News: Bears quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh told the Chicago Tribune that Jay Cutler has had a say in what the team's new offense will look like. Impressed with Cutler's football knowledge, Cavanaugh says Cutler's arm is one of the best he's ever been around. "I think he's embracing how we want to approach things," Cavanaugh said. "There has been a lot of give and take. We didn't come in here with a mandate that this is exactly how we're doing it and there is no leeway. We wanted his feedback. He's been willing to do that. It's a good working relationship now. ... We're trying to impress on him, Marc [Trestman] too, that our job is to protect you and allow you to finish the throwing motion. If that's our sole focus for you, you have to hold up your end and hitch into throws and follow through and throw a bunch of completions."
Analysis: Finally, Cutler has a coaching staff that understands that they need to build an offense around him and not the other way around. Cutler is surrounded by the best assortment of receiving threats he's ever had in Chicago and a coaching staff that will look to him to lead the way with quick passes. We've been amped up about Cutler as a No. 2 Fantasy quarterback before only to get burned, so don't aim for him with anything but a late-round pick as a backup to begin the season.
News:Jay Cutler is entering a contract year but says he's not sweating it. After his first practice under new coach Marc Trestman, Cutler has a positive outlook on the upcoming season and figures he'll earn his next contract. "I'm not worried about those things," Cutler said. "Every year you put pressure on yourself. Every team in the NFL right now is preparing to win the Super Bowl. We're doing the same thing. We just have to run this offense and defensively they continue to play at a high level and hopefully we'll win some games."
Analysis: The Bears are going to run a West Coast system that asks Cutler to get the ball out quickly. That's a welcomed change after several years of Cutler getting swallowed up by defenders because of his leaky offensive line. The Bears have added multiple linemen in free agency and tight end Martellus Bennett to help Cutler out. Cutler has the weaponry to be a 4,000-yard passer, something he's never been with the Bears (and has only done once in his career). He remains a No. 2 Fantasy quarterback, but there's upside there. He is worth drafting with a late-round pick.
News: Bears head coach Marc Trestman has had the chance to talk with quarterback Jay Cutler and believes giving him "resources" to work with will help him and the team win games. "I'm excited to coach Jay. I've had a couple of opportunities to talk to him, on multiple levels and work on all facets of his game. I really am," Trestman said from the NFL combine Thursday. "He's an extremely bright guy, he loves football and he's got a great skill set, so we have to work hard to provide him the resources to maximize his abilities."
Analysis: With a couple of additions, namely at tight end, Cutler could have the weaponry to be a 4,000-yard passer, something he's never been with the Bears (and has only done once in his career). Cutler especially needs pass protection, so we'll see how the Bears address their O-line. Cutler remains a No. 2 Fantasy quarterback, but there's upside there. He is worth drafting with a late-round pick.
News: Marc Trestman introduced himself to Bears fans on Thursday, and one of the most important questions of the day involved the use of quarterback Jay Cutler. Trestman had an interesting answer when asked directly if Cutler was a franchise quarterback. “Jay Cutler is a guy who loves football, he's a guy who's willing to learn, he wants to do everything he can to help this franchise and please our amazing fans,” Trestman said. “That's where we're going to start. We're going to go to work one day at a time in proactive terms with a sense of urgency to get him where we want him to be and where he wants to be.” Trestman made sure to let people know that he understands the importance of protecting the quarterback who's been victimized by 149 sacks during the past three years. “I'm going to be responsible for keeping Jay and our quarterbacks safe in the pocket,” Trestman said. “ ... On the offensive side, it starts and ends with the quarterback. We've got to protect our quarterback and keep him safe."
Analysis: Cutler has a chance to play well under Trestman, and we hope they can develop the weapons in Chicago with Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Matt Forte. Cutler remains a No. 2 Fantasy quarterback, but there's upside there. He is worth drafting with a late-round pick.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports that Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is excited for now head coach Marc Trestman. Cutler said Wednesday he expects a quarterback-friendly offense and indicated he can’t wait to get going in what will be his fourth offense in five seasons with the franchise. Cutler told the website he likes the roots Trestman’s system has in the West Coast offense, something he is familiar with from his days under Mike Shanahan with the Broncos. “It's a great hire," Cutler said. "I couldn't be more excited. I've talked to guys around the league and did my own research on him. He's an offensive mind, a great person and a guy that's going to come in and hopefully lead us to many victories in the future. "He's been successful wherever he's been. He's from the West Coast coaching tree, which I'm familiar with. It's what I came into the league with with Shanahan, so I'm looking forward to it. He understands quarterbacks. He understands their thought process and the minds of quarterbacks and what we have to go through. It's going to be a quarterback-friendly system and I can't wait to get started with him."
Analysis: Cutler has a chance to play well under Trestman, and we hope they can develop the weapons in Chicago with Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Matt Forte. Cutler remains a No. 2 Fantasy quarterback, but there's upside there. He is worth drafting with a late-round pick.
News: The Bears hired Marc Trestman to serve as their head coach, giving him the chance to work with quarterback Jay Cutler again. The two huddled before Cutler's combine workout back in the summer of 2006. Trestman joins Chicago after five years as a head coach with the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League, six years as an assistant in the college ranks and 17 years in a number of roles in the NFL. He's worked with quarterbacks like Steve Young and Rich Gannon, among others, and has a pretty good track record of leaning on his quarterbacks. He also has a history of helping develop quarterbacks, basically as a tutor prior to the NFL Draft, which he did last season with Brandon Weeden and Brock Osweiler. The Bears also hired ex-Saints interim head coach Aaron Kromer to be their offensive coordinator.
Analysis: The expectation is for Cutler to return to a West Coast offense under Trestman, albeit one that takes more downfield shots. Obviously a huge factor is how well Cutler is protected, and you can be sure that will be addressed with Trestman and Kromer evaluating the guys who have been in Chicago for years. A protected Cutler should yield some good numbers, particularly if Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Matt Forte stay healthy. We've been bullish on Cutler before in the wake of a new coach (remember Mike Martz?) but owners should exercise extreme caution and take him with a late-round pick in drafts this summer.
News: When Bears GM Phil Emery was asked if Jay Cutler was the team's long-term answer at quarterback, he suggested it would be determined in the 2013 season. Cutler is scheduled for free agency after 2013. "That answer is going to come as we move forward with a new head coach," Emery said Monday. "Am I convinced that Jay has the talent to be that? Yes, I am. I see Jay as a franchise quarterback. We've got to build around him. That's been the goal from the beginning, to build around Jay and to build our team towards championships."
Analysis: Cutler hasn't been great in four years with the Bears, barely completing over 60 percent of his passes in two of the four years and posting over 3,300 yards passing just once. Injuries have played a role as have a weak supporting cast, especially along the offensive line. Cutler was sacked 38 times in 2012 and nearly 150 times over four seasons with the Bears. He's worth drafting late this summer as a backup option, and a tepid one at that.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was neither great nor terrible in the team's Week 17 win over the Lions. Cutler completed 18 passes for 257 yards and a touchdown, while rushing five times for 29 yards. He fumbled once, however, giving him four fumbles in his last five games, and eight on the season.
Analysis: This was Cutler's best game in the last three weeks, as he had put up sub-150 yard games in the last two. Cutler had a disappointing season overall, with just 19 touchdowns to 14 interceptions, but some of the ineffectiveness could be blamed on a shaky line and the lack of solid secondary receivers to complement Brandon Marshall. Cutler actually looked spry on Sunday, evading would-be Lions tacklers in the pocket and making smart throws (it was the second game in a row that Cutler avoided throwing an interception). Next season should be a little better for him, as Alshon Jeffery and Earl Bennett will both come in healthy (and, in Jeffery's case, with a year of experience under his belt), while the Devin Hester experiment will likely come to an end. Cutler won't be a top 12 quarterback, but he could be a nice late gamble in drafts as a backup.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has thrown multiple touchdowns in a game just five times this season. He has just one 300-yard game and just one game with more than 25 Fantasy points. He has averaged 11 points over his last three games, throwing three total touchdowns against three interceptions. Cutler has completed 12 passes in each of his last two games.
