News: Bears receiver Johnny Knox watched practice during the team's OTA on Wednesday, looking thin following the back surgery he had late last season. Knox said he lost 30 pounds after surgery, then gained 10. That puts him at about 165 pounds. He was in a cast for 2 1/2 months and could miss extensive playing time. The team is expected to place him on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the year. "It could happen, but I'm staying optimistic," he said. "I'm not in a rush. This is my spine, the core of my body that I'm dealing with. It's not my knee or my ankle or my shoulder."
Analysis: The Bears added Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery this offseason to help their receiving woes. Chances are that even if Knox made it back in time for the start of the year, Marshall and Jeffery would eat away at any available opportunities. Knox shouldn't be a part of any Fantasy draft plans and might not be worth adding off waivers even once he's back.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports that Bears receiver Johnny Knox will begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list after having spinal fusion surgery in December following a nasty hit in a mid-December game vs. Seattle. His recovery has been slow and he was forced to wear a back brace following the surgery. He still walks with a limp and according to a source, had more structural damage than initially believed.
Analysis: The Bears added Brandon Marshall this offseason to help their receiving woes, and chances are that even if Knox made it back in time for the start of the year, Marshall would eat away at any available opportunities. Knox shouldn't be a part of any Fantasy draft plans and might not be worth adding off waivers even once he's back.
News: Bears head coach Lovie Smith told the media at the NFL Combine that wide receiver Johnny Knox is "making a lot of progress" after having spinal surgery but isn't quite out of the proverbial woods yet. Knox underwent a vertebral fusion procedure and will have to wear a back brace until mid-March. The timeline for recovery could extend beyond six months, according to multiple sources. "Right now with Johnny, looking at that injury, I am just counting on him to get better each day and we'll see how it all plays out," Smith said. "There is a long road to recovery, and we have time. If Johnny is ready to go, of course he's one of our guys, and I am hoping that will be the case."
Analysis: A report in early February speculated that Knox was not coming along quickly from the operation. There is some serious concern that he won't be ready to roll at the start of the season or be as aggressive a receiver once he does get back on the field. Chicago is expected to improve its receiving corps regardless of how Knox comes along, so chances are he won't be a candidate for quality stats in 2012.
News: According to ESPN.com, Bears WR Johnny Knox's recovery from back surgery could take longer than expected. Knox underwent a vertebral fusion procedure and will have to wear a back brace until mid-March. The timeline for recovery could extend beyond six months, according to multiple sources.
Analysis: Knox finished with 37 receptions for 727 yards and two touchdowns this season and hopefully will be able fully healthy heading into 2012. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his recovery over the next few months. Knox can be considered a viable low-end Fantasy WR heading into next year.
News: Chicago Bears receiver Johnny Knox will miss the rest of the season after undergoing back surgery Monday. The team placed Knox on season-ending injury reserve later in the day. He was taken from the field on a cart early in Sunday's blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Smith says the surgery to stabilize a vetebra in his lower to mid back. The Bears reported the surgery a success. The injury is not considered career-threatening.
Analysis: After Knox caught a pass, Kam Chancellor poked the ball out of his hands, and as Knox made a diving attempt to retrieve it, he was hit by Anthony Hargrove and bent backward. Smith says it was "an unfortunate play" but not a dirty one. Knox finished with 37 receptions for 727 yards and two touchdowns this season and hopefully will be able fully healthy heading into 2012. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his recovery over the next few months. Knox can be considered a viable low-end Fantasy WR heading into next year.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox, who left Week 15 against the Seahawks with a lower back injury, will have surgery Monday to stabilize a vertebra in back. He is expected to be able to resume his career and have a normal quality of life. He suffered the injury after fumbling a 15-yard catch in the first quarter. In his scramble to recover the ball, he got hit in the face, bending his entire body backward. After several minutes on the field, he was removed on a stretcher.
Analysis: The Bears have officially ruled Knox out for the season, but the good news is he seems to have avoided a worst-case scenario. Keep an eye out for an update on his status following his surgery Monday, but the earliest prognosis seems to be a full recovery.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox was taken off the field on a stretcher early Week 15 against the Seahawks with a lower back injury. Knox made a 15-yard catch in the first quarter and fumbled the ball. In the process of trying to recover it, he got hit in the face, bending his whole body backward. He has been ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
Analysis: Knox was able to move both his arms and legs in the locker room, so he seems to have avoided a worst-case scenario. This injury still has the potential to sideline him for the Bears' last two games, though. Knox has had his moments in Fantasy this season, but the absence of QB Jay Cutler (thumb) limits his upside on a week-to-week basis. If he's able to return Week 16 at Green Bay, he would be just a No. 3 Fantasy WR.
News: Though QB Jay Cutler's thumb injury has no doubt hindered the Bears' passing attack, WR Johnny Knox's production had actually improved with Caleb Hanie under center until last week, when he caught only three passes for 37 yards. He'll be looking to bounce back Week 15 against the Seahawks -- a team that has surrendered the ninth-fewest Fantasy points to wide receivers this season. The Seahawks are allowing an average of 14.8 points and 307.0 yards over their last five games, which doesn't bode well for an offense averaging 6.5 points and 213.0 yards in two games without Cutler and starting RB Matt Forte (sprained knee) on the field.
Analysis: Knox is still a big-play threat, but Hanie isn't much of a big-play quarterback, averaging just 167.3 passing yards in his three starts. Even if their passing attack has more success in Week 15, which seems unlikely given the matchup, Knox wouldn't necessarily be the beneficiary. The Bears have said they want to get WR Earl Bennett more involved in the passing game. Knox has had his moments this year, but he has too many factors working against him this week for you to treat him as more than a low-end No. 3 Fantasy WR.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox, who had emerged as QB Caleb Hanie’s favorite target in two starts, couldn’t continue his recent surge in Week 14, as the Bears lost 13-10 in overtime to Denver. Knox led Bears receivers with five targets, the third straight game that held true; however he only brought in three of those targets for 37 yards. The Bears placed an emphasis on the ground game, running the ball twice as often as they passed, so Knox’s chances were limited in the game.
Analysis: All of the Bears’ receivers have been impacted negatively by the injury to Jay Cutler that left Hanie as the starter, but Knox had managed to sustain solid production through the first two games. The Bears likely will try to continue to limit Hanie’s attempts, as he is winless as a starter. Because of that, it’s tough to rely on any Bears’ receiver, but if you have to, Knox would be the one to look at. He should be a low-end No. 3 receiver in Week 15 against Seattle.
News: In two games since QB Caleb Hanie has taken over under center, Bears WR Johnny Knox has emerged as the clear top receiving option for Chicago heading into Week 14 at Denver. Hanie has attempted 60 passes in two starts, with 18 of them going Knox’s way. Knox has brought in nine of them, however Hanie has only completed 20 passes to his other targets. Hanie’s play has had a negative effect on the Bears’ offense as a whole, but Knox, who has 198 yards and a touchdown in two games, has been the biggest beneficiary of Hanie taking over.
Analysis: Week 14 could be a game that features a lot of running back play, as neither Denver nor Chicago is very proficient through the air at this time. The Broncos do allow the fourth most Fantasy points to WR, however. Vikings WR Percy Harvin just torched them for eight catches, 156 yards, and two scores in Week 13, and Knox has a similar skill set to Harvin. The Broncos have given up multiple touchdowns to WRs in four games this season. With a more accurate passer, Knox’s nine targets per game average would make him a top-notch Fantasy option with a favorable matchup ahead of him; with the erratic Hanie getting him the ball, he’s more like a No. 3 option for Week 14.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox led the team in receiving for the third straight game Week 13 against the Chiefs. Unfortunately, he had only 53 yards on five catches during a game in which QB Caleb Hanie threw for only 133 yards. Knox was targeted eight times in the contest, twice as much as any other Bear.
Analysis: Knox's rise in production coincides with Hanie's time filling in for the injured Jay Cutler, who broke his thumb in Week 11. Earl Bennett had emerged as Cutler's favorite, but Knox, who has the most big-play ability of any Bears receiver, is apparently Hanie's preferred target. Obviously, Knox's Fantasy owners would like to see Hanie keep the job for the rest of the season, but he'll need to perform better than he did in Week 13 to make Knox an advisable Fantasy play. Until the passing game shows more consistency, you should treat Knox as a No. 3 Fantasy WR. The Bears visit the Broncos in Week 14.
News: Bears QB Caleb Hanie, who made his first start in place of the injured Jay Cutler in Week 12, talked about his rapport with WR Johnny Knox, who posted a career-best 145 receiving yards against the Raiders. "I have a good relationship with Johnny," Hanie said. "He’s a good receiver. He came in the year after me, but we’ve been here three years together. So I have a great relationship with him and trust him. I trust all the guys." Knox has a chance to build on that relationship Week 13 against the Chiefs, who rank 12th against the pass (225.3 yards per game). They have been fairly tough on wide receivers, limiting them to 18.5 Fantasy points per game, 10th-fewest in the league.
Analysis: Knox also had good rapport with Cutler, but he didn't have a great year because of the arrival of Roy Williams, who stole his spot in the starting lineup. Knox has been coming on over the last two weeks, though, with 242 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He's worth using as a No. 3 Fantasy WR despite the so-so matchup.
News: After going nine weeks to start the season without a touchdown, Bears WR Johnny Knox has scored in consecutive games, grabbing a 29-yard pass from QB Caleb Hanie in the second quarter of Chicago's 25-20 Week 12 loss to Oakland. He would finish the game with four catches for 145 yards and the touchdown, while being targeted a team-high ten times.
