Today is the day, Football is back. Albeit, the Hall of Fame game never really impresses, with historically low scoring games, almost no starters, it’s never been a thrill. The events around it usually are, they will be honoring legendary return man, Devin Hester, which is fitting as this will be the first look at our new return rules for the 2024 NFL Season. The NFL is promoting more returns:
“The 10 members of the kicking team beyond the kicker line up at the opposing 40-yard line. The receiving team, except for two returners, must set up between its 30- and 35-yard lines. No players except for the kicker and returners can move until the ball is hits the ground or a player.
Fair catches are eliminated. Any kick that lands in the landing zone — between the goal line and the 20 — must be returned. Kicks that hit in the landing zone and go into the end zone may be returned or downed and placed at the 20. Kicks that hit in the end zone and are downed or roll out will be placed at the 30.”
Here’s a first hand look at how it will work. Yes, we stole it from the XFL. SMH.
On to the players..
We already know the Bears will not be playing any starters. Look for Tyson Bagent to start at QB. Brett Rypien will most likely get a quarter and Austin Reed will finish out the game. Davis Mills is slated to start for the Texans, followed by Case Keenum and Tim Boyle to finish the game.
One of my predictions is that these two Running backs will score the highest scoring offensive players tonight, look to Demetric Felton and Dameon Pierce to carry both teams through most likely the entire game. Each team is short on RB’s that are playing, due to injuries, or just players that have already made the team. Multiple sources are saying Felton and Pierce could possibly play the whole game, so I would get each of them in your lineup. Maybe split Captain duties between them.
When it comes to Wide Receivers, I have not seen much information from either team. We can rule out the starters. The Bears have repeatedly said that the Rookies will get plenty of playing time. Look to TE Brenden Bates to see quality reps as well as Collin Johnson. I would sprinkle in a little John Jackson III. Rome Odunze will not play. I will also be on Velus Jones Jr. in case he decides to return one for a score.
For the Bear’s squad, here is a quote to help you find the best players tonight:
“Bears head coach Matt Eberflus announced Tuesday that backup quarterback Tyson Bagent would start and that the majority of the action will involve guys either on the roster fringe or the outside looking in.”
We can assume that Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and Robert Woods will not be playing for the Texans tonight. We may see a little of Noah Brown. That leaves a slim core of WR’s competing for that 4th spot of Robert Woods for Houston, with John Metchie III, Ben Skowronek, Xavier Hutchinson and Johnny Johnson III. Dare I say that you can play two JJ3’s tonight? LOL
As always, if you are paying a cash lineup, you will want to take the kickers, D/ST to help boost your floor. My cash lineup core will look something like this.
As far as any bets tonight go, I would take the Bears over 100 Rushing Yards, which I believe was -115 last I saw on Fanduel.
Good luck! Here are the player notes I have compiled today.