Analysis: And yet, Cutler's 18 passing touchdowns are one more than Matthew Stafford's total, despite the fact that Stafford -- who Cutler faces off against in Week 17 -- will set the NFL single-season pass attempt record in the first quarter on Sunday. In Week 7 against the Lions, Cutler had 150 passing yards and a touchdown (15 Fantasy points). Detroit is coming off a game in which its defense allowed four passing touchdowns to Matt Ryan, but the Lions also balanced that out by holding Aaron Rodgers to zero passing touchdowns two weeks before. Cutler has failed to take off in 2012 like many had hoped, and while he has a chance to finish the regular season on a high note, he remains a low-end option for Week 17.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler did not throw an interception for just the fourth time this season in Week 16 against the Cardinals. His overall numbers were not that impressive, however, as he completed 12 of 26 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown in the 28-13 win. Cutler completed just one of his first 11 passes, then went 5 of 5 on a touchdown drive in the final minutes of the first half, hooking up with Brandon Marshall for an 11-yard scoring strike. Cutler also gained 8 yards on three carries while posting a 76.8 passer rating in the victory.
Analysis: Cutler has thrown just three touchdown passes over the last three games but at least he helped the Bears snap their three-game losing streak on Sunday. Chicago faces a must-win situation in the regular season finale against Detroit and with running back Matt Forte a little banged him, it will be up to the 29-year-old to have an efficient outing. Cutler threw for just 150 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions when he faced the Lions earlier in the year, however, so consider him as more of a low-end option in Fantasy for Week 17.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has had success in the past against the Cardinals but could be in for a rough outing when the two teams face off in Week 16. Arizona ranks fourth in the league in pass defense, giving up under 200 yards per game, and has limited opposing quarterbacks to an average of 11.9 Fantasy points. Cutler has thrown for 630 yards with a 5-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio in two career games against the Cardinals.
Analysis: Cutler has averaged just 204 yards passing in his four games since returning from a concussion and has thrown five touchdowns compared to four interceptions over that span. The offensive line in Chicago has not helped him much this season as he continues to see constant pressure in his face on most passing downs but he is still three touchdown passes away from reaching 20 for the fifth time in his career. The Cardinals have an athletic front-seven that should be able to both Cutler in Week 16 so consider him as more of a low-end option in Fantasy.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler went 12 of 21 with 135 yards and a touchdown during Chicago's 21-13 loss to Green Bay in Week 15. Cutler, whose 21 attempts were his fewest of the season when playing an entire game, also threw an interception. He posted his only touchdown pass when he connected with Brandon Marshall -- his favorite target -- on a 15-yard strike in the first quarter. It was the third time in the past four games he has been held to just one touchdown pass, while he's been picked off four times in that span.
Analysis: Cutler now has 17 touchdown passes to 14 interceptions as his season continues to be marred by inconsistency. He has just one outing with more than two touchdown passes compared to three games with multiple interceptions. But his latest poor performance could be attributed to the opponent as the Packers have abused him for five interceptions and a staggering 11 sacks during the teams' two meeting this season. Cutler is also dealing with a sprained MCL in his knee which severely limited his mobility Sunday. He could experience a modest rebound in Week 16 at Arizona, but remains a low-end Fantasy option in deeper formats at this point.
News: After some slight concern surrounding his knee and neck injuries, Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler is officially active for the Week 15 showdown against Green Bay. Cutler, who was listed as probable, will start Sunday's game despite battling a sprained MCL in his knee.
Analysis: In his previous game against Green Bay, Cutler was sacked seven times -- the second-highest total in his career -- as he completed just 40.7 percent of his passes for one touchdown while being picked off four times. Over his past four games overall, Cutler has recorded four touchdown passes to five interceptions. The Packers are permitting an average of 18.1 Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season but with his recent ineffectiveness and injury concerns, Cutler is a risky option in most formats for Week 15.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is expected to start during Week 15 against Green Bay despite pestering neck and knee injuries that have limited him at practice over the past week, the Chicago Tribune reports. He is officially listed as probable on the team's injury report. Cutler has been battling a sprained MCL in his knee, an injury he reportedly sustained in last Sunday's loss to Minnesota. The team had previously stated he only suffered a neck injury against the Vikings. Bears coach Lovie Smith said he isn't concerned about Cutler's mobility as he prepares to face a Packers team that owns the 17th-ranked pass defense in the leagues (235.2 passing yards allowed per game).
Analysis: Smith might not be worried about Cutler for Sunday's clash, but Fantasy owners should have some pause in starting the 29-year-old. In his previous game against Green Bay, Cutler was sacked seven times -- the second-highest total in his career -- as he completed just 40.7 percent of his passes for one touchdown while being picked off four times. Over his past four games overall, Cutler has recorded four touchdown passes to five interceptions. The Packers are permitting an average of 18.1 Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season but with his recent ineffectiveness and injury concerns, Cutler is a risky option in most formats for Week 15.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was limited in practice Thursday because of neck and knee injuries, but coach Lovie Smith called him good to go for Week 15 vs. Green Bay.
Analysis: There is no surprise here. Cutler has been saying all week he intends to play Week 15 and it appears that will happen. However, Cutler has been very inconsistent from a Fantasy standpoint in 2012 and has very low-end Fantasy appeal Week 15. He completed 11 of 27 passes for 126 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions in a Week 2 loss at Green Bay.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who sustained a neck injury Week 14, said Wednesday he expects to start Week 15 vs. Green Bay. "I feel good. I'll be ready to go on Sunday," he said.
Analysis: No surprise here. Cutler said Monday he should be ready to play Week 15 and reiterated those sentiments Wednesday. He is not dealing with a major injury and the Bears have a game with playoff implications Week 15, so you would expect Cutler to play. Still, Cutler isn't a Top 20 Fantasy quarterback this season and is more of a desperation Fantasy start Week 15. He completed 11 of 27 passes for 126 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions in a Week 2 loss at Green Bay.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler said during his weekly radio appearance Monday he "should be ready to go later in the week," per ESPN. Cutler was knocked out of Sunday's game against the Vikings late in the fourth quarter with a neck injury. "Really stiff," Cutler said of his neck after the game. "It started stiffing up some more as the game progressed, getting some spasms on the left side so I just have to take it day by day." On Monday, coach Lovie Smith said Cutler's neck injury is "normal soreness you'd have from a stiff neck."
Analysis: There was some initial concern Sunday Cutler might have sustained another head injury after taking a vicious hit late in the fourth quarter, but that isn't the case. It appears he has just a minor neck injury and should be ready for Week 15 vs. Green Bay. Still, Cutler isn't a Top 20 Fantasy quarterback this season and is more of a desperation Fantasy start Week 15. He completed 11 of 27 passes for 126 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions in a Week 2 loss at Green Bay.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was unable to finish the game Week 14 at Minnesota because of a neck injury. The Bears were trailing 21-7 late in the fourth quarter when Cutler took a vicious hit to the head. Cutler would finish out that series, which ended with Chicago turning the football over on downs, but he wouldn't come back out for the next series. "Really stiff," Cutler said of his neck, per ESPN. "It started stiffing up some more as the game progressed, getting some spasms on the left side so I just have to take it day by day." Cutler, who was replaced by Jason Campbell, completed 22 of 44 passes for 260 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. His touchdown pass was a 23-yard completion to Alshon Jeffery, who also dropped a 39-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
Analysis: Remember, Cutler sat out Week 11 against the 49ers because of a concussion. Luckily, it doesn't appear he sustained another head injury, which is good news. CBSSports.com NFL Insider Jason La Canfora reports the early prognosis is Cutler is likely OK, but the team will evaluate him again Monday. Still, with a potential playoff berth on the line, unless Cutler is really hurt, then he will likely play Week 15 against the Packers. Regardless, Cutler continues to be an inconsistent Fantasy option and would be just a low-end Fantasy option in deeper formats Week 15.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler aims for his sixth straight win against the Vikings Week 14. In his last five meetings against the NFC North rival, Cutler has thrown for 1,159 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions. He has a 100.9 quarterback rating in those five wins. Including the playoffs, the Bears are 26-1 when Cutler has at least a 100 quarterback rating. Cutler led Chicago to a 28-10 win against Minnesota in Week 12. He completed 23 of 31 passes for 188 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Quarterbacks average 243.6 passing yards and 20.5 Fantasy points per week against Minnesota, which is the seventh-highest average in the NFL. Quarterbacks have totaled 22 touchdowns (19 passing) to 10 turnovers (seven interceptions) in 12 games against Minnesota.