Analysis: Any question of who would emerge as Hanie's favorite target in his first career start were answered quickly, as Knox saw the most targets of any receiver on the team. He came up just short of a second touchdown, as Hanie found him for an 81-yard bomb in the fourth quarter, where Knox had just one man to beat but was tackled at the Raiders' 10-yard line. Knox remains an inconsistent Fantasy play because he gets so much of his value on long strikes, but when he's on and receiving a lot of targets, as he is now, he can be an excellent play as he tends to score in bunches. He's only owned in 24 percent of Fantasy leagues right now, so if he's available grab him. Consider him a No. 3 Fantasy WR for Week 13 against Kansas City, who allow 19 points per game to opposing WRs.
News: Coming off a breakout game where he caught a touchdown from QB Jay Cutler in Week 11 against the Chargers, Bears WR Johnny Knox travels to Oakland in Week 12. Knox has never faced the Raiders in his career.
Analysis: Beyond the fact that he has no history against the Raiders, Knox faces another unknown in a new QB, as Cutler underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a fracture in his right thumb, and Caleb Hanie will be taking over under center for the Bears in Week 11. The Raiders are about a middle-of-the-road defense against the pass, allowing the 14th fewest yards in the NFL through the air. Without a great matchup and with the questions surrounding the quarterback situation in Chicago don't consider Knox as anything more than a low-end Fantasy option for Week 12 unless it becomes clear he's developed a rapport with Hanie.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox hauled in his first touchdown reception of the season in Week 11 against the Chargers. Knox was on the receiving end of a 24-yard strike from Jay Cutler in the third quarter, capping off a two-play, 37-yard scoring drive. He also had receptions of 42 and 18 yards, finishing with three catches for 97 yards and touchdown in the 31-20 win.
Analysis: Knox was finally able to get in the end zone on Sunday, but also may have lost his starting QB in process. Multiple reports have surfaced stating Cutler broke the thumb on his throwing hand in the contest and could miss the remainder of the season. That means Caleb Hanie will likely assume the starting job, which would affect Knox's value moving forward. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on the situation moving forward. Still, prior to his latest performance, Knox hasn't been much of a factor for the Bears in the passing game this season. Consider him a low-end Fantasy WR, no matter who is the QB in Week 12 at Oakland.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox will be looking to find the end zone for the first time this season in Week 11 against the Chargers. Knox, who has hauled in 10 touchdown receptions over his last two seasons, has yet to score this year. San Diego enters Sunday's contest ranked eighth in pass defense, allowing 203 yards per game. The Chargers have surrendered 17 touchdowns through the air and are allowing an average of 20.1 Fantasy points to opposing RBs on the season.
Analysis: Knox has been one of the bigger disappointments in Fantasy this year, as many were expecting him to become Chicago's No. WR. However, Earl Bennett has seemed to step into that role of late. Know has yet to catch more than four passes in any game this season and has not been able to find the end zone. Now he looks to have a tough matchup on Sunday, as San Diego has done well defending the pass this season. Consider Knox merely a low-end No. 4 Fantasy WR against the Chargers.
News: Chicago didn't accomplish much through the air in Week 10 against Detroit as Jay Cutler completed just nine passes. One of those passes was caught by WR Johnny Knox. He gained 18 yards on the play. That lone grab was better than his production in the first meeting between teh division foes as he had two catches for 17 yards in the first game. The Bears would win the game, 37-13.
Analysis: Knox has not posted more than four catches in any game so far this season and was targeted just twice in Week 10. Looking ahead Chicago faces San Diego in Week 11 a team allowing 203.4 passing yards per contest. Fantasy owners should keep Knox reserved in the majority of leagues until he gets more involved in the offense.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox has not posted more than four catches in any game so far this season and could be in for another slow performance in Week 10 against the Lions. Detroit ranks sixth in the league in pass defense, giving up under 194 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 17.2 Fantasy points to opposing wideouts. When Knox faced the division rival earlier in the year, he caught two passes for 17 yards.
Analysis: Knox has been held to 11 catches for 173 yards over his last four games and has yet to find the end zone this season. While he is averaging 18.1 yards per grab, continue to ignore him in the majority of Fantasy formats until he proves his worth on the field.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox had his slowest game of the year in Week 9 against the Eagles. He was held to just one catch for 14 yards -- both season lows -- in the 30-24 win. He was targeted once by QB Jay Cutler and finished fourth on Chicago in receiving. Knox also gained 21 yards on two kick returns in the victory.
Analysis: Knox has been a huge disappointment for the Bears so far this season and has been held to 11 catches for 173 yards over his last four games. He appears to be falling behind in the passing game in Chicago, and it doesn't look as though things will change anytime soon. Keep an eye on his progress going forward but until he starts proving his worth on the field, leave Knox on the bench in the majority of Fantasy formats. He will be going up against the Lions in Week 10. When Knox faced the division foe earlier in the year, he caught two passes for 17 yards.
News:Johnny Knox will be going up against a tough pass defense in Week 9 when Chicago travels to Philadelphia. The Eagles rank 10th in the league against the pass, giving up over 212 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 17.1 Fantasy points to opposing wideouts. When Knox faced Philadelphia a year ago, he caught three passes for 68 yards with a touchdown.
Analysis: Knox has posted over 50 yards receiving in just three games so far this season and has yet to find the end zone. With the way the Bears have been utilizing RBs Matt Forte and Marion Barber in recent weeks, they could choose to pound the rock on Monday rather than try and pass into Philadelphia's talented secondary. With a tough matchup and his production thus far, leave Knox on the bench in the majority of Fantasy leagues in Week 9.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox caught three passes for 53 yards in Week 7 in London. He finished the game second on the team in receiving yards, behind Roy Williams' 59 yards. Knox was targeted six times in the game, second only to Devin Hester's nine targets.
Analysis: The Bears continued with their run-heavy approach in London with Matt Forte and Marion Barber combining for 184 rushing yards and two scores. In the passing game, Jay Cutler was limited to just 226 passing yards and one touchdown, spreading the ball around to six different receiver. Nobody finished with more than four catches. Knox continues to be the No. 2 WR option for a team without an aggressive pass offense. That significantly limits his Fantasy appeal and makes him a player to use only in deeper formats as a potential emergency option. His only real asset is that he is a regular target. The Bears will be on a bye in Week 8 before returning to action in Philadelphia in Week 9.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox will be up against the 26th ranked pass defense in the NFL in Week 7, when he travels to London to take on the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay is allowing an average of 276 passing yards per game and have given up 10 touchdown passes, tied for third most in the NFL.
Analysis: The Bucs have allowed five touchdowns to opposing wide receivers. The passing game has shown some improvements for Chicago the past couple of weeks with QB Jay Cutler getting improved protection from his offensive line. However, Knox saw just four pass targets in Week 6. He should be treated as a low-end option in Fantasy, useful as little more than a No. 4 WR until he can start getting a higher number of targets on a regular basis.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox did not see a ton of passes thrown his way in Week 6 against the Vikings. He was targeted four times by QB Jay Cutler, catching two passes for 41 yards in the 39-10 win. Knox had a long reception of 22 yards and finished third on Chicago in receiving behind Devin Hester (91 yards) and Roy Williams (50 yards).
Analysis: Knox is again averaging a high average per catch for the Bears but he is not making enough grabs to remain relevant in Fantasy. Cutler has looked better the last few weeks so hopefully he will be able to get the ball to the 24-year-old more often. Keep an eye on his progress gong forward. When Chicago takes on Tampa Bay in London in Week 7, consider Knox as no worse than a No. 4 Fantasy WR.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox has had success in his career against his Week 6 opponent -- the Vikings. In two meetings a year ago, he caught seven passes for 168 yards with a touchdown. Minnesota enters Sunday ranked 25th in the league against the pass, giving up just under 272 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 21.8 Fantasy points to opposing wideouts.
Analysis: Knox has been very disappointing for the Bears so far this season as he has just 14 catches for 254 yards with no touchdowns through five games. While he is averaging over 18 yards per reception, inconsistency has limited his Fantasy value. As long as QB Jay Cutler can get time in the pocket he should be able to get the ball to the 24-year-old and Knox could be in line for a productive game on Sunday. But with the Vikings vaunted pass rush, consider Knox as more of No. 4 Fantasy WR or flex option for Week 6.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox did not see many passes thrown his way in Week 5 against the Lions. He caught just two passes for 17 yards in the 24-13 loss. Knox was targeted twice by QB Jay Cutler and had a long reception of 13 yards.
Analysis: Knox had his least-productive game of the season on Monday and has yet to find the end zone this season. He has not caught more than four passes in any game thus far, and appears to be a forgotten man in the passing game in Chicago. While he is averaging over 18 yards per reception, he will need more grabs before becoming more valuable in Fantasy. With the Vikings on the schedule for Week 6, continue to view Knox as more of a low-end No. 3 Fantasy WR.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox enters Week 5 against the Lions still looking for his first touchdown of the season. Detroit ranks 12th in the league against the pass, giving up over 221 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 18.5 Fantasy points to opposing wideouts. In two games against the division foe a year ago, Knox caught six passes for 86 yards.
Analysis: Knox has had an underwhelming season thus far but remains one of the better playmakers in the passing game for the Bears. He is averaging 19.8 yards per catch but has gained just 237 yards through the first four games. He could make some plays against the Lions and their suspect secondary in Week 5 so consider Knox as a low-end No. 3 Fantasy WR.
News: The Bears defeated the Panthers on Sunday of Week 4 and did so without much passing offense. Quarterback Jay Cutler struggled as Matt Forte rushed for 205 yards and a touchdown. Bears WR Johnny Knox led the team with 48 receiving yards in the contest as he made three receptions on four targets from Cutler.
