Week 9 of the NFL ends on Monday Night with the clash between the 4-3 Pittsburgh Steelers and the 3-5 Chicago Bears. The Bears have lost touch with the conference leading Packers in the NFC North whilst the Steelers are looking to make up ground on the Ravens who won in OT on Sunday. Note this is the last time you can play a Monday Night DraftKings Showdown in Australia so best to make the most of it!  

 

Draftstars have a $6,000+ contest up for grabs in the 6-man ‘Flex’ contest whilst another Millionaire Maker is up for grabs on DraftKings in their ‘Showdown’ format. 

 

 

Monday Night Football

 

Chicago Bears @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Total - 39.5

Spread -7.0 (PIT) 

 

Injuries

 

Bears - RB David Montgomery is a strong chance to play after his knee injury. Currently on Injured Reserve, expect the Bears to upgrade the running back before kick off. WR Darnell Mooney is Questionable with a groin injury and likely to be a game-time decision. 

 

Steelers - TE Eric Ebron remains out with a hamstring injury. Otherwise the Steelers are good to go. 


 

DVOA (Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average)

 

Bears - Overall DVOA 18th 

13th against the Pass (Allowed 232 yards per game via the Pass - 19th worst in the NFL)

24th against the Run (Allowed 125 yards per game via the Run - 9th worst in NFL)

 

Steelers - Overall DVOA 10th

15th against the Pass (Allowed 239 yards per game via the Pass - 16th worst in the NFL)

6th against the Run (Allowed 106 yards per game via the Run - 13th best in the NFL)


 

Fantasy Overview

 

Hard to love prime time games when the total is under 40 points, but the Steelers are 7 point favourites at home and facing a rookie QB that is having a hard time settling in. However, despite an improved performance from Justin Fields last week, this game screams ‘grind and pound’ from both teams. Especially for the Steelers who face a Bears team giving up an average of 125 yards per game and a soft 24th DVOA ranking. I wouldn’t go too crazy on receiver options however players who will score touchdowns will likely be critical for your lineups success. DST’s are not out of the question after what the Titans DST did on Sunday Night…

 

Love It - Najee Harris ($19,350 DS $12,400 DK)

 

I must admit, I haven’t seen much Steelers action this season but what I have seen is a struggling, slow Ben Roethlisberger either being sacked (14 times through 7 games) or having a non-existent run game. However Harris has been Big Ben’s go-to outlet via the ground and through the passing game. In the Steelers past three matches, Harris has averaged just under 100 yards rushing and has caught an average of 4 balls. His 20+FP average cannot be ignored on a slate predicted to be lacking fantasy potential. Big price is no worry here.  

 

Love It - Pat Freiermuth ($7,350 DS $7,000 DK)

 

Big Pat has certainly taken his opportunity at Tight End with Eric Ebron on the sidelines. The rookie Tight End ranked second on the team in targets behind WR Diontae Johnson, and is not short of targets (7 targets in both Week 8 and Week 6). The price is simply too cheap when lined up against DraftKings price and is one of the better valued players on the slate. 

 

Love It - David Montgomery ($1,000 DS $8,400 DK)

 

All indications are that Montgomery is going to return for the Bears coming off injured reserve. If he is good to go then we have an easy free square at the flat minimum on Draftstars. Before injury Montgomery was the centerpiece of the Bears rushing attack but may find himself sharing carries with backup Khalil Herbert. Herbert has shown glimpses in the role and unfortunately has become a ghost selection at $11k. Monitor for news, but Montgomery is likely to play.

 

50/50 - Steelers DST ($10,290 DS $5,000 DK)

 

The Steelers high DVOA of 10th in the league gives you an indication that the Bears are going to struggle putting up a large amount of points on Monday Night. Justin Fields does not throw the ball for a ton of yardage and the Steelers D has produced 19 sacks this season. The price is making me bulk a little, especially paying over $10k on Draftstars. If Montgomery plays then yes you can afford anyone you want but in a vacuum I prefer to take my chances on cheaper players.  

 

Hate It - Khalil Herbert ($11,950 DS $8,200 DK)

 

If Montgomery plays then yeah, Herbert becomes an overpriced backup that requires goal-line or 3rd down passing potential. This type of play didn’t occur last week against the 49ers as he struggled through 20+ touches for 72 yards. If Montgomery doesn’t play there is merit to roster but I would rather avoid.  

 

Draftstars Suggested Team

DraftKings Suggested Team

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