Analysis: Cutler is on track to have his fifth season with at least 20 passing touchdowns. However, he continues to be a very erratic Fantasy option. He is averaging just 203.2 passing yards per game this season, which is the second-lowest average of his career. The Bears are winning games this season because of their stellar defense and balance on offense. Basically, the team is asking Cutler to move the chains and avoid turnovers. Cutler has a big-play receiver in Brandon Marshall, but that's about all he has in the passing game. While Cutler has a favorable history against Minnesota, he still has low-end Fantasy appeal for Week 14.
News: Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler did his best to get his team a win on Sunday in the Week 13 game at home against Seattle. Unfortunately, it wasn't in the cards for the Bears in Week 13. Chicago fell in overtime but Cutler still played well. He went 17 of 26 for 233 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Cutler threw a 12-yard TD pass to Earl Bennett early in the game and hit Matt Forte for another 12-yard score in the third quarter. He added 27 rushing yards on four carries.
Analysis: Cutler has thrown just three touchdown passes in his last three games and was inactive for another as he's had a tough stretch to the season. That said, he was back on track in the Week 13 contest and should be fine going forward. Cutler should be a reliable Fantasy start for Week 14 at Minnesota.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler totaled four touchdowns the last time he faced the Seahawks and will be looking for similar success when the NFC foes meet again in Week 13. He threw for 274 yards and two scores and also ran in two touchdowns when the two teams met in the 2010 NFC Divisional Playoffs. Seattle ranks third in the league in pass defense, giving up under 201 yards per game, and has limited opposing quarterbacks to an average of 12.3 Fantasy points.
Analysis: Cutler returned from a concussion a week ago and completed 23 of 31 passes for 188 yards with one touchdown and an interception. While the Seahawks have been tough against the pass thus far, they could be without defensive backs Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner for Sunday's contest as they are both facing a suspension. Still, Seattle has a potent pass rush and Chicago's offensive line has not been able to protect Cutler much this season. Continue to view Cutler as more of a low-end Fantasy quarterback for Week 13.
News: After missing Week 11 with a concussion, quarterback Jay Cutler returned in Week 12 to lead the Bears to a 28-10 win over the Vikings. Cutler completed 23 of 31 passes for 188 yards, though he did not gain more than 20 yards on any of his completions. His lone touchdown pass was a 13-yarder to tight end Matt Spaeth. Cutler was largely able to avoid the interceptions that have frequently plagued him, though he was picked off by Vikings defensive back Antoine Winfield in the third quarter. He also finished with nine rushing yards on three carries.
Analysis: Cutler returned from his absence more accurate than usual, but the end result was not much different for Fantasy owners. He failed to accumulate more than 200 passing yards, even though he was facing a mediocre Vikings pass defense, and with just one touchdown pass, there wasn't much production from a Fantasy standpoint. Things won't get easier in Week 13, when the Bears face the Seahawks, so Cutler remains nothing more than a low-end option.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was listed as active for Week 12, and according to NFL Network, he will be making the start against the Vikings. He had been cleared to play on Saturday after having missed Week 11 against the 49ers due to a concussion.
Analysis: Cutler is set to return after his one-week layoff, but owners in most formats will be looking to use a more productive option. This could be one of Cutler's better starts, as the Vikings' pass defense has already allowed 17 passing touchdowns this season, but even at his best this year, he has been more of a low-end quarterback.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has been cleared to return to action for Week 12 against Minnesota Sunday. Cutler had not been cleared as of Friday but got the clearance he seeked Saturday, reports the Chicago Sun-Times. Cutler is expected to take back over for Jason Campbell and start Sunday's game against the Vikings. "It's always good to have your starter back," Bears running back Matt Forte said. "Jay is very comfortable in this offense and in the passing game especially. We've got to get the running game going to help out the passing game."
Analysis: Cutler sounds like he'd good to return against a Vikings defense that is allowing 229.1 passing yards per game this season. He owns a solid 5-1 record against Minnesota with 100.8 passer rating. Aside from the outing he suffered the concussion, the 29-year-old has started to regain his composure in the pocket and cut down on his mistakes. Over his past three games prior to Week 10, Cutler has recorded five touchdown passes to just one interception while completing 64.2 percent of his passes. Minnesota has been burned by deep plays this year and Cutler becomes a decent low-end option for Week 12.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (concussion) was labeled questionable on the team's injury report, but still needs to be cleared by an independent doctor in order to suit up for Week 12 against Minnesota, the Chicago Tribune reports. Cutler participated in practice on a limited basis the past two days after missing Week 11 at San Francisco with a concussion. "He’s looking better," coach Lovie Smith said. "The last phase of his evaluation will be [Saturday]. Then we will be able to let you know a little more from there. If Cutler is unable to play, Jason Campbell is expected to start in his place against a Vikings defense that is allowing 229.1 passing yards per game this season.
Analysis: Cutler is hoping to return to game action Sunday as he owns a solid 5-1 record against Minnesota with 100.8 passer rating. Aside from the outing he suffered the concussion, the 29-year-old has started to regain his composure in the pocket and cut down on his mistakes. Over his past three games prior to Week 10, Cutler has recorded five touchdown passes to just one interception while completing 64.2 percent of his passes. Minnesota has been burned by deep plays this year and is yielding an average of 21.6 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Fantasy owners should view Cutler as a low-end option in deeper formats if he's able to play in Week 12.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler practiced on a limited basis on Thursday in preparation for the team's home game vs. Minnesota on Sunday. Cutler missed the team's Week 11 debacle at San Francisco with a concussion.
Analysis: Cutler said Tuesday the goal was for him to take practice reps, but obviously he has to go through the NFL protocols for concussions before that happens. Cutler is on the day-to-day watch. The Bears didn't get great play from Jason Campbell against the 49ers Monday, so getting Cutler back is important. However, the Bears aren't going to jeopardize his health or long-term outlook. If Cutler is back Week 12, then he will be just a low-end Fantasy starter -- we'd prefer the likes of Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson to Cutler despite the favorable matchup vs. the Vikes.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who sat out Week 11 with a concussion, reiterated Wednesday he still isn't sure about playing Week 12 vs. Minnesota. "I don't know. We'll see," he said. Cutler said he wasn't going to visit the doctor Wednesday, but added he is not experiencing any symptoms. Coach Lovie Smith told reporters Cutler would have practiced Wednesday had one been scheduled. Smith wouldn't say, however, if Cutler would play Sunday. Smith said Cutler has been cleared to practice, but not cleared by independent neurologist to play in game. The Bears return to practice Thursday.
Analysis: Cutler said Tuesday the goal was for him to take practice reps, but obviously he has to go through the NFL protocols for concussions before that happens. Cutler is on the day-to-day watch. The Bears didn't get great play from Jason Campbell against the 49ers Monday, so getting Cutler back is important. However, the Bears aren't going to jeopardize his health or long-term outlook. If Cutler is back Week 12, then he will be just a low-end Fantasy starter.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler said during a radio interview Tuesday he is feeling good, but he isn't sure he is going to play Week 12 at Chicago. Cutler sat out Week 11 because of a concussion. "We're going through the process," Cutler said, per ESPN. "Met with them Monday morning, the doctor. Got a few more hoops to jump through, so we'll see how it goes this week." Cutler said he will be back this season, but his Sunday status is up in the air. "Moving forward, I'm going to play the same way I play," he said. "I'm going to enjoy football. And hopefully I don't get another concussion."
Analysis: Cutler intends to work out Tuesday. He has scheduled doctors visits Wednesday and Thursday. The goal is for him to take practice reps this week, so it seems Cutler is on the day-to-day watch. The Bears didn't get great play from Jason Campbell against the 49ers, so getting Cutler back is important. However, the Bears aren't going to jeopardize his health or long-term outlook. If Cutler is back Week 12, then he will be just a low-end Fantasy starter.