Analysis: Knox had his second-worst receiving week in the win on Sunday of Week 4. Knox has been pretty consistent this season after four games for the Bears. Unfortunately, he's been consistently mediocre. Knox and the Bears play in Detroit in Week 5 and the Lions have been solid on defense. Detroit entered Week 4 having allowed just one touchdown to a wide receiver on the season and that was Tampa Bay's Mike Williams, who scored against the Lions in the first week of the season. Of course, Dallas' Dez Bryant did score against the Lions in Week 4. Still, Knox and the Bears should struggle against the Lions in Week 5, so consider Knox mostly just a No. 3 Fantasy WR, at best, for the game.
News: Chicago WR Johnny Knox heads into Week 4 against Carolina coming off his best game of the season against the Packers. Knox, who was labeled the starter against the Panthers over Roy Williams, caught a season-high four passes from QB Jay Cutler for a season-best 84 yards. He's yet to score. Unfortunately, he does not have a solid history against the Panthers. In one game in 2010, Knox caught just one pass for 14 yards against the Panthers.
Analysis: Knox is definitely becoming a bigger part of the Bears' offense by the game this season as Cutler looks for reliable targets. He was always a better option than Williams, but the fact he's the designated starter now means more looks his way. Knox is a speedster and the Panthers have already given up a couple long touchdown passes this season. We consider Knox a Fantasy sleeper for Week 4, but label him more of a low-end No. 3 Fantasy WR.
News: Chicago WR Johnny Knox heads into Week 4 against Carolina coming off his best game of the season against the Packers. Knox caught a season-high four passes from QB Jay Cutler for a season-best 84 yards. He's yet to score. Unfortunately, he does not have a solid history against the Panthers. In one game in 2010, Knox caught just one pass for 14 yards against the Panthers.
Analysis: Knox is definitely becoming a bigger part of the Bears' offense by the game this season as Cutler looks for reliable targets. Knox is a speedster and the Panthers have already given up a couple long touchdown passes this season. We consider Knox a Fantasy sleeper for Week 4, but label him more of a low-end No. 3 Fantasy WR.
News: Chicago WR Johnny Knox led the Bears in receiving yards in the Week 3 loss to the Packers. Knox caught four passes for a team-high 84 yards receiving. He averaged 21 yards per catch. Knox was targeted a team-high nine times by QB Jay Cutler, though he did not score in the game.
Analysis: Knox has been mostly pedestrian in the first three games of the season. That said, he did improve upon his yardage total from his first two games. Cutler clearly considers Knox his top WR option in the passing game, but that has yet to translate into a touchdown or consistent production. Knox has definite Fantasy value heading into Week 4 against Carolina, however. The Panthers have been pretty bad against opposing wide receivers this season. That means that Knox could be in line for a solid game in Week 4. Consider him a No. 3 Fantasy WR for the game.
News: Chicago WR Johnny Knox heads into Week 3 against the Packers with five catches and 105 yards receiving this season with no touchdowns in two games. Knox started in Week 2 at New Orleans and caught two passes for 45 yards. The Packers have given up plenty of yards through the air this season after two games. Already, Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem and Brandon LaFell have scored against the Packers this season and Henderson, Steve Smith and Marques Colston all topped 80 yards with Henderson and Smith topping 100. Smith had 156 yards last week against the Packers.
Analysis: Knox has 11 career receptions against the Packers for 259 yards and a touchdown. Green Bay is certainly giving up plenty of Fantasy points to opposing wide receivers and that could mean solid things for Knox in Week 3. He could hook up with Jay Cutler for a long pass and find the end zone and should be considered a decent flex option in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox moved into the starting lineup Week 2 against the Saints with Roy Williams (groin) sidelined, but he didn't have a very good game. Knox produced 45 yards on two catches, with his longest gainer going 30 yards. He was targeted six times in the game.
Analysis: Even when Williams returns, Knox is going to be an integral part of the passing game for Chicago. It's just that with five catches for 105 yards and no touchdowns in two games, Knox isn't a very reliable Fantasy WR at this time. He remains just a low-end Fantasy start heading into Week 3 against the Packers.
News: Bears WR Roy Williams is inactive for Week 2 at New Orleans because of a groin injury. Johnny Knox will start in his place.
Analysis: Williams was a low-end Fantasy option coming into Week 2 anyway, but if you own Knox, then consider starting him. Knox is a No. 3 Fantasy WR with upside. Packers WRs posted 251 yards and two touchdowns against New Orleans in Week 1.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox will face the Saints for the first time in his career in Week 2. Knox, who recorded 60 yards on three catches in Week 1, might have to start against New Orleans if Roy Williams (groin) is unable. Packers WRs posted 251 yards and two touchdowns against New Orleans in Week 1.
Analysis: Even if Williams is active, Knox is going to find his way into the game plan. But he will probably see more targets in Week 2 if Williams is inactive. Consider Knox more of a No. 4 Fantasy WR or flex option for Week 2.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox caught three passes for 60 yards vs. the Falcons in Week 1. All of his catches were good for converting into first downs. He was targeted four times.
Analysis: Knox didn't get a lot of playing time -- the Bears' typical three-receiver set did not include him -- but he could see a bump in playing time after starter Roy Williams left the game with a groin issue. If that happens, he'll have a shot at getting more work in Week 2 at the Saints. We'll keep you posted; for now, keep Knox benched.
News: Even though Johnny Knox might still be listed as a backup receiver to Roy Williams in Chicago, wide receivers coach Darryl Drake has a message for everyone leading up to the opener against Atlanta: ‘‘(We'll) still play Johnny." Drake went on to add, "Johnny’s earned the right to it. He’s still going to go in there. There are going to be times Roy needs to come out. We’ve got that luxury. We can play them all. It shouldn’t be a situation where a guy has to go 10 plays in a row. We don’t want to do that. We’ve done that in the past because we had to. We don’t have to anymore.’’
Analysis: Drake said that adding Williams to the mix will be good for Knox, who will be pushed to work harder by the veteran receiver. It showed in the preseason as Knox outperformed Williams. Knox was Jay Cutler's favorite target in 2010, and Cutler probably won't forget that in 2011. It's just that Knox can't be treated as much more than a low-end Fantasy option for Week 1 until we see how the Bears intend to use him with Williams' arrival. WRs averaged 24.4 Fantasy points per week against the Falcons in 2010, which was third highest in the NFL.
News: After threatening to demote WR Roy Williams after a disappointing preseason, the Bears still listed the former Detroit and Dallas receiver as a starter opposite Devin Hester. Johnny Knox, who was pushing Williams for the starting job, is still listed as Williams' primary backup.
Analysis: Sometimes we can't look too much into depth charts. Williams still might be listed as a starter, but he needs to get out of the coach's doghouse, so Knox still might see more reps in Week 1 against the Falcons. Knox had a good preseason after a career year in 2010. It was a bit shocking he fell behind Williams on the depth chart, but clearly if he continues to outperform the veteran receiver, then he is going to figure prominently into the passing game. Knox is at best a low-end Fantasy start for Week 1, but it's definitely worth tracking his progress.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox didn't play much on Thursday vs. the Browns, but what he did do should open eyes. Knox made an incredible over-the-shoulder touchdown catch in the back left corner of the end zone for six, beating double coverage. His catch from Caleb Hanie was good for 19 yards, and he finished with 33 yards on two catches.
Analysis: Knox is expected to eventually start for the Bears this season. He's too good of a player for the Bears to sit behind the likes of Roy Williams. He's worth a late-round pick in drafts as a reserve receiver.
News: Coach Lovie Smith and WR coach Darryl Drake are not backing down from a threat made earlier in the week to demote WR Roy Williams in favor of Johnny Knox. Smith inserted Knox into the first-team offense soon after Williams dropped a pass that led to a Jay Cutler interception on Saturday at Tennessee. Williams had 33 yards on two catches while Knox had one catch for 21 yards.
Analysis: While Williams might be a bigger target for Cutler, and one who will go over the middle, Knox is the one with the deep speed. Knox also hasn't been a total disappointment over the last two seasons like Williams has. Fantasy owners should target Knox with a late-round pick in drafts and not Williams, who might score touchdowns once in a while but not turn in big yardage totals.
News:Roy Williams' catchless preseason and rough start to his tenure with the Bears got worse on Wednesday when WR coach Darryl Drake called out Williams for his poor performance thus far. Not only did Drake talk about Williams' struggles, but he said Johnny Knox could regain his starter's role soon. "If things don’t start changing, then Johnny’s going to be in there," Drake said. "You heard it straight from the horse’s mouth." Knox has played well as the third receiver for the Bears and is coming off a 960-yard, five score-campaign.
Analysis: We think there's more upside in Knox than there is in Williams, so consider the third-year receiver with a late pick rather than Williams. He's got some real potential and is worth stashing on rosters. Once Knox is officially a starter again, Fantasy owners might have to spend a middle- to late-round pick on him.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox is still fighting to regain his first-string status from Roy Williams, but he suffered the drop of camp Friday when a wide open, uncontested bomb down the sideline fell out of his hands. With Williams having one of his best practices, it's not the type of play Knox can afford.
Analysis: Checking out Knox's 2010, he caught only 51 of the 100 passes intended for him, with 11 being picked off. Not many were drops, though. Though the potential is there for Knox to have a bang-up third year, it appears the coaching staff doesn't think he can be anything more than their third receiver (which, frankly, might not be so bad for him). Knox is worth consideration late in drafts as a reserve with some potential.
News: In Chicago's preseason opener Saturday night against Buffalo, WR Johnny Knox was not used much on offense. He had one catch for 11 yards, and it was the only pass thrown in his direction. He did not start the game. Knox also made an impact on special teams with a 70-yard kickoff return.
