Monday Night Football Fantasy Versus: Bears vs. Cowboys 

Monday Night Football returns for week 4 with an anticipated match-up between the Chicago Bears and the Dallas Cowboys. The big fantasy news leading up to tonight’s game is the health of Matt Forte (ankle), who is going to suit up and start for tonight’s game.

Jay Cutler has looked less than stellar this season, as he has already thrown 6 interception in only 3 games, while only completing 53% of his passes. It’s not all his fault however. The offensive line for the Bears has been horrible in pass protection, forcing Cutler to make arrant throws in tight windows.

Let’s take a look at who to start for tonight’s game in our Fantasy Versus for Monday Night:

Quarterbacks

Jay Cutler (Bears) vs. Tony Romo (Cowboys)

After a great week 1 performance against the New York Giants, Tony Romo has struggled against two very tough defenses while turning the ball over 4 times and only scoring 17 fantasy points in those two games. It won’t get any easy tonight either, as the Chicago defense is giving up the least amount of fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.

Getting Matt Forte back will take some pressure off of Jay Cutler tonight, but the Dallas defense has also been very stingy versus opposing quarterbacks, giving up the 5th fewest fantasy points to QB’s this season.

I’m reluctant to start either player tonight, but I’m rolling with Romo tonight.

Running Backs

Matt Forte (Bears) vs. Michael Bush (Bears) vs. DeMarco Murray (Cowboys)

Michael Bush has seen his fantasy value diminished after learning Forte will suit up tonight. Bush had a respectable fantasy game last week, as he was able to get in the end-zone while on his way to scoring 12 fantasy points. Consider Bush no more than a low-end flex option at this point.

Outside of week 1′s impressive game, DeMarco Murray has been shut down on rushing yards, only managing 82 yards on 30 carries. It won’t be easy tonight, as the Dallas defense is giving up the 3rd fewest fantasy points to running backs so far this season.

For tonight’s game I’ll rank them, Forte, Murray, and Bush.

Wide Receivers

Dez Bryant (Cowboys) vs. Miles Austin (Cowboys) vs. Brandon Marshall (Bears)

Austin has been the far better fantasy receiver out of this bunch this season. After three games Austin has scored 35 fantasy points compared to just 26 for Marshall and 15 for Bryant.

Last year against the Cowboys, Marshall put up 5 catches for 103 yards and a touchdown, but Dallas has improved their secondary drastically, as they’ve given up the least amount of fantasy points to wide receivers after three weeks.

I’ve never been a huge fan of Dez Bryant’s fantasy value, there’s no question about his talents, but he seems to disappear for big chunks of games.

I’ll go Austin, Bryant then Marshall tonight.

Alshon Jeffery (Bears) vs. Kevin Ogletree (Cowboys)

Dallas has three great cornerbacks, but Jeffery should still see a handful of targets, it’s up to him to make the best of those opportunities.

Even with Miles Austin and Dez Bryant ahead of him on the depth chart, Ogletree continues to see targets week after week. His 19 targets this season rank him forth on the team, but that’s only three fewer then leading receiving threat Miles Austin.

I like Ogletree over Jeffery.

Tight Ends

Jason Witten (Cowboys) vs. Kellen Davis (Bears)

Witten has been invincible for three weeks, but he is still seeing a lot of balls thrown his way (21 targets), it’s just a matter of time before he breaks out.

It’s Witten over Davis.

Kickers

Robbie Gould (Bears) vs. Dan Bailey (Cowboys)

Both kickers have converted on all of their field goal attempts, although Gould has more attempts and more fantasy points.

The game is being played in a dome, which is favorable for all kickers, but I’ll take Bailey tonight.

Team Defenses

Dallas Cowboys D/ST vs Chicago Bears D/ST

It could be a big day for each of these defenses in terms of fantasy. Both offensives have line issues and both quarterbacks are prone to turning the ball over.

Bears  D/ST over Cowboys D/ST  just slightly.

About the author: Trevor Gunn

Trevor Gunn has been involved in fantasy sports for over 10 years, and brings extensive football knowledge to NFLSoup. In addition to his fantasy football expertise, Gunn also covers the NBA at NBASoup.com. Follow him on Twitter @NFLSoupTrevor.