where Fields sits in the Week 11 QB Rankings.

Bears QB Justin Fields (thumb) is expected to return for Sunday's game vs. the Lions, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Fields has been out since hurting his right thumb in Week 6. As long as he proves he's regained enough grip strength in practice this week, per Rapoport, he'll be cleared to return. Fields posted massive 335-4-1 and 282-4-0 passing lines in his last two healthy games -- although they came in superb matchups against the Broncos and Commanders. He's also remained a major contributor on the ground, averaging 7.8 carries and 39.5 rushing yards per game. Fields will be a risk/reward Week 11 fantasy play coming off the throwing-thumb injury. See where he sits in the Week 11 Rankings.

Bears QB Tyson Bagent completed 20 of 33 passes for 162 yards with 0 TDs or INTs in Week 10’s win vs. the Panthers. The UDFA rookie added very little as a runner on Thursday, totaling just 12 rushing yards on 6 carries in the contest. It’s likely that this will be the last game Bagent starts this season. QB Justin Fields (right thumb) started logging limited practice on November 3 and will have plenty of time to prepare for the Bears’ Week 11 showdown vs. the Lions. Be sure to keep an eye on the practice reports next week to track Fields’ progress. Still, it’s a solid spot for fantasy production, regardless of who starts. The Lions’ defense ranks as the eighth-best QB matchup per our adjusted fantasy points allowed.

Bears QB Justin Fields (thumb) is inactive for tonight’s game vs. the Panthers. He remained limited in practice all week. We’ll see if he can make it back for the Week 11 meeting with the Lions. QB Tyson Bagent makes his fourth straight start tonight. He’s finished QB20, QB23, and QB7 the past three weeks.

Bears QB Justin Fields is doubtful for Thursday night's game against the Panthers with his right thumb injury. He continued limited practice participation this week after returning to that level last Friday. We'll see whether he can take the next step and return to game action in Week 11. QB Tyson Bagent will get his fourth straight start against Carolina. His presence has meant shorter passing than what the Bears have done with Fields this year. But the rookie has also completed passes at a higher rate (67.3% vs. 61.7%). The switch has lowered the fantasy ceiling for WR D.J. Moore and produced a lower passing-TD rate. But it otherwise doesn't seem to be negatively impacting the Chicago passing game.

Bears QB Tyson Bagent completed 18 of 30 passes for 220 yards with 2 TDs and 3 INTs in Week 9’s loss vs. the Saints. The rookie also contributed 70 rushing yards in the contest, elevating his fantasy contributions significantly despite the turnovers. Still, this is potentially the last time we’ll see Bagent under center. The Bears’ game in Week 10 vs. the Panthers is on Thursday night. QB Justin Fields (right thumb) was able to upgrade to limited practice participation headed into this weekend and seemingly has a chance to be ready to return to play. Though the Panthers rank as the fifth-toughest scoring matchup for QBs on the season per our adjusted fantasy points allowed. Fields is one of only four QBs to average 35+ rushing yards per game and had really hit his stride in Week 4-5 before getting hurt. It’ll be important to follow the practice reports in the next few days to track his progress.

Bears QB Justin Fields (thumb) is inactive for today’s game vs. the Saints. He returned a limited practice on Friday and reportedly has a chance to start Thursday night’s game against the Panthers. QB Tyson Bagent gets another start today.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo says the Bears are "hopeful" QB Justin Fields (thumb) can start Thursday night's game vs. the Panthers. Fields returned to a limited practice on Friday. He "still has issues" with that hand, Garafolo adds, "so he's gonna have to make some progress in a short period of time to be ready for Carolina." We'll track Fields' progress this coming week. QB Tyson Bagent gets another start vs. the Saints today.

Bears QB Justin Fields (thumb) is listed as doubtful for this weekend’s game vs. the Saints. He returned a limited practice on Friday. QB Tyson Bagent will start in New Orleans, but this sets Fields up to potentially return for Week 10’s game against the Vikings.

Bears HC Matt Eberflus said in a Monday radio appearance that QB Tyson Bagent will start this weekend's game vs. the Saints. QB Justin Fields remains "week-to-week" with his thumb injury, Eberflus said. The fact that Fields is being ruled out on a Monday doesn't bode particularly well for his chances of returning in Week 10. We'll continue to track his recovery.

Bears QB Justin Fields (thumb) has a chance to practice next week, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. How that goes figures to impact whether Fields is able to play vs. the Saints. We'll continue to keep you updated on his progress.