Analysis: It's clear Knox is not going to be a significant part of Chicago's passing game early on in the season with Roy E. Williams and Devin Hester ahead of him on the depth chart. We still recommend drafting Knox with a late-round pick in deep Fantasy leagues this year, but he no longer should be considered a potential starting option or even a No. 3 WR. His Fantasy value is slipping since the Bears appear to be down on his play.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports that Bears WR Johnny Knox has been working just as the backup to starter Roy E. Williams and not as a starter on the other side of the field. Devin Hester has remained in that role as a starting option.
Analysis: The news on Knox gets more disappointing each time since he showed such promise last year and is now being kicked to the curb as a reserve. We hope he can get on the field and make some plays, but if he's not starting then he should only be drafted with a late-round flier in the majority of leagues.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox shot down rumors that he wanted out of Chicago after being demoted to second string on the team's depth chart. "I'm a Bear, and I want to stay a Bear for life," Knox told the Chicago Tribune. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz and wide receivers coach Darryl Drake agree that Knox needs to work on his overall game in order to regain his starter's role.
Analysis: Knox is currently not slated to start for Chicago despite his solid sophomore campaign, and it has him rattled - but not quitting. Fantasy owners should draft him to be a reserve with a late-round pick. Let's face it: The likes of Devin Hester and Roy Williams aren't exactly stable threats to any starting job, and Knox's speed might be a difference-maker for the Bears this season.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox has voiced his displeasure with being demoted off of the starting unit in training camp with the arrival of Roy Williams, but offensive coordinator Mike Martz gave reasons as to why he was on Wednesday. "He just was not ready, not because he can't do it or he's not talented," Martz told the Chicago Tribune. The preparation, the consistency that's required … he does a lot of good things, but they have to be good all the time. That's what Roy is..."
Analysis: Knox clearly has the speed to stretch the field and make big plays, but Martz is looking for a 60-minute performer who can be there every down. He added that Knox can get there, but he has to work for it. The former Abilene Christian star had 960 yards and five scores last season to lead the team. Fantasy owners should monitor the position battle throughout camp and the preseason to see if Knox can reclaim his job. If he does not, we see him as just a reserve WR worth a late-round pick on Draft Day.
News: The arrival of Roy Williams isn't good for WR Johnny Knox, who led the Bears in receiving with 960 yards in 2010. Williams is already working with the first team, and it might be tough for Knox to break the starting lineup with Devin Hester already guaranteed a starting spot and Earl Bennett expected to work in the slot. "[Knox] is upset," Williams told ESPN.com. "Everybody is a competitor in this league. You have to be a competitor, but at the same time you have to know what's going on. I would be upset if a guy just came in and got in front of me. That's the nature of this business. There is nothing wrong with what he did. Nothing wrong with what he did. He had an exceptional season last year. If anything is to happen to me, or I go down, he's a great guy to come back in."
Analysis: Williams' arrival certainly isn't good news for Knox, who also had five touchdowns last season. However, you have to think that Chicago will find ways to get him involved on offense since he was one of Jay Cutler's favorite targets in 2010. Knox's Fantasy value takes a hit as he is now more of a reserve WR on Draft Day, worth only a look in the late rounds.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox returned to practice Monday after missing three days with a lower back injury. He's still second on the depth chart as Devin Hester has been named a starter and Roy Williams was added to provide competition.
Analysis: The injury never appeared to be serious, but the Bears still couldn't afford to take any risks with their leading receiver from 2010. Knox is back after hauling in 51 catches for a team-high 960 yards and five touchdowns last season, but it wasn't enough to give him a starting role. He has bulked up in the offseason, which should help him stay competitive, but until he can prove that he's worthy of starting, Fantasy owners shouldn't hold high expectations for him. Consider him a quality reserve worthy of a late-round pick until he warrants more playing time in the Bears offense, thus giving him a shot at more statistics.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox missed a third straight practice with a lower back injury on Sunday.
Analysis: This injury doesn't appear to be serious, but the Bears can't afford to take any risks with their leading receiver from 2010. Knox is back after hauling in 51 catches for a team-high 960 yards and five touchdowns last season. He has bulked up in the offseason, which should help him stay competitive. The Bears did add Roy Williams in free agency, but Knox is still going to be a key receiver. On the conservative side, consider Konx at best a No. 3 Fantasy WR on Draft Day. But the potential is there for him to be much more in Mike Martz's pass-friendly offense.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports Bears WR Johnny Knox added 10 pounds in the offseason. "I just had to get stronger up top," Knox said. "That was my goal during the lockout. When I curl, I curl light for repetition. When it comes to bench or incline, that’s when I do heavy stuff. I did a lot of lower body, too, but my legs are little. They’re not going to get much bigger than this." Bears WR coach Darryl Drake is encouraged to see Knox take the necessary steps to become a better receiver. "For a receiver, you have to be strong in the legs (and) you can’t get pushed around," Drake said. "Johnny needed to get a little bit stronger in his upper body. He also needed to get stronger in his legs. Those are the things that make the difference."
Analysis: Knox is entering his third NFL season, which is usually a breakout season for receivers. Knox emerged as a deep threat in 2010 when he recorded 51 catches for 960 yards and five touchdowns. The Bears didn't really bolster their receiving corps this offseason, adding just Roy Williams through the first week of training camp. On the conservative side, consider Konx at best a No. 3 Fantasy WR on Draft Day. But the potential is there for him to be much more in Mike Martz's pass-friendly offense.
News: Chicago WR Johnny Knox hauled in just two passes for 56 yards in the Bears' 21-14 loss to Green Bay in the NFC Championship on Sunday. Knox was targeted six times by a trio of Chicago quarterbacks -- second on the team behind RB Matt Forte's 15 targets -- but tallied his fewest receptions since Week 15 against Minnesota.
Analysis: Knox was limited by injuries to starting QB Jay Cutler and backup QB Todd Collins and caught just one pass in the second half. He did pace all Bears receivers in yards (Forte led the team with 90 yards) but failed to reach the end zone for the second playoff game in a row. Despite nearly amassing 1,000 yards in the regular season, he is an inconsistent Fantasy option and should be considered in the middle-to-late rounds of 2011 drafts.
News: Chicago WR Johnny Knox recorded just four receptions for 48 yards in the Bears' 35-24 victory over Seattle in an NFC Divisional Playoff game on Sunday. Knox, who was targeted seven times by Chicago QB Jay Cutler, finished with less than 50 yards for the sixth time this season. Knox also fumbled the ball for the second time in his last four games but the Bears were able to recover.
Analysis: Knox did not factor much into the passing game as TE Greg Olsen led the team in receiving for the first time this season. Knox, who paced the Bears with 960 receiving yards during the regular season, also failed to record more than five receptions for the sixth game in a row. He is still a shaky Fantasy play as evidenced by Sunday's showing and should be considered a low-end option in playoff leagues. Fantasy owners should also consider him in the middle-to-late rounds of 2011 drafts.
News: Despite the Bears being locked into the No. 2 playoff seed in the NFC, WR Johnny Knox played the entire game in Week 17 against the Packers. But he did not have his finest performance. The 24-year-old could not come up with a single grab even though he was targeted eight times by QB Jay Cutler in the 10-3 loss. It was the first time this season he did not record a catch. Knox finished the regular season 40 yards short of his first career 1,000-yard campaign.
Analysis: After putting up 92 yards and catching two touchdowns a week ago, Knox looked primed for another big performance in Week 17 but drops and solid defense by the Packers left him with no catches. Still, he had a career year with 51 grabs for 960 yards and five touchdowns. Knox has the speed to burn defenses and has become the No. 1 option in Chicago but he will need to take his game to the next level next season to become a sure-fire Fantasy option. Keep an eye on how he does in the playoffs but plan on taking Knox in the middle-to-late rounds on Draft Day as a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy WR.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox caught two touchdown passes in his last outing and will be looking for more scores in Week 17 against the Packers. Green Bay ranks fifth in the league in pass defense, allowing just under 200 yards per contest, and have held opposing wideouts to an average of 15.7 Fantasy points. In three career games against the division foe, Know has caught 11 passes for 259 yards and a touchdown.
Analysis: Chicago can clinch home field throughout the playoffs with a win and some help on Sunday, but they will need both Atlanta and New Orleans to lose to make that happen. Knox has been on fire of late, posting 170 yards receiving with three touchdowns over his last two games, and could be in for another solid performance against the Packers. When the two teams met earlier in the year, Knox caught four passes for 94 yards and also had a 2-yard run. Coach Lovie Smith might elect to rest some of his better players later on in the game in Week 17, so Fantasy owners should keep that in mind when setting their lineups. But considering the matchup and how well he has been playing lately, view Knox as a No. 2 Fantasy WR against Green Bay.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox slashed the Jets in Week 16, hauling in touchdowns from 40 and 26 yards out. He finished with 92 yards on four catches. Knox has scored in each of his last two games and has four touchdowns over his last five overall. "They were playing man coverage," Knox said of the Jets secondary. "We love that as receivers. We were just able to get the vertical game going again this week."
Analysis: Assuming the Bears can clinch the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs in Week 17, we'll see Knox play often in Week 17 at Green Bay. Knox has caught 11 passes for 259 yards and a touchdown in three career games against them and clearly is playing at a high level now. Knox is a great No. 3 WR or flex option for Week 17.
News:Johnny Knox was awesome in Week 15, hauling in a 67-yard touchdown when he outran his coverage and finished with 78 yards on two catches. He'll have a hard time matching those numbers in Week 16 when the Jets fly into Soldier Field. New York has given up 15 passing touchdowns to receivers on the year, though just five in their last five games including none to the Steelers last week.