News: Bears coach Lovie Smith told the Chicago Sun-Times after Monday's loss to the 49ers that quarterback Jay Cutler could return for Week 12 against the Vikings. Cutler did not make the trip to San Francisco in Week 11 due to a concussion. His replacement, Jason Campbell, completed 14 of 22 passes for 107 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in the 32-7 loss. "He was feeling better. He got better as time went along," Smith said of Cutler. "We left him at home, didn't have him fly out. He was feeling a lot better by the end of the week so it's looking good.''
Analysis: Cutler sustained the concussion on a vicious hit during Week 10 but it looks as though he should be able to return against Minnesota. Keep an eye on his status leading up to Week 12 as the NFL has strict rules and protocols when it comes head injuries. Cutler can be a reliable option in Fantasy -- depending on the matchup -- and would be worth a look in some formats if able to return against the Vikings.
News: Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler was officially listed among the team's inactive players for the Week 11 Monday night game at San Francisco. Cutler was ruled out earlier in the week with a concussion and will miss his first game of the season. Jason Campbell will take his spot as the starter for the Bears.
Analysis: Cutler was not likely to suit up for Monday night and all speculation came to an end when he was ruled out earlier in the week. The inconsistent 29-year-old has connected on only 50 percent of his passes before departing last week and was picked off twice -- just the second time this season he recorded multiple interceptions. It's unclear how long he will be sidelined as he still need to pass the league's mandatory concussion tests. He should not be active in any leagues for Week 11.
News: As anticipated, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (concussion) will miss his first game of the season after being ruled out for Week 11 at San Francisco, the Chicago Tribune reports. Jason Campbell will take his spot as the starter for the Bears on Monday night after replacing Cutler for the start of the second half of last Sunday's game against Houston after he sustained a concussion in the second quarter.
Analysis: Cutler seemed highly unlikely to play Monday and the Bears wasted little time making the announcement official. The inconsistent 29-year-old was connected on only 50 percent of his passes before departing last Sunday and was picked off twice -- just the second time this season he recorded multiple interceptions. It's unclear how long he will be sidelined as he still need to pass the league's mandatory concussion tests. Fantasy owners should look to other options over Campbell for Week 11, including Andy Dalton, Joe Flacco and Sam Bradford.
News: As the Bears continue to evaluate quarterback Jay Cutler, who suffered a concussion Week 10, heading into Week 11 at San Francisco, defensive lineman Henry Melton weighed in on the matter Thursday. "I've seen him a little bit. He looks like the same ol' Jay. He said he was feeling good," Melton said. Although, Melton did sound a little pessimistic in regards to Cutler's status for Monday's game. "It is bigger than Monday. We have a long season and we'll need him for it," Melton said. If Cutler is out, then Jason Campbell will start for Chicago. Cutler did not practice Wednesday, but coach Lovie Smith said Cutler doesn't have to practice to play. "(Cutler) is feeling better, and it normally goes like that," Smith said, per ESPN. "You get better each day with an injury, with just how you're feeling. That's why you're optimistic, and you have to take it each day. We're hopeful (Friday) that he'll be better than he is today."
Analysis: Perhaps the extra day could help Cutler prepare to play Week 11, but as Melton points out, the Bears need Cutler for the long haul. NFL teams have been very cautious these days when players suffer a concussion, so it wouldn't be surprising if Cutler sits out Week 11, especially since the 49ers have a relentless defense. Even if Cutler plays, he would be a low-end Fantasy option. Fantasy owners should look toward healthier alternatives. Potential replacements include Andy Dalton, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Joe Flacco and Sam Bradford.
News: Bears coach Lovie Smith gave a brief update Wednesday on the status of injured quarterback Jay Cutler, who sustained a concussion Week 10. "He is getting better," Smith told reporters. "We are still evaluating him. He is meeting with people." The Bears don't play until Monday, so the team won't release an injury report until Thursday. If Cutler is out Week 11 at San Francisco, then Jason Campbell will start for Chicago.
Analysis: Cutler will have to go through the NFL mandated concussion protocol before being cleared to play. The Bears haven't ruled out Cutler for Week 11, so there is still a chance he suits up. But even if Cutler plays, it's a tough matchup, so Fantasy owners might want to look toward a healthier alternative. Potential replacements include Andy Dalton, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Joe Flacco and Sam Bradford.
News: Bears coach Lovie Smith didn't offer up a detailed update on the status of quarterback Jay Cutler, who didn't play in the second half Week 10 vs. Houston because of a concussion. Smith said Cutler was feeling a lot better Monday, but he isn't sure if he will play Week 11 at San Francisco (Monday). Smith also said Cutler was feeling better by the end of Sunday's game.
Analysis: You can't be surprised here. Cutler will go through the NFL protocol for concussions and is on the day-to-day watch right now. The good news is that the Bears don't play until next Monday. The bad news is that if Cutler is questionable, then Fantasy owners might have to start a healthier alternative Sunday. It's a tough matchup anyway, so Cutler would be a low-end Fantasy option. If he is out, then Jason Campbell draws the start and he is only a desperation Fantasy play.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was knocked out of Sunday's game against the Texans in Week 10 after being diagnosed with a concussion. Cutler took a tough, helmet-to-helmet hit from Tim Dobbins late in the first half, which was called for unnecessary roughness. He was able to play for another drive (seven snaps) to close out the second quarter, but was held out of the game after halftime. He was replaced by Jason Campbell to start the second half. Cutler completed 11 of 18 passes for 64 yards and was picked off twice before leaving the game. Head coach Lovie Smith told reporters that he is no ruling Cutler out for Week 11 at this point.
Analysis: Cutler seemed to be a bit off throughout the game as he had to battle with brutal weather conditions (strong winds and heavy rain), which resulted in two interceptions. It seems as if Cutler tried to play through his concussion late in the first half without alerting his trainers, so we'll have to keep an eye on his post-concussion symptoms moving forward. This is obviously why the Bears signed Campbell during the offseason, as Cutler has been plagued by injuries in the past few seasons. According to the Chicago Tribune, this would be his third concussion in the NFL and the sixth in his career. At this time, there is no official timetable for the 29-year-old as he'll likely be further evaluated on Monday. Cutler is considered as a low-end reserve Fantasy quarterback in most formats, even when healthy.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler will have a tough task at hands heading into Week 10 at home against the Texans. Cutler, who threw for 229 yards and three touchdowns against the Titans in Week 9, will face a Houston defense that has allowed just one touchdown and 386 combined yards passing in the last two games. Cutler has thrown for four touchdowns and has been picked off just once in his previous two games. "We're playing with a lead," Cutler said. "It's easy to predict what (defense) they're going to be in when you're up 20 points. They've got to stop the run, so we're going to throw it outside if we have to make some plays and we're going to get one-on-one matchups."
Analysis: The Bears may not have the luxury of building a big lead come Sunday, so Cutler may get different looks before the snap. Cutler has benefited from Brandon Marshall's big-play abilities, which has helped him have the league's best quarterback rating (138.1) in Week 9. He has not racked up as many yards this season and has only gone over 300 yards in the opening game of the season. Opposing quarterbacks have averaged just 14.8 Fantasy points per game against the Texans, making Cutler merely a low-end reserve option in most formats heading into Week 10.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler threw for 229 yards on Sunday against the Titans, connecting for three touchdowns -- all to Brandon Marshall. He also rushed once for 12 yards.
Analysis: The game looks good on paper, but Cutler benefited from Marshall's freak athleticism as well as a 47-yard Matt Forte run off a screen pass in the third quarter. While it's encouraging to see Cutler not throw an interception, he did manage a fumble in the second quarter, his fourth fumble and 12th turnover of the season. This isn't to dump on Cutler, just to temper possible over-reacting to a good game against a weak pass defense. In Week 10, the Bears face the Texans, who have given up the fifth-fewest passing yards this season. There may be some momentum from the win here, but expect the numbers to take a bit of a hit as Cutler, who has been sacked more times than all but two quarterbacks in the NFL, meets a defense that has the sixth-most sacks.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who is third in the NFL in sacks (25) and eighth in interceptions (eight) is lined up for a decent performance in Week 9 against the Titans, who are near the bottom of the league in both categories. Additionally, the Titans have allowed the third-most Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, and have given up the fourth-most passing yards in the league.
