DJ

Moore

Caught between the Bears’ conservative approach and sometimes operating as the only viable target, Moore finishes the season with a robust 98 catches for ... 966 yards. He does clear 1,000 when you add in his rushing, but 2024 was a major statistical step backward after Moore blew up with Justin Fields last season. His 9.9 yards per catch were a new career low by 2.5. That former number was posted in the darkest days of recent Panthers history. This year’s mark still had more to do with the Bears’ awful protection and Caleb Williams’ questionable decision-making. Constantly besieged, Williams led the league in sacks. That’s why the coaching staff’s seemingly never-ending focus was short targets to Moore. It’s nice that Moore can compile the way he did, but he’s capable of so much more down the field. Whom the Bears hire to replace Matt Eberflus will determine everything about Moore’s 2025 fantasy status. Anything from low-end WR1 to undependable WR3 is in play.

Moore was the top receiving option for the Bears, and the only receiver for either team to go over 50 yards. The 27-year-old picked up exactly a third of his production on an 18-yard connection with Caleb Williams, but outside of that it was just dinks and dunks in a horrific offensive game for both clubs. Moore should again be the top target for Williams in Week 18 against the Packers.

Moore nearly capped the modest day with a touchdown, but Caleb Williams put it just out of his reach in the back of the end zone. A flag on the defense seemingly gave Chicago a fresh set of downs, but the refs eventually picked it up, resulting in a turnover on downs. Moore saw plenty of looks in the passing game, though Keenan Allen operated as the team’s top receiver, earning 13 targets. It’s not the first time Allen has led the way in targets in recent weeks. His resurgence has hurt Moore’s ceiling, though his high-volume floor remains unchanged. Moore will shuffle to the back of the WR2 ranks for his Week 17 game versus the Seahawks.

Moore had a chance at a two-point conversion, but was blanketed so tightly by a Minnesota defensive back that one of his gloves was pulled off after the play was over. Moore’s short-yardage and screen involvement make him an easy bet for targets, but if the Bears aren’t winning, and the ball has to go downfield like it has the last two weeks, he’s clearly not as high in their pecking order. He’ll be a WR3 against the Lions next week in another game the Bears seem likely to trail in.

Moore’s eight targets led the team but his overall stat line falls far short of expectations. Moore did what he could for his team, averaging 7.2 yards after the catch but the 49ers’ defense largely stonewalled the Bears’ offense. Moore is a WR2/3 with big-play upside against the Vikings’ blitz-happy defense in Week 15.

Moore’s status didn’t appear to be in much doubt after he told reporters, “I play through everything.” Still, the Bears listed him as questionable after a limited session on Friday. It was his only practice of the week. While certainly not fully healthy, Moore is good to go as a high-end WR2 for his Week 14 matchup with the 49ers.

Moore finally returned to practice on Friday but unfortunately was unable to practice in full. A veteran player like him does not need to practice in order to absorb the game plan and Moore was optimistic when talking with reporters on Friday. He told them he suffered the quad issue early in Week 13 and played through it before saying, “I play through everything.” It sounds like he will be out there on Sunday. Fantasy managers can start him as a volatile WR2 against the 49ers. On the off chance he can’t suit up, Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen would see an uptick in targets.

This is a step in the wrong direction. Moore’s inability to practice on Wednesday was worth noting but veterans commonly take the day off to begin the practice week. His continued inability to participate jeopardizes his Week 14 availability. Hopefully, he is able to practice tomorrow but fantasy managers in need of a WR should consider adding Rome Odunze now.

Moore was perhaps unsurprisingly unable to practice after earning a career-high 16 targets in Week 13. Since details on the injury have not yet been released, fantasy managers should tentatively expect Moore to suit up this week. The Bears are likely just exercising caution with their passing-game focal point.

The 16 targets Moore saw on Thursday set a new career high. Chicago’s WR1 entered halftime with just two receptions for seven yards but turned things on in the second half as the Bears attempted to mount a comeback. Moore came up big for the Bears late in the fourth quarter when he burnt past his defender and found himself on the receiving end of a beautifully thrown from Caleb Williams. Moore would haul in the pass for a 31-yard score to cut the Lions’ lead to 23-20, and caught another pass for 25 yards on the team’s final drive while looking to tie the game and/or take the lead. In three games with Thomas Brown under center, Moore has caught 22-of-30 targets for 265 yards and two touchdowns. He should make for a solid WR2 in Week 14’s game against the 49ers.