Analysis: Knox is a boom-or-bust Fantasy receiver, and since he just dropped a 'boom' on the Vikings last week, odds are he'll struggle this week, especially considering the Jets' matchup against him. Feel free to use him as a No. 3 Fantasy WR, but don't consider him a great option given what he's going up against.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox only had two catches in Week 15 against the Vikings, but one of the went a long way. With Minnesota leading Chicago 7-3 in the first quarter, QB Jay Cutler heaved the ball deep down the sideline and found Knox for a 67-yard scoring strike. It was Knox's third touchdown reception of the year. He also caught one more pass, finishing with two grabs for 78 yards in the 40-14 win. Knox was targeted a team-high seven times by Cutler in the victory and averaged 39 yards per reception.
Analysis: Despite only coming up with two of his seven targets in Week 15, Knox was able to put up some solid yardage with a score. He has some big-play ability but his production has been inconsistent this season, as evident by the fact that he has only gone over the century mark just one time. Still, he is having a career year and is just 132 yards away from eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark. He will face off against the Jets and their two shutdown corners, DBs Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, next Sunday so consider Knox a No. 3 Fantasy WR or flex option for Week 16.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox was limited to just 16 yards receiving in his last outing and will look to get back on track in Week 15 against the Vikings. The last time the division foes met, the 24-year-old caught five passes for 90 yards. Minnesota ranks 12th in the NFL against the pass, giving up 208 yard per contest, and have allowed an average of 20.5 Fantasy points to opposing wideouts.
Analysis: Knox had one of his better performances of the year against the Vikings and could be in line for another decent outing on Sunday, but the game will likely be played outside at the University of Minnesota's Stadium. His poor outing last week was in similar frigid temperatures but he will be going up against a weaker pass defense. While the Vikings have some guys that can put pressure on the quarterback, their secondary is nothing to write home about. Knox has been too inconsistent to trust in major formats so consider him a low-end No. 3 Fantasy WR or flex option for Week 15.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox did not see many passes thrown his way in Week 14 against the Patriots. The game-time temperature was 26, and with snow and a 30-mph wind swirling through the stadium, visibility wasn't great. He was targeted for four passes from QB Jay Cutler, but was only able to come up with two grabs for 16 yards in the 36-7 loss. Knox also lost a fumble on one of his receptions, which LB Gary Guyton returned 35 yards for a touchdown.
Analysis: After catching a touchdown two weeks ago, Knox has posted just five catches for 50 yards over the last two games. Sunday's game conditions were not ideal for passing but the Patriots were able to throw for 369 yards and two touchdowns in the blowout. Knox matched his receptions from a year ago in Week 14 but his has caught three fewer touchdowns thus far. Hopefully he will be able to get back on track next Monday against the Vikings. When the division foes met earlier in the year, the 24-year-old caught five passes for 90 yards. Minnesota entered Sunday ranked 12th in the league against the pass so consider Knox a No. 3 Fantasy WR or flex option for Week 15.
News: The Patriots-Bears Week 14 matchup in Chicago will be impacted by freezing temperatures, strong winds including gusts over 40 m.p.h. and several inches of snow. That could impact the Bears' passing game even though they've made alterations in recent weeks. So even though Johnny Knox will go up against a Pats pass defense that has allowed just under 277 yards per contest and given up seven touchdowns to wide receivers over their last four games, he could have a hard time seeing passes thrown his way and landing long receptions given the conditions. “There will be low visibility, probably even in the stadium,” National Weather Service meteorologist Richard Castro told the DeKalb Daily Chronicle. “There will be snow on the field, and that will be blowing around with the very strong winds. The other thing is, being right on the lakefront, that’s where we’re expecting the strongest wind gusts out of this storm.”
Analysis: You can read more on the weather at Soldier Field in Chicago here. Because of the weather, owners are advised to go in a different direction than Knox in Week 14.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox is averaging 18 yards per catch this season and will face a Patriots defense in Week 14 that has not been very success against the pass. New England ranks 31st in the league in passing defense, allowing just under 277 yards per contest, and have given up an average of 24.2 Fantasy points to opposing wideouts.
Analysis: Despite his high yard-per-catch rate, Knox has not been able to find the end zone too often this season. He has just two touchdown grabs, with the last coming in Week 12. He has six catches in his last two games and although it seems that Earl Bennett might be fast becoming Jay Cutler's favorite target, that doesn't mean Knox is no longer worth using. Consider Knox a low-end No. 3 Fantasy WR or flex option against New England in Week 14.
News: Chicago WR Johnny Knox was only targeted three times by QB Jay Cutler in the Bears' 24-20 win in Detroit Week 13. Knox caught all three balls for 34 yards. He did not score in the game and his long reception went for 20 yards on a catch and run.
Analysis: Knox only has six catches in his last two games, though he scored a touchdown last week against the Eagles. The Bears will be facing a terrible pass defense in Week 14 against New England. Chicago will throw early and often in that game. It seems that Earl Bennett might be fast becoming Cutler's favorite target, but that doesn't mean Knox is no longer worth using. Consider Knox worth a start as a No. 3 Fantasy WR for Week 14.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox hauled in a 20-yard TD catch Week 12 against Philadelphia in a game that saw Jay Cutler throw four touchdown passes. Knox heads into Week 13 in Detroit averaging 18.5 yards per catch, the best mark in the NFC among receivers with a minimum of 40 receptions. Knox, Cutler's favorite target, has caught at least three passes for at least 49 yards in six straight games. Knox caught three passes for 52 yards Week 1 against the Lions.
Analysis: In two career games against Detroit, Knox has eight receptions for 83 yards with no touchdowns. He could get his first next week as the Lions have not been great at limiting opposing wide receivers Fantasy points. Just last week New England's Deion Branch and Wes Welker combined for 11 catches and 203 yards with four touchdowns against the Lions. Knox has been one of the most added Fantasy wide receivers around the league over the last week and that has a lot to do with the Week 13 opponent in the Lions. Knox should be considered a solid start as a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 Fantasy WR for Week 13.
News: Chicago wide receiver Johnny Knox had just three receptions, including one completed for a touchdown, in the Bears' Week 12 victory over the Eagles on Sunday. Knox finished with 68 total yards on five targets as the receiver recorded his second touchdown of the season and first since Week 7 against Washington.
Analysis: On his touchdown catch, Knox took full advantage of Joselio Hanson, Philadelphia's replacement for injured cornerback Asante Samuel (knee). Hanson bit on a double move, then slipped on the poor Soldier Field turf to free Knox for a wide-open 20-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Jay Cutler -- one of four scores for the Bears signal-caller. Knox is one of Cutler's favorite targets and now has at least 45 receiving yards in six consecutive games. He should be considered a strong No. 2 Fantasy WR in Chicago's Week 13 game at Detroit.
News: Despite scoring just one touchdown this season, Chicago wide receiver Johnny Knox continues to get the majority of targets from quarterback Jay Cutler. Knox, who leads the Bears with 67 targets and 37 receptions this season, has been the top-targeted receiver in five of Chicago's games this season. Knox has 672 receiving yards this season but managed his lowest average per catch in Week 11 against Miami (11.0). The Bears, who have won three games in a row, host the Eagles in Week 12 on Sunday.
Analysis: While the touchdowns haven't been there for Knox this season, he remains consistent with his yardage totals. Knox has hauled in 50 yards or more in seven games, including a season-high 120 yards in Week 6. Philadelphia enters Sunday's game holding wideouts to an average of 18.2 Fantasy points per game, fifth in the league. And, excluding Kenny Britt's monster 225-yard performance for Tennessee in Week 7, the Eagles have allowed just one receiver to reach the 100-yard plateau (Michael Crabtree, 105 yards). Consider Knox as a No. 3 Fantasy WR or flex option in Week 12.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox led the team in receiving in the Week 11 win over the Dolphins. He caught five passes for 55 yards, including a 16-yarder. QB Jay Cutler looked his way a team-high eight times on the night. Knox has racked up at least 49 yards in eight of the team's ten games this season.
Analysis: Knox has slowly become Cutler's favorite target on the outside, but against the Dolphins, the Bears had to move down the field in small chunks. Still, his consistence in the yardage department continues to warrant him some Fantasy value. In Week 12, the Bears take on a middle-of-the road Eagles pass defense. Expect Knox to again be more of a flex option heading into that matchup.
News: As expected, Bears WR Johnny Knox is active for the Week 11 game against the Dolphins on Thursday night.
Analysis: Knox has been fairly good of late, registering at least 86 yards in three of his last four games, but he has just one touchdown grab on the year (coming within that four-game span). The Dolphins have given up some long touchdowns this season and have yielded seven receiving scores in their last four games, so don't be shy about making Knox a solid No. 3 Fantasy WR or flex option.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox is probable for the team's Thursday game at Miami. He practiced in full Wednesday after being limited the previous two days and should be OK to start against the Dolphins. Knox caught five passes for 90 yards against the Vikings in Week 10, but left the game briefly with the injury. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz saw defenses cheating to WR Johnny Knox's side to take him away until recently. "Not anymore," he said. "There are just too many things going on, I think, and now that they (his players) know the offense way better than three weeks ago, the confidence level has risen."
Analysis: Knox has been fairly good of late, registering at least 86 yards in three of his last four games, but he has just one touchdown grab on the year (coming within that four-game span). The Dolphins have given up some long touchdowns this season and have yielded seven receiving scores in their last four games, so don't be shy about making Knox a solid No. 3 Fantasy WR or flex option.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox was limited in practice for the second straight day Tuesday with an ankle injury as he prepares for Week 11 against the Dolphins. He caught five passes for 90 yards against the Vikings in Week 10, but did leave the game briefly with the injury.