Analysis: Cutler entered his bye week on a roll, averaging 283.5 yards over the two games leading into the off week. He emerged having lost all that momentum, averaging just 168 yards over the two following the bye. While he threw four touchdowns and one interception over the two games just before the bye, Cutler threw just two touchdowns and one interception in the two following. His Week 9 matchup against the Titans should change his fortunes. An important weapon missing from his arsenal in the two games following the bye was Alshon Jeffery, who remains out with a hand injury. For Cutler to return to form, either Earl Bennett or Devin Hester must step up as a secondary target to Brandon Marshall. Until that happens, Cutler is probably bench material. But desperate owners dealing with bye weeks may want to consider Cutler as a starter against a weak Tennessee pass defense.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler might be happy to help his team earn their sixth win of the season, but his Fantasy owners can't be happy with his stats. Cutler completed 19 of 28 passes for 186 yards including a 12-yard touchdown to Kellen Davis, but he also threw an interception and fumbled the ball away twice. The Bears' offensive line had a hard time with the Panthers' defensive front and Cutler was sacked six times. It wasn't until the second half when Cutler got into a rhythm and especially was sharp on the team's game-winning drive that ended with a 41-yard field goal to clinch the victory. Coach Lovie Smith said Cutler took a hit on the ribs his very first pass attempt, when he was sacked; a penalty negated the play. But there were six more sacks to follow in the first half that actually counted. It's been a pattern of late for the Bears O-line, which has allowed 11 sacks in the last two games. "It was pathetic offensively what we put out there. It wasn't up to our standard," Cutler said. "We have to get better. We know that. Our fans know that. Luckily, we got out of there with a win, but the first half is nothing to be proud of."
Analysis: Cutler doesn't have a 300-yard game since Week 1 and hasn't had a two-touchdown game in two straight. It seems like Cutler's ceiling for Fantasy points is around 250 yards and two scores, and that's if he doesn't turn the ball over. However, that's a ceiling he might be able to reach at Tennessee in Week 9 as the Titans have allowed 19-plus Fantasy points to every starting quarterback they've faced this season. Cutler's offensive line might keep him from being as effective as he could be as the Titans' pass rush got after Andrew Luck in Week 8. Play it safe and consider other options along with Cutler in Week 9.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was active as expected for Sunday’s game against the Panthers, after being listed as probable for the game with a rib injury.
Analysis: Cutler was able to practice in full Thursday and Friday and was never expected to miss time. He struggled last season against the Panthers, and we don’t have huge expectations for this week. Consider him a decent bye-week replacement option for Week 8.
News: Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler (ribs) practiced in full for the second consecutive day Friday and was listed as probable for Week 8 against Carolina. Cutler suffered bruised ribs during last Monday's win over Detroit, but said he intended to play versus the Panthers. Only one quarterback has thrown multiple touchdowns against the Panthers this year with two passers totaling two or more scores. On average the Panthers are allowing 262 passing yards per game; Cutler is averaging 226.5 passing yards per game but has supplemented his stats with at least 22 rush yards in each of his last two.
Analysis: Cutler did very little against the Panthers in 2011, throwing for just 102 yards and no touchdowns with an interception in a 34-29 win for Chicago. We expect Cutler to do better than that here in Week 8, but not produce huge statistics. Consider him a good enough one-week replacement option for the matchup -- we'll like him more when he plays at the Titans in Week 9. Carolina is surrendering an average of 17.3 Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season, which included at least 15 points allowed on four separate occasions.
News:Jay Cutler will take on the Panthers at home in Week 8, a matchup that might not look as good as Carolina's 1-5 record might suggest. The Panthers lost cornerback Chris Gamble and linebacker Jon Beason for the season this week but have played moderately well without them lately, holding Tony Romo to just 227 yards and a touchdown in Week 7. In fact only one quarterback has thrown multiple touchdowns against the Panthers this year with two passers totaling two or more scores. On average the Panthers are allowing 262 passing yards per game; Cutler is averaging 226.5 passing yards per game but has supplemented his stats with at least 22 rush yards in each of his last two. Cutler was limited in practice earlier this week thanks to a rib injury suffered against the Lions last Monday.
Analysis: Cutler did very little against the Panthers in 2011, throwing for just 102 yards and no touchdowns with an interception in a 34-29 win for Chicago. We expect Cutler to do better than that here in Week 8, but not produce huge statistics. Consider him a good enough one-week replacement option for the matchup -- we'll like him more when he plays at the Titans in Week 9.
News: Nothing has changed with the status of Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who missed some time during Monday's game against the Lions because of bruised ribs. Cutler said Tuesday he would play Week 8 vs. Carolina and coach Lovie Smith echoed those sentiments Wednesday. "He should be fine, good to go," Smith said.
Analysis: Cutler said Tuesday he was sore, but he doesn't plan to to any painkillers or do anything different leading up to Sunday's game. Still, Cutler continues to be a frustrating Fantasy player. He is inconsistent, which is why he mainly remains a backup Fantasy quarterback to start when he has a favorable matchup. He will be a low-end Fantasy start Week 8.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports Bears quarterback Jay Cutler said during a weekly radio show appearance Tuesday he is feeling the effects of suffering bruised ribs Monday against the Lions, but he will be "good to go" Week 8 vs. Carolina. ''It was a tough hit,'' Cutler said. ''He caught me just right. It was an awkward fall more than anything and kind of caught me on his knee and the ball a little bit. I'll be all right.'' Cutler said he doesn't plan to to any painkillers or do anything different leading up to Sunday's game. ''I'm just tight,'' he said. ''Everyday movements I'm all right. We have to throw on Thursday, s it'll be a little bit tight. I'll be good to go by Sunday.''
Analysis: Cutler was taken to the locker room late in the second quarter Monday after taking a punishing hit from Ndamukong Suh. He returned in the second half and finished out the win. His stats weren't impressive, but at least Cutler isn't expected to miss any time moving forward. Cutler continues to be a frustrating Fantasy player. He is inconsistent, which is why he mainly remains a backup Fantasy quarterback to start when he has a favorable matchup. He will be a low-end Fantasy start Week 8.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler missed a couple of series in Week 7 against the Lions after taking a big hit from Ndamukong Suh but was able to return and lead Chicago to the win. He completed 9 of 17 passes for 73 yards and a touchdown in the first half but was taken to the locker room right before halftime to be examined for bruised ribs. Cutler returned at the start of the third quarter and finished 16 of 31 for 150 yards in the 13-7 victory. His lone scoring strike came in the first quarter when he hooked up with wideout Brandon Marshall from 7 yards out. Cutler also gained 34 yards on three carries while posting a 76 passer rating. "I wasn't feeling exactly 100 percent, but we had to fight through it.," Cutler told the Chicago Sun-Times.
Analysis: Cutler appeared to be slowed a bit after taking a vicious hit from Suh but was able to tough it out to lead the Bears to their fifth win of the season. He has thrown for under 200 yards twice thus far but has been efficient of late with a 5-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio in the previous three games. Owners know that the 29-year-old has been prone to thrown a ton of interceptions throughout his career but the addition of Brandon Marshall has given the Bears an improved passing game. Owners in need of a bye-week option should consider Cutler for Week 8 against the Panthers. When Cutler faced Carolina a year ago, he completed just 9 of 17 passes for 102 yards and an interception.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler returned to the game in Week 7 against the Lions after being examined for bruised ribs during halftime. He took a hard hit from defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh in the second quarter and was down on the ground for a few minutes. He was able to walk off the field under his own power and initially missed just one play. But after Chicago got the ball back with under two minutes left in the half, backup Jason Campbell was under center. Cutler completed 9 of 17 passes for 73 yards and a touchdown in the first half. He also gained 35 yards on two carries.