Analysis: Knox will only have a couple of days to prepare for Thursday's game against Miami so Fantasy owners should continue to monitor his status. He has been fairly good of late, registering at least 86 yards in three of his last four games, but he has just one touchdown grab on the year (coming within that four-game span). As long as he is able to play in Week 11 against the Dolphins, who have given up some long touchdowns this season, Knox should be considered a solid No. 3 Fantasy WR.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox was limited in practice on Monday with an ankle injury as he prepares for Week 11 against the Dolphins. He caught five passes for 90 yards against the Vikings in Week 10, but did leave the game briefly with an injury.
Analysis: Knox will only have a couple of days to prepare for Thursday's game against Miami so Fantasy owners should continue to monitor his status. He has been fairly good of late, registering at least 86 yards in three of his last four games, but he has just one touchdown grab on the year. As long as he is able to play in Week 11 against the Dolphins, Knox should be considered a solid No. 3 Fantasy WR.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox caught five passes for 90 yards vs. the Vikings in Week 11. Four of the catches made for first downs for the Bears. He did leave the game for a brief spell, limping off the field, but no injury update was made immediately after the game.
Analysis: We expect Knox to be fine for the team's game at Miami on Thursday as part of Week 11 action. Knox has been fairly good of late, registering at least 86 yards in three of his last four games. Consider him a solid No. 3 option for next week's action.
News: Fantasy owners were disappointed with Johnny Knox's three-catch, 49-yard performance against the Bills last week after he had seemingly broken out in the two games prior. He'll have a shot to make up for it in Week 10 against the Vikings. In two games against the Vikes last year Knox had one catch, a 24-yard touchdown. But teammate Devin Aromashodu shredded the Vikings in a late December win with several 20-plus-yard receptions including the game-winner in OT. Aromashodu isn't on the field nearly as much as Knox has been this season, and with the Vikings' pass defense good but not great (10 passing scores allowed; six touchdowns allowed to wide receivers in their last four games), the second-year speedster could rebound in Week 10.
Analysis: Knox is a fairly safe No. 2 Fantasy WR -- if you can slide him in as a No. 3 or flex option, that's even better. But regardless, he should come up with some good opportunities at home against Minnesota in Week 10.
News: Chicago WR Johnny Knox, the Bears' most reliable receiver this year, caught just three passes for 49 yards in the Week 9 win over the Bills. Knox was targeted five times by QB Jay Cutler in the game.
Analysis: Knox had a poor game and the Bears won anyway against one of the worst teams in the NFL. Coming into the game, however, he had caught 11 passes for 206 yards with a score in his previous two games. We expect he will bounce right back in Week 10 against Minnesota. Go ahead and start him as a solid No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: The Bears are struggling entering the Week 9 game at Buffalo. Coming off a bye in Week 8, Chicago was embarrassed by Washington Week 7 and Jay Cutler threw four interceptions. That said, wide receiver Johnny Knox actually continued to perform at a high level with six catches for 86 yards and his first touchdown reception of the season. Knox, who averages 19.9 yards per catch, the highest figure in the NFC, has 11 catches for 206 yards and a score in his last two games.
Analysis: The Mike Martz-led offense of the Bears has struggled this season and Jay Cutler has been a disaster. That said, for the most part, Knox has been a solid Fantasy play. With Devin Hester still not an offensive option, Knox has taken over as the clear-cut No. 1 option in the passing game for the Bears. He will be facing the Bills in Week 9 and Buffalo has been solid against opposing wide receivers. Buffalo hasn't allowed double-digit receptions by wide receivers in their last four games but that is largely because teams can do anything they want against them on the ground. Buffalo has given up eight touchdowns to wideouts in the last six games and Knox has a good shot at scoring. Against the Bills, consider Knox a solid option as a No. 2 Fantasy WR.
News: Chicago WR Johnny Knox had an interesting game Week 7 in a loss to Washington. Knox, who was covered by DeAngelo Hall, saw 12 passes come his way by QB Jay Cutler. That was easily the most targets on the team. That said, Knox only caught six of those passes and four others were intercepted by Hall, one for a 92-yard TD. Knox did score a touchdown of his own in the game, however, scoring from 9 yards out on a pass from Cutler in the second quarter. He went for a team-high 86 yards in the game.
Analysis: Cutler clearly preferred throwing the ball to Knox on Sunday and it clearly favored the Redskins for him to do so. We will disregard the interceptions and focus on the 12 targets to show that Knox ha become Cutler's favorite weapon. That definitely bodes well for his Fantasy value as Knox continues to grow into a solid weapon. He has 11 catches for 206 yards and a touchdown in his last two games and is blossoming into a No. 2 Fantasy WR. That said, the Bears are on bye Week 8 and return for Week 9 at Buffalo.
News: The stars may be aligning for Johnny Knox's Fantasy value heading into the Week 7 game against Washington. The Bears receiver is coming off the best game of his career Week 6 against Seattle when he caught five passes for 120 yards. Knox has clearly been the best WR on the Bears this season with 18 catches for 392 yards. Plus, the Bears play Washington Week 7. No team in the NFL is allowing more Fantasy points per game to opposing WRs than are the Redskins.
Analysis: Knox is more than likely going to have the best game of any Bears' receiver and could be over 100 yards once again. He is facing a defense that is allowing over 210 receiving yards per game to WRs this season with six touchdowns given up. The Redskins have been the matchup you want your Fantasy WR to have and Knox has it Week 7. Go ahead and use him as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy WR.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox picked up the first 100-yard game of his career in a Week 6 loss to the Seahawks. Knox caught five of his 11 targets, totaling 120 yards. More than half of his yards came on a nice 67-yard second-quarter catch and run that showed off Knox's elusiveness.
Analysis: Seattle is a run-stuffing team that can be had through the air on occasion, and Knox found plenty of holes on Sunday. His day could have been even better if he had caught a few more of his targets, but QB Jay Cutler was under pressure all day and sometimes had to throw the ball early. Knox was also to blame on some of the incompletions thrown his way, however. In Week 7, Knox will try to keep this kind of form up when Chicago hosts Washington, who, like Seattle, also have trouble stopping the pass. Get him active in more than 26 percent of leagues for that matchup.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox has caught just one pass in each of his last two games and will be trying to break out of that funk in Week 6 when Chicago hosts the Seahawks, who rank 31st against the pass this season. Seattle has allowed a receiver to go over 90 yards in two of its last three games.
Analysis: Knox was probably the biggest loser as a result of Jay Cutler's concussion, but the fact he was only targeted twice in Week 4 is a little concerning. Hopefully he can find plenty of space in the below-average Seattle secondary on Sunday and can get back into people's Fantasy good books. Last season against the Seahawks, Knox's only catch was a 7-yard touchdown. Use him as a No. 3 Fantasy WR for Week 6.
News: Chicago WR Johnny Knox probably can't wait for Jay Cutler to return to the field. In Week 5 at Carolina, veteran QB Todd Collins was at the helm of Bears and was extremely ineffective. Knox was targeted four times, catching one pass for 14 yards. This was the second week in a row he's managed just once catch.
Analysis: There were only 19 passes thrown by the Bears and eight receptions. Knox has 13 catches for 272 yards this year and has not found the end zone. If Knox gets Cutler back in Week 6 against Seattle, his stock will go up. The Seahawks give up more than 300 yards receiving per contest and have allowed 18 pass plays of 20 yards or more. Fantasy owners should keep a close eye on Cutler's status because if he plays, Knox's stock rises.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox will be without his starting quarterback on Sunday against the Panthers. With Jay Cutler out of action with a concussion, the Bears will start veteran Todd Collins at quarterback. Knox has been targeted for about 20 percent of the Bears' passes through four weeks, but with Collins at the helm it's unsure if Chicago will be as pass-happy. Knox managed just catch in Week 4 against the Giants defense, but gets a weaker Panthers pass defense this week. Carolina is giving up 220 yards per game and have allowed seven passing touchdowns through four weeks.
Analysis: Knox has 12 catches for 258 yards so far this season, but has not yet found the end zone. With Collins running Mike Martz's offense, it is unsure how much they will pass. If they rely on the run, Knox will be less useful to Fantasy owners. We view him as a low-end No. 3 Fantasy WR for Week 5, despite playing a poor defense. Collins is a big step down from Cutler and the veteran backup can't be expected to have a huge performance.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox did not see many passes thrown his way in Week 4 against the Giants. He was targeted twice in the game, catching one ball for 26 yards in the 17-3 loss. He lone reception came from the arm of the third-string quarterback Caleb Hanie. Starter Jay Cutler and backup Todd Collins were both knocked out of the game with injuries.
Analysis: Knox has the ability to make big plays in the offense but was little used in Week 4. He posted his lowest totals of the season in the loss and had to deal with a fierce Giants defense that did not budge. Hopefully the quarterback situation will get straightened out by Week 5 but Fantasy owners should keep an eye on the situation to see who will be throwing passes for the Bears. Knox has 12 receptions on the year for 258 yards and remains a No. 3 Fantasy WR or flex option for Week 5 against the Panthers.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox had a solid game last Sunday but will face a tougher test in Week 4 against the Giants, Knox, who caught four passes for 94 yards against the Packers last week, will go up against a defense that ranks fourth in the league against the pass this season. New York has given up just over 169 passing yards per contest but has allowed opposing wide receivers to score 20 Fantasy points per game.
Analysis: Knox is averaging 21.1 yards per reception but has yet to reach the end zone this season and will have a tough time finding space in the Giants secondary. The Colts had success against New York this year but the Panthers and Titans could not get much going through the air. Knox's performance will hinge on how QB Jay Cutler reacts to the pass rush. Either way Fantasy owners should not be counting on huge numbers from the 23-year-old. Consider Knox as a No. 3 Fantasy WR or flex option for Week 4 against the Giants.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox had some big plays in Week 3 against the Packers. He caught six passes for 94 yards in the 20-17 win. He averaged 23.5 yards per catch and had a long reception of 35 while being targeted six times by QB Jay Cutler. Knox also carried the ball once on an end-around, gaining two yards.
Analysis: Knox had his most productive game of the year in Week 3 and was able to find open space in the Packers secondary for some big plays. Although he has yet to score a touchdown this season, the 23-year-old has 232 yards receiving through the first three games and has definitely benefited from new offensive coordinator Mike Martz's scheme. He might have a tough time getting going in Week 4 though as the Bears have the Giants coming to town. New York ranks fourth in the league against the pass this season. Knox appears to be coming into his own this season and should be viewed a a low-end No.2/high-end No.3 Fantasy WR for Week 4.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox faces off against the Packers in Week 3, a team that he has had some success against in the past. In two career games against Green Bay, the 23-year-old caught seven passes for 165 yards and a touchdown. This season, the Packers are giving up 87 yards per game to opposing receivers while only allowing one touchdown.
Analysis: Knox caught four passes for 86 yards last week against the Cowboys and has 138 yards receiving on the year. Although he does not have a touchdown reception, he has been targeted 11 times by QB Jay Cutler, the most by any other Bears receiver. He has had success against the Packers in the past and should be able to do some damage in Mike Martz's new offense. Consider Knox as a No. 2 Fantasy WR for Week 3 against Green Bay.
News: Chicago WR Johnny Knox caught every pass sent his way on Sunday in a Week 2 win over Dallas. Knox made four catches in the 27-20 victory for a team-high 86 yards. His long reception went for 59 yards. Knox did not score in the game.
Analysis: Knox has made seven catches for the Bears in two games for a total of 138 yards and no scores. He is clearly the top option in the passing game for the Bears but he's going to need to score before Fantasy owners can get really excited about him. Still, he has definitely upside going into a game against the Packers in Week 3. He can be considered a No. 3 option for that game and owners should hope for that first touchdown of the season.
News: The Chicago Bears are not playing the Lions Week 2. They are playing an aggravated Dallas Cowboys team in Big D and they will not be able to enforce their offensive will as much as they did versus Detroit. Wide receiver Johnny Knox, who caught three passes for 52 yards against the Lions, is going to have a lot more trouble against a Dallas secondary that allowed just 88 yards receiving and no offensive touchdowns to the Washington Redskins Week 1 on Sunday night.
Analysis: Knox was targeted seven times Week 1 against the Lions in the new Mike Martz-run offense in Chicago. There will be times this season when Knox goes off for big yardage numbers. We don't believe that time is Week 2 in Dallas. The Cowboys did not give up an offensive touchdown to the Redskins Week 1 and still lost the game on the road. Coming home, Dallas is going to pull out all the stops to attempt to dominate the Bears. Knox could get a random touchdown and a few catches but shouldn't be considered greater than a No. 3 Fantasy WR for Week 2.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox had three catches for 52 yards Sunday against the Lions. He had seven targets. Knox finished behind Devin Aromashodu (five catches for 71 yards) but ahead of Devin Hester (one catch for 17 yards) in terms of receiving options for Chicago.
Analysis: Knox will likely have some up and down games playing for the Bears in a Mike Martz-run offense. QB Jay Cutler used six different receivers in this game, and Knox was just part of the mix. He should be considered a No. 3 Fantasy WR most weeks, and that's where he value him heading into Week 2 at Dallas, which is a much tougher matchup than what he faced with the Lions.
News: Bears second-year WR Johnny Knox will make his 2010 debut against the Lions on Sunday in Week 1, and Knox has the chance for a big year as the starter. Knox only played once against Detroit last year and had five catches for 31 yards. He will look to improve on those stats since last year the Lions allowed seven 100-yard games to opposing wide receivers and 20 touchdowns.
Analysis: Knox should be considered a solid sleeper or flex option in Week 1. The Lions pass defense isn't expected to do much in this matchup, and Knox could start the season on a positive note. We like Knox as a No. 3 Fantasy WR in all leagues.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox caught three passes for 57 yards in Saturday's preseason loss to the Cardinals. He was targeted a game-high eight times.
Analysis: Knox got off to a great start last season, racking up 152 yards in his first two games, but quickly fell off the Fantasy map as Devin Hester and Earl Bennett stepped up for Jay Cutler. Knox has a chance to redeem himself a little in 2010, but the Bears WR situation a little messy and he could underwhelm instead. Continue to draft Knox in the second half of deeper Fantasy formats as a flier backup WR.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler couldn't connect with Johnny Knox on his first three attempts vs. the Raiders on Saturday night. But on his fourth, Cutler rolled left out of the pocket and fired a dart to him in the end zone for a 22-yard touchdown. That was Knox's only catch of the game, and through two preseason outings Knox has three catches for 14, 22 and 33 yards (69 total).
Analysis: Knox is sure to start creeping up draft boards given Cutler's affinity for him -- it's seemingly surpassed his love for Devin Aromashodu, who was believed to be his favorite target heading into training camp. Knox has a starting spot within reach and could deliver some nice weeks for the Bears and Fantasy owners this season. Draft him to be a reserve WR with a middle- to late-round pick with a lot of potential thanks to his speed.
News: Bears second-year WR Johnny Knox (hamstring) has returned to practice for the first time this week Wednesday. He missed practice on Monday with a minor hamstring pull, but Knox had two receptions for 47 yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Chargers.
Analysis: Knox has plenty of sleeper potential if he can remain a starting option for the Bears, and he's penciled in as the starter opposite Devin Hester. All the Bears receivers are in line for a boost this year with the addition of offensive coordinator Martz. Go into the season with Knox as a No. 4 Fantasy WR, and he's worth a late-round pick in all leagues. But don't be surprised if Knox is in your starting lineup for a couple of weeks during the season if he starts out playing well.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox missed practice on Monday with a minor hamstring pull. Knox had two receptions for 47 yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Chargers.
Analysis: Knox is trying to hold off Devin Aromashodu and Earl Bennett for the starting spot, but the Bears will likely rotate all four receivers in Mike Martz's offense. He has been working with the first team in camp and could see a boost in production this year with the Bear's new offensive look. Knox can be considered a No. 4 Fantasy WR heading into the season and is worth a late-round pick in all leagues.
News: The Bears have been using Devin Hester and Johnny Knox as their starting receivers this offseason. Knox was a Pro Bowl kick returner, but the significance of being a starting WR now isn't lost on him. "It's a big opportunity, me going with the ones," he said. "But if I was 1, 2 or 3, I'm going to still try to take the same approach whether I'm starting or not." Knox is trying to hold off Devin Aromashodu and Earl Bennett for the starting spot, but the Bears will likely rotate all four receivers in Mike Martz's offense.
Analysis: Knox has plenty of sleeper potential if he can remain a starting option. All the Bears receivers are in line for a boost this year with the addition of Martz. Go into the season with Knox as a No. 4 Fantasy WR, and he's worth a late-round pick in all leagues. But don't be surprised if Knox is in your starting lineup for a couple of weeks during the season if he starts out playing well.
News: The following Bears players have been declared inactive for Week 17 at Detroit: QB Brett Basanez, WR Johnny Knox, DB Al Afalava, DB Danieal Manning, TE Lance Louis and DL Matt Toeaina.
Analysis: Knox and Manning are the only Fantasy-viable guys in this group, but both were doubtful coming into Week 17, so you should have already made preparations to be without them. Continue to ignore all the other guys. Knox will be a late-round sleeper heading into 2010.
News: Chicago WR Johnny Knox (ankle) did not participate in practice all week and has been listed as doubtful for the team's Week 17 game at Detroit. Knox was taken from the field on a cart after a 31-yard kickoff return to the 40-yard line in the second half during the Monday night game against the Vikings.
Analysis: Knox has played well as a rookie for Chicago, but he has minimal Fantasy value in the majority of leagues. Don't plan on using Knox Week 17 at Detroit, regardless of his health.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox was taken from the field on a cart after a 31-yard kickoff return to the 40-yard line in the second half during the Monday night game against the Vikings. Knox did not have a catch in the game. He injured his left ankle.
Analysis: Knox has played well as a rookie for Chicago, but he has minimal Fantasy value in the majority of leagues. Don't plan on using Knox in the majority of leagues Week 17 at Detroit, regardless of his health.
News: Bears rookie WR Johnny Knox had four catches for 29 yards Sunday at Baltimore.
Analysis: Knox has played well as a rookie for Chicago, but he has minimal Fantasy value in the majority of leagues. Don't plan on using Knox in the majority of leagues in Week 16 against Minnesota.
News: In the Bears' Week 14 loss vs. the Packers, rookie WR Johnny Knox continued to re-establish himself after getting five passes for 83 yards with a touchdown. Knox was targeted seven times and started the game. The 83 yards is a season-best since landing 82 yards against the Packers in Week 1.
Analysis: Don't look now but Knox has scored in two of his last three games. Expect him to continue receiving attention from QB Jay Cutler, but don't start him unless your options are slim in Week 15 against the Ravens.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox had three catches for 15 yards in Week 13 against the Rams. He led all Bears receivers in receptions with the three grabs.
Analysis: Knox also led the team in targets with four. He has not had 30 yards receiving in a game since Week 5 and has been virtually useless in Fantasy outside of his 24-yard touchdown grab in Week 12 -- his only catch of that game. We don't recommend activating Knox against the Packers in Week 14.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox caught only one pass Week 12 at Minnesota, but it was a 24-yarder that went for a touchdown. He also lost fumble. He hadn't scored a touchdown since Week 6 at Atlanta.
Analysis: Knox is still a big-play threat, but the rookie has played a lesser role on offense in recent weeks. He's back to being just a low-end option in Fantasy and probably isn't worth starting even with an easy matchup Week 13 against the Rams.