Analysis: Cutler took a vicious hit from Suh but appears to be fine after being checked out. The offensive line in Chicago continues to struggle so owners should keep an eye on how the 29-year-old holds up in the second half. Cutler has an 8-to-7 touchdown thus far and should be considered a viable option in Fantasy when going well.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler left Week 7 against the Lions late in the second quarter due to an undisclosed injury. He took a hard hit from defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh in the second quarter and was down on the ground for a few minutes. He was able to walk off the field under his own power and initially missed just one play. But after Chicago got the ball back with under two minutes left in the half, backup Jason Campbell was under center. Cutler was taken to the locker room early to under X-rays on his ribs. Cutler completed 9 of 17 passes for 73 yards and a touchdown before the early exit. He also gained 35 yards on two carries.
Analysis: Cutler took a vicious hit from Suh and appeared to be fine as he went back in the game but the Bears will make sure he is not seriously injured before running him back out there. He was putting together a productive first half before leaving so keep an eye on his status going forward. Cutler's knock in Fantasy has always been his high-turnover rate but he is productive enough to be considered as a viable option in most formats, when healthy.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has won five of his last six starts against the Lions and will look to keep things going when he faces the division foe again in Week 7. Detroit ranks 16th in the league in pass defense, giving up over 227 yards per game, and has allowed an average of 18.2 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. In two games against the Lions a year ago, Cutler threw for 372 yards with one touchdown.
Analysis: Cutler has already thrown seven interceptions this season, which matches his total from a year ago, but he has been able to rack up the yards thus far and is on pace for his best campaign since 2009. The addition of wideout Brandon Marshall in the offseason has helped him air the ball out more and he should be able to do some damage against the Lions on Sunday. Cutler can frustrate owners at times but plan on keeping him active in the majority of Fantasy formats for Week 7.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler had a lackluster performance early on in Week 5 against the Jaguars but was able to pick things up late. He hooked up with Alshon Jeffery on a 10-yard scoring strike on the first play of the fourth quarter before tossing his second touchdown to Brandon Marshall later in the half, this time from 24 yards out. Cutler completed 23 of 39 passes for 292 yards with the two touchdowns and an interception in the 41-3 win. He also gained 22 yards on two carries while posting an 88.8 passer rating.
Analysis: After a couple of down weeks, Cutler has come back strong over the last two games with 567 yards passing and a four-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Marshall continues to be his go-to guy, like he was in their days in Denver, and the two are on pace for some productive numbers. Owners know that the 29-year-old can be erratic at times but Cutler can be useful in Fantasy, especially if you pick and choose your matchups with him. Leave him reserved for Week 6, however, as the Bears are on a bye. Heading into Week 7 against the Lions, consider Cutler worth a look in larger formats. In two games against Detroit a year ago, Cutler threw for 372 yards with one touchdown.
News: Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler will attempt to build off arguably his finest outing of the season during Week 5 at Jacksonville. During last Monday's win over Dallas, Cutler completed a season-high 75 percent of his passes while throwing two touchdown passes and no interceptions for the first time this year. The Jaguars are surrendering 254.4 passing yards per game to opposing quarterbacks early this season.
Analysis: After throwing for less than 200 yards in each of the previous two games, Cutler was able to get back on track Monday night and provided some hope he can be an effective quarterback. Despite losing a fumble in the second half, he still registered his highest passer rating since Nov. 28, 2010 against Philadelphia (140.1) and netted 11.46 yards per attempt. He remains inconsistent, but Fantasy owners should view him as a possible option in deeper formats for Week 5 as the Jaguars have allowed an average of 17.0 Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler got off to a slow start in Week 4 against the Cowboys but ended up having a productive performance. He completed 8 of 13 passes for 67 yards through the first two quarters before coming out slinging after halftime. Cutler hooked up with wideout Devin Hester for a 34-yard scoring strike on the opening drive of the second half before finding a wide open Brandon Marshall in the fourth quarter, and Marshall ran untouched for the 31-yard touchdown. Cutler finished 18 of 24 for 275 yards with no interceptions in the 34-18 win. He was also sacked just twice in the contest, including losing a fumble in the second half. Cutler's passer rating of 140.1 was his highest since Nov. 28, 2010 against Eagles, when he had 146.2.
Analysis: After throwing for under 200 yards in each of the previous two games, Cutler was able to get back on track Monday night and played an efficient game all around. It was the first time this season he was not picked off and he showed owners what he can do when given time in the pocket to get the ball down field. The 29-year-old has shown glimpses of being a reliable option in Fantasy before but his inconsistencies hinder his value. Still, with Jacksonville on the schedule for Week 5, Cutler can be considered a viable option in the majority of formats.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler had a productive performance the last time he faced the Cowboys and will be looking for similar success against them again in Week 4. When he took on Dallas in 2010, he threw for 277 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Cutler will have a tough task as the Cowboys rank second in the league in pass defense, giving up 137 yards per game, and have held opposing quarterbacks to an average of 11.3 Fantasy points.
Analysis: Cutler has thrown for under 200 yards each of the last two games and has a 1-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio over that span. The Bears' offensive line hasn't done him many favors but the 29-year-old continues to turn the ball over at a high rate. The Cowboys will likely pin their ears back and rush Cutler constantly Monday night so it could be a long game for him. Plan on leaving Cutler reserved in the majority of Fantasy formats for Week 4.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler completed 17 of 31 passes on Sunday for no touchdowns against the Rams in a 23-6 victory. He was intercepted once.
Analysis: Cutler didn't look great, but he wasn't exactly terrible, either. The team seemed stuck in the mud offensively for much of the game, and didn't really get a rhythm going at any point on Sunday. Even on the game's longest play -- a 34-yard deep pass to Brandon Marshall -- Cutler essentially heaved the ball up and let Marshall fight to bring it down. To his credit, the CBS broadcast showed Cutler dealing with a bloodied thumb on the sideline, so he did play through some kind of injury. But Cutler's Fantasy owners can't be happy with a second straight sub-200 yard performance. At least in Week 2, Cutler managed a touchdown. Drafted ahead of Ben Roethlisberger, Andrew Luck, and Joe Flacco, Cutler's stock is sinking, and he should be riding the bench in all formats outside of two-quarterback leagues until he turns the corner.
News: Is there a more Jekyll/Hyde-ish quarterback in the NFL today than Jay Cutler? In Week 1, Cutler completed 21 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns. In Week 2, Cutler threw for 126 yards with four interceptions and was sacked seven times. Week 3 brings the Rams, who have given up the ninth-most passing yards so far this season and are tied for the second-fewest sacks, with two.
Analysis: The Rams do have the second-most interceptions, though, and feature one of the league's top defensive backs in Cortland Finnegan. Cutler, however, does have some things working in his advantage. He is a much better quarterback at home, averaging almost 20 more yards per game, and has thrown 22 more touchdowns at home than on the road in his career (although he has played four more games at home). Furthermore, Cutler shines in September, averaging almost 50 more yards per game than in any other month. Still, everything we know about Cutler leads to the same destination: we aren't really sure which version is going to show up any given Sunday. In two-quarterback leagues, he's a solid QB2, but he should probably be benched in all other formats.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler spoke about the Packers’ defense in the run up to Week 2 as if he had finally figured them out. Emboldened by a big game in the season opener, Cutler wished the Packers' secondary "good luck” when asked about their chances of stopping his passing game this week. By the time the game ended Thursday night, it was clear the Packers still had Cutler’s number, as he tossed four interceptions in a 23-10 loss. Cutler completed just 11 of 27 passes for 126 yards, and he got next to no help from his teammates, as he had to deal with dropped passes and terrible blocking all game long. Cutler was sacked seven times in the game and was hit another 12 times, which makes his poor numbers understandable. Cutler did manage to toss one touchdown pass, a 21-yard strike to tight end Kellen Davis midway through the fourth quarter, but by that point it was already too late. He is now 0-3 in his career at Lambeau Field.
Analysis: For whatever reason, facing the Packers at Lambeau brings out Cutler’s worst tendencies, as he spent much of the game alternately throwing off his back foot into coverage or holding on to the ball too long and taking sacks. Cutler’s numbers in Green Bay are pitiful, as he has now completed fewer than 50 percent of his passes, with 10 interceptions and just two touchdown passes in three games. This game was expected to be a shootout, but the Bears’ could never get anything going on offense, while the Packers did just enough to win. Luckily for Cutler, he is done with Lambeau Field this season. Things should get easier in Week 3, as the Rams loom on the schedule in Chicago. Cutler remains a decent Fantasy option, but you have to know these sorts of meltdowns are possible when you rely on him as your quarterback.
News: The Packers haven’t had a dominant pass defense since Jay Cutler joined the NFC North with the Bears in 2009-10, but they appear to have had his number without fail. Cutler is hoping to build off a strong season debut in Week 1 against the Colts, as he passed for 333 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception, but he will have to do so against a team that has consistently given him fits. In five games over three seasons against Green Bay, Cutler has thrown just six touchdowns and 11 interceptions, including two of each in their lone matchup last season. In two games in Green Bay, Cutler has proven to be even worse, tossing six interceptions and just one touchdown pass, while completing just over 50 percent of his 75 passing attempts. For hit part, Cutler did not shy away from talking a big game prior to the matchup, telling reporters after practice Tuesday that he expects his receivers to have plenty of room to work. “Good luck,” Cutler said to the Packers' defensive backs. “We’ve got some dudes who will get up in their face. Even our speed guys are going to get around them and our big guys are going to throw and go. We invite press coverage. We invite man. If we get in that type of game, our guys outside have to make some plays for us.”
Analysis: The Packers allowed the most passing yards in the league last season, at 299.8 per game, but they also picked off 31 passes to lead the league by a big margin, and that seems to match up well with Cutler’s risky passing style. Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall highlighted the surprisingly dangerous nature of the Packers’ passing defense after practice Tuesday. ''I think they're really good,'' Marshall said to the Chicago Sun-Times. ''The numbers do no justice. When you look at the talent they have on that side of the ball, especially in the secondary, they can make a big play at any moment. We've got to be prepared for that and try to take advantage of the opportunities they do give us." Cutler is a good bet to post solid yardage totals in what could end up being a shootout, but be prepared for some turnovers, as the Packers will take advantage of his decision making. Still, he will have plenty of opportunities to sling the ball around, so Fantasy owners should consider him a solid starting Fantasy option in most formats for Week 2.
News:Jay Cutler threw for 333 yards and two touchdowns, and the Chicago Bears spoiled Andrew Luck's debut in beating the Indianapolis Colts, 41-21, Week 1. Cutler got off to a brutal start, which included throwing an interception that was returned for a 4-yard touchdown in the first quarter, before settling into a rhythm. Cutler's first touchdown of the day was a 3-yard strike to his favorite target -- Brandon Marshall -- in the second quarter. Cutler then capped the scoring for Chicago with a 42-yard touchdown pass to rookie Alshon Jeffery in the fourth quarter. Cutler fell a yard short of a three-touchdown performance as Earl Bennett's 26-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter was overturned. It was ruled Bennett was down at the 1-yard line. Cutler finished 21 of 35 and was sacked twice.
Analysis: Cutler seems to do his best work in season openers. Cutler has now thrown for 300-plus yards in five of his last six season openers. He also has thrown at least two touchdowns in four of his last five season openers. Now, we just have to hope Cutler can keep the momentum going in 2012. The good news from Week 1 is that even though Mike Martz is no longer calling plays, Cutler will still have plenty of chances to post gaudy numbers for Chicago. He has immediate chemistry with his new top target in Marshall, who finished with 119 yards and 15 targets Sunday. The Bears could end up in a shootout with Green Bay in Week 2, so you might consider starting Cutler in deep formats.
News: The Bears kick off the 2012 season Sunday against the Colts, and it gives quarterback Jay Cutler another chance to shine in Week 1. Cutler has a strong history of performing in season openers. Since 2007, Cutler has failed to throw for at least 300 yards in an opener just once. He has also thrown at least two touchdowns in Week 1 in three of the last four seasons. Cutler opened the 2010 season with 372 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions and last season threw for 312 yards and two touchdowns in the season opener against Atlanta. Cutler is 11-6 with a 62.9 percent completion rate, 30 touchdowns and 19 interceptions in 17 career September games. He is also averaging 275.8 passing yards per game in that span.
Analysis: If you recall, Cutler missed the final six games of the 2011 season because of a broken right thumb. While his preseason numbers were less than spectacular (16 for 34, 218 yards, one touchdown), Cutler's thumb is no longer an issue and he begins the 2012 season healthy. The Bears have a new offensive system in place after letting go offensive coordinator Mike Martz, but new coordinator Mike Tice promises he will still lean on Cutler since he is one of the team's best offensive weapons. The Bears also upgraded their receiving corps this offseason, adding Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. The Colts allowed quarterbacks to average 17.6 Fantasy points per week in 2011. While they have overhauled their coaching staff, the opportunity for Cutler to have a strong performance is there. Cutler might be considered a sleeper start in deep formats for Week 1.
News: Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler continued to find his rhythm with Brandon Marshall in his second preseason appearance against the Giants Friday night. Cutler connected with his new weapon on offense for a 21-yard touchdown late in the first quarter as he targeted Marshall 10 times, finding him five times for 51 yards, accounting for more than half of his passing yards on the night. He completed 9 of 21 passes for 96 yards, as he finished with a 72.7 quarterback rating.
Analysis: Cutler was not as accurate as he hoped to be during the team's third preseason game, which is typically the dress rehearsal for the regular season. Although he was not sacked, the offensive line was a bit shaky against a superb Giants defensive line. The offensive line will have to do a better job of protecting the 29-year-old, as he was limited to 10 games last season due to injury. Cutler has some more weapons on offense, which leaves him with a better chance to succeed this year. He should be viewed as a solid No. 2 Fantasy quarterback on Draft Day, worthy of a mid- to late-round pick in all formats.
News: After he was held out during the first preseason game, Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler was sharp against the Redskins Saturday night. Cutler found his new offensive weapon, Brandon Marshall on the opening play, connecting for a deep 41-yard gain. Marshall was Cutler's top target as he found him twice for 61 yards. He led the Bears to two scoring drives and was limited to just four series with the offense. He completed 7 of 13 passes for 141 yards and was sacked three times in a 33-31 victory.
Analysis: Cutler turned in a pretty quality performance as he was able to connect with Marshall early and often during his limited role Saturday night. It is good to see that they are re-developing a nice rhythm on offense just like their days in Denver. The offensive line will have to do a better job of protecting the 29-year-old, as he was limited to 10 games last season due to injury. Cutler is in a much better position to succeed this year than he has been in the past, and we would expect to see a bigger role in the third preseason game. He should be viewed as a solid No. 2 Fantasy quarterback on Draft Day, worthy of a mid- to late-round pick in all formats.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler's return to the field was delayed Thursday, as the Bears opted to hold him out of the first preseason game against the Broncos, due to the rainy conditions in Chicago. The Chicago Tribune reported that the birth of his son Wednesday morning did not play a part in the team's decision to keep Cutler out.
Analysis: Cutler missed the final six games of last season with a thumb injury, and the Bears finally gave him some help int he receiving corps with the offseason addition of Brandon Marshall, so we wanted to see how Cutler looked, at least in limited playing time. Still, Cutler is in no danger of losing his starting spot, obviously, so it is in the Bears' best interests to keep him out of a potentially dangerous situation with a slick field. Cutler is in a much better position to succeed this year than he has been in the past, and we would expect to see him play in the next preseason game. He should be viewed as a solid No. 2 Fantasy quarterback on Draft Day, worthy of a mid- to late-round pick in all formats.
News: Offensive coordinator Mike Tice is receiving a great deal of input from players in adding or changing plays and terms. Previously, Mike Martz ran a totalitarian regime by calling plays no questions asked and forbidding audibles by quarterback Jay Cutler. Now, Cutler can change plays and make suggestions to Tice, making the offense a better fit for him. "I've got a little bit of input," Cutler said. "Not much, but I've got a few things that I whisper in (Tice's) ear, and he's always receptive of it. ... No matter if a rookie has the idea, Mike has the idea or (QB coach) Jeremy (Bates) or me, whatever's going to work against a given defense we're going to use it."