News: Chicago WR Johnny Knox had two catches for 16 yards Sunday against the Eagles. Knox has not scored a touchdown in his past five games.
Analysis: Knox continues to struggle, which is typical for a rookie WR. Keep him reserved in all leagues in Week 12 at Minnesota.
News: Bears rookie WR Johnny Knox was good for 20 yards on two catches at the 49ers in Week 10. Knox hasn't scored in four straight games and hasn't put up more than 50 yards receiving since Week 2.
Analysis: Fantasy owners should have lost patience with Knox by now. Consider him no better than a low-end reserve in deeper leagues and dynasty/keeper formats. He's not seeing a lot of playing time and has faded fast in the Bears offense. Don't trust him in Week 11 vs. Philadelphia.
News: Bears rookie WR Johnny Knox started the season red hot with 17 catches for 224 yards and three touchdowns, not including a special-teams score. Since then, the rook has chilled, catching 11 balls for 116 yards with no scores in his last three games. There's some hope for a good game in Week 10 when he plays at San Francisco on Thursday, however: The 49ers are ranked 24th vs. the pass and the Bears have had a hard time running the ball. But with Greg Olsen and Devin Hester clearly the top two targets of Jay Cutler, and Earl Bennett carving out a role as well, Knox seems to be in a bit of a slump.
Analysis: Knox can't be trusted beyond a No. 4 Fantasy WR in this game. Part of the reason for his subpar play is a recent case of the dropsies, evidenced just last week vs. the Cardinals. There's no denying his speed, but with the rest of the NFL catching up to his play he's not worth starting in Week 10 unless you're thin on options.
News: Bears rookie WR Johnny Knox continues to struggle after a hot start, catching four passes for 30 yards against the Cardinals in Week 9. Knox hasn't topped 50 yards receiving since Week 2 and hasn't scored since Week 6.
Analysis: Knox has to be considered waiver-wire material in standard formats since there surely are more appealing options available, particularly at receiver. Don't cut him just to cut him; if there's a good receiving option out there to replace him, then by all means do it. He's expected to continue playing like this with faint chances at scoring at San Francisco in Week 10 on Thursday night.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox made three catches in a Week 8 win over the Bears. He gained a total of 44 yards in the game, with a long reception of 31 yards. Knox was targeted five times in the game.
Analysis: Knox has not put up big numbers since the bye in Week 5. He has failed to catch for more than 50 yards in any of the three games and has only one touchdown, back in Week 6 at Atlanta. However, Knox could be in for a big game in Week 9 as the Bears take on a poor Arizona pass defense at home. Consider Knox a No. 2 Fantasy option for that game.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox did not have a memorable game in Week 7 against the Bengals. He made only four catches in the contest for a total of 42 yards. His longest catch on the day went for 16 yards. Knox was targeted six times in the game, averaging 10.5 yards per reception on the day.
Analysis: Knox has developed a knack for getting into the end zone this season, scoring three times in the team's first six games. However, his yardage numbers have been down the past four games after totaling 152 in the Bears first two games. He has become a less-important part of the offense lately, making him just a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option for Week 8 against the Browns.
News: Bears rookie WR Johnny Knox caught his third touchdown of the season on a three-catch, 34-yard night at Atlanta in Week 6. The score came in the first half when Knox drew single coverage and caught a beautiful 23-yard pass from Cutler along the left side of the end zone. Knox also has tied a Bears record by scoring a touchdown in four straight games (three on receptions, one on special teams), a record set by the legendary Walter Payton in his rookie year.
Analysis: Knox has proven to be a Fantasy find. His yardage is pretty good (224 yards on 17 catches), but his knack for the end zone proves that he can be very helpful to owners. He should remain active as a No. 2 Fantasy WR when he plays at Cincinnati in Week 7.
News: Bears coach Lovie Smith said Monday he does not consider the shoulder injury suffered by WR Devin Hester, the shin injury suffered by WR Johnny Knox or the knee injury suffered by RB Adrian Peterson to be serious. Smith said all three could be back for the next game in Week 6 at Atlanta on Oct. 18.
Analysis: The Bears have a bye in Week 5, which should allow Hester, Knox and Peterson to get healthy. Hester and Knox have been solid Fantasy options this year, so hopefully they will be OK against the Falcons. Peterson has minimal Fantasy value as the No. 3 RB behind Matt Forte and Garrett Wolfe.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox injured his right leg in the second half Sunday against Detroit. It ruined what should have been a quality day for him. Knox had a 102-yard kickoff return to start the third quarter. He also added a team-best five catches for 31 yards.
Analysis: Keep an eye on Knox to see what happens with his injury, and hopefully he's OK. The Bears are off in Week 5, so Knox has some extra time to rest. If healthy, consider Knox a No. 4 Fantasy WR heading into Week 6 at Atlanta.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox made his only catch count in a Week 3 win against the Seahawks. Seattle's T.J. Houshmandzadeh lost a fumble after a catch on the second play of the third quarter. Danieal Manning knocked the ball out from behind, and Adewale Ogunleye recovered at the Seahawks 42. Jay Cutler then found Knox on third down over the middle. The rookie juked Aaron Curry and dived in for a 7-yard touchdown. Chicago had its first lead, 14-13.
Analysis: The touchdown was the second of Knox's young career. The receiver from Abilene Christian actually had the worst statistical game of his young career against Seattle, but the touchdown made up for it. Knox has been a real bargain buy for Chicago and they just love his speed. Knox is a definite sleeper Fantasy start for Week 4 against Detroit.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox will face a non-division opponent in Week 3 at Seattle. The Seahawks have allowed the second fewest passing yards in the NFL through two weeks. They have allowed just 293 net passing yards and have not allowed a passing touchdown.
Analysis: The Seahawks have faced the Rams and 49ers in the first two weeks of the season and have allowed very little through the air. Knox has become a Fantasy darling in the early part of the season with 82 and 70 yards in his first two games. He has proven to be a big-play threat and is coming off six catches for 70 yards and a touchdown in Week 2 against another tough defense in the Steelers. Consider him a risky play in Week 3 due to the matchup, but he is a suitable option if an injury-replacement is needed due to his early-season success.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports Bears rookie WR Johnny Knox, who caught a seven-yard touchdown pass in the Week 2 victory over the Steelers and led the team with six receptions for 70 yards, could replace Earl Bennett as a starter. Bennett currently starts opposite Devin Hester, but the paper speculates Knox could eventually move past Bennett on the depth chart.
Analysis: For now, Knox is the No. 3 WR, and he's playing well. Consider adding him in deeper leagues even though Bennett will likely continue to start. Knox and Bennett should be considered No. 3 Fantasy options at best in Week 3 at Seattle in standard formats.
News: Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner on rookie WR Johnny Knox, who has eight catches for a 19.0-yard average and TD in two games. "We all commented, a lot of times young guys come in and it takes a while for them to learn to play fast. He did it from Day 1."
Analysis: Knox appears to have developed an instant rapport with QB Jay Cutler, and remember Cutler did well with another rookie WR in Denver last year in Eddie Royal. If you have the roster space, consider adding Knox in all formats based on the way he's played in two games. The Bears play at Seattle in Week 3, and consider Knox a No. 3 Fantasy WR.
News: Bears rookie WR Johnny Knox, who impressed with two catches for 82 yards in Week 1, led the team in receptions (six) and receiving yards (70) against the Steelers in Week 1. He even scored a touchdown on a seven-yard pass from Jay Cutler in the fourth quarter.
Analysis: Knox isn't a starter, but he saw plenty of action for the second straight week and is emerging as one of QB Jay Cutler's favorite targets. He's still not worth using in standard leagues since he's the third receiver on a balanced offense, but he's worth adding in deeper leagues. The Bears visit the Seahawks in Week 3.
News: Bears WR Johnny Knox was the surprise of Sunday's Week 1 loss to the Packers for Chicago. He made two grabs in the game but his highlight came in the second quarter as he connected with Jay Cutler for the first real positive play of the night. Knox hauled in a 68-yard catch and run as only the sideline stopped him from scoring. He finished with two grabs for 82 yards in the game.
Analysis: Knox certainly proved himself a viable option for Cutler and the Bears on Sunday night in the defeat. Knox caught three passes in the final two preseason games that went for 105 yards so this could become a trend. He may turn into the big-play guy beside Devin Hester. Still, until he shows consistency, we do not recommend him in Fantasy. The Bears meet the Steelers in Chicago in Week 2 and that is a shutdown defense.
News: The Daily Herald tabs Bears rookie WR Johnny Knox as an early bright spot this offseason. The rookie out of Abilene Christian has displayed break-neck speed and great hands thus far. The paper hints that he'll challenge for playing time if he continues to excel. Knox has also signed his rookie contract.
Analysis: The next Devin Hester? The Bears are hoping so. Knox got himself on the map with an outrageous 4.32 time in the 40-yard dash at the combine, and the Bears likely added him for his speed, even though he also offers fair height. If he continues to progress in training camp, you can be assured that the Bears will find a role for him to appease new quarterback Jay Cutler. Knox still isn't worth a pick in seasonal drafts, but he can be reached for late in dynasty/keeper leagues and is a good mid-round choice in rookie-only drafts.
News: The next Devin Hester? The Bears are hoping Abilene Christian WR Johnny Knox is exactly that after taking him in Round 5 of the 2009 draft. Knox got himself on the map with an outrageous 4.32 time in the 40-yard dash at the combine, and the Bears likely added him for his speed, even though he also offers fair height and OK hands. Knox's other claim to fame is that he had 30 touchdowns in two seasons at ACU, setting a Lone Star Conference record.
Analysis: Knox is definitely raw, so expectations should be kept to a minimum. He's worth a late-round pick in the deepest of rookie-only drafts this summer.