Analysis: Cutler's in a pretty decent spot this season: His receiving corps has been improved, his run game restocked and his offensive line ... well, two out of three ain't bad. The big plus is the change in scheme -- Cutler should be able to maneuver well despite his O-line's inefficiencies. He's a very solid No. 2 Fantasy QB worth a mid- to late-round pick on Draft Day. We don't even mind him as a starter in teams with 14-plus quarterbacks.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler says his thumb is healed following offseason surgery after breaking it during the 2011 season. And he certainly gives a thumbs-up to the Bears adding Brandon Marshall via trade and Alshon Jeffery in the draft. But he told the Chicago Sun-Times that his offensive line is still a concern of his. "If Gabe [Carimi] comes back, if J'Marcus [Webb] pans out. Where are we going to put Chris Williams? There are some question marks there," Cutler candidly said. "Until we really get that resolved, and get our front five settled in, we've got some work to do on offense. ... There are going to be times it's 3rd and 8, 3rd and 10, and we're going to have to take seven step drops and we're going to have the longer route and they're going to have to protect."
Analysis: Cutler and the Bears know what they have to do: Move the pocket. Several coaches and Cutler himself have talked about using bootleg rollouts on passing plays, something he did in Denver. That keeps defenses on their toes and keeps plays alive. Anything is better than Cutler having to take seven-step drops all the time in Mike Martz's offense, which happened last season. Now he should be able to scamper around and slice up defenses with his arm and his legs. Getting a pair of solid receiving threats will only help him. Without a stud receiver in Chicago, Cutler has averaged 225.8 yards and 1.5 touchdowns per game. Expect that average to go up with the addition of Marshall and Jeffery. Cutler is now worth discussing as a sleeper quarterback worth taking after about a dozen passers go off the board. We'll probably see him taken in Round 8 or 9 in a lot of drafts this summer.
News: The Bears have acquired wide receiver Brandon Marshall from the Dolphins in exchange for two third-round picks. Marshall will re-unite with Jay Cutler, his quarterback during his breakout 2007 and 2008 seasons with the Broncos. Marshall had 206 catches for 2,590 yards and 13 touchdowns over those years.
Analysis: Cutler has lacked a true No. 1 receiver since he left Denver, so he has to be excited about getting him back. Throw in new quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates (who worked with Cutler and Marshall in those Denver days) and there's some synergy worth getting excited about. Without a stud receiver in Chicago, Cutler has averaged 225.8 yards and 1.5 touchdowns per game. Expect that average to go up with the addition of Marshall. Cutler is now worth discussing as a sleeper quarterback worth taking after about a dozen passers go off the board. We'll probably see him taken in Round 8 in a lot of drafts this summer.
News: Bears head coach Lovie Smith told the media at the NFL Scouting Combine that quarterback Jay Cutler's thumb is fine. Cutler broke his right thumb vs. the Chargers on Nov. 20 and missed the rest of the season.
Analysis: The outlook is getting better for Cutler. His thumb is healed, his offense will be run by Mike Tice instead of Mike Martz (Lovie expects a "smooth transition," and his pal from his Denver days, Jeremy Bates, is his quarterbacks coach. If Cutler could get some upgraded receivers and maybe some help along his O-line, he'd be in business. Cutler will be drafted as a No. 2 option but he has some potential to be a big stat producer. He's well worth a middle- to late-round pick in drafts this summer.
News:Jay Cutler has a familiar face joining him on the sidelines in Chicago, and it's one he's had some big stats with. The Bears hired Jeremy Bates to be their quarterbacks coach, just two years after offering him their offensive coordinator position. The two spent three seasons together in Denver with Bates as his quarterbacks coach.
Analysis: Things are looking up for Cutler: Mike Tice is the team's offensive coordinator and play-caller, and he's planning to lean on the no-huddle approach to take advantage of Cutler's skills. Adding Bates will only make Cutler more comfortable as he has a guy he will have faith and trust in working with. Now if Cutler could get some upgraded receivers and maybe some help along his O-line, he'd be in business. Cutler will be drafted as a No. 2 option but he has some potential to be a big stat producer. He's well worth a middle- to late-round pick in drafts this summer.
News: When the Bears promoted Mike Tice to offensive coordinator, many felt it would keep the team in a run-first mentality. But Tice says that's not the case as he told the Chicago Tribune that he plans to fit the offense into the scheme, not the other way around, which was a problem with ex-coordinator Mike Martz's system. Tice admits he'll run plenty, but he wants to cater to the strength of the unit, and that's Jay Cutler's arm. "[He] can make all the throws," Tice said. " ... Right now, we have a great understanding of what our philosophy is going to be. And, all of the stuff that we are going to do, he has done. So that is a good thing."
Analysis: Tice especially is interested in using the no-huddle approach and giving Cutler the chance to get into a rhythm. That's a benefit, as is not changing the terminology, which means there won't be an overhaul on the playcalling system for Cutler to learn. He's far from a perfect quarterback, but anything the Bears can do to keep him comfortable and firing away down the field will go a long way in Fantasy. Cutler will be drafted as a No. 2 option but he has some potential to be a big stat producer. He's well worth a middle- to late-round pick in drafts this summer.
News: Mike Martz will not be retained by the Bears, the team announced Tuesday. That means Jay Cutler will work with his third offensive coordinator in four years in 2012. Martz joined the Bears in 2010 and spent two seasons working with Cutler, who totaled 36 touchdowns and 23 interceptions in 25 starts over that time.
Analysis: Cutler averaged nearly 7.5 yards per attempt with Martz, a number that actually tops his average while working with Mike Shanahan in Denver. What would really help Cutler's stats improve is a boost in his pass protection from his offensive line along with a quality receiver or two. Despite working in a tough offense with Martz, Cutler displayed a tremendous arm and had fairly decent accuracy considering the amount of poor routes and drops by his receivers. He's far from a perfect quarterback, but anything the Bears can do to keep him comfortable and firing away down the field will go a long way in Fantasy. Cutler will be drafted as a No. 2 option but he has some potential to be a big stat producer. He's well worth a middle- to late-round pick in drafts this summer.
News: Chicago QB Jay Cutler had the pins removed from his injured right thumb on Tuesday. That said, on Monday it was believed that Cutler might attempt to return from his injury and play Week 17 at Minnesota in the season finale. That won't happen, however, as the Bears placed Cutler on season-ending injured reserve Tuesday. Josh McCown will continue starting for the Bears against the Vikings Week 17 in the final game of the season.
Analysis: Cutler was kept off injured reserve for the explicit reason that the Bears were hoping he could return before the end of the season. Now that they've ruled that an impossibility, injured reserve is where Cutler lands. Cutler will enter next year as the likely choice to be Chicago's quarterback and should once again be a solid Fantasy option. For now, Cutler can be cut or reserved in all Fantasy formats as his season is officially over.
News: Bears coach Lovie Smith said Monday that quarterback Jay Cutler will have the pins removed from his injured right thumb on Tuesday. Smith would not say whether or not Cutler would practice during the week. Smith also did not rule Cutler out from returning in the Week 17 game at Minnesota. Of course, Smith also said he's looking forward to seeing quarterback Josh McCown on Sunday against the Vikings, reports the Chicago Tribune. That would suggest that McCown, not Cutler, will start the final game of the season.
Analysis: Cutler was kept off injured reserve for the explicit reason that the Bears were hoping he could return before the end of the season. Of course, they also were hoping to make the playoffs. That is not going to happen, so Cutler really has no reason to rush himself back. That said, if he's ready, the Bears have said they won't tell him he can't play. Fantasy owners shouldn't really consider him in Week 17 against the Vikings, however. He's simply too risky at this point.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler (right thumb) missed a fifth consecutive game on Sunday night in Week 16 at Green Bay. Cutler is likely not coming back this season and he was listed among the team's inactives.
Analysis: The reason Cutler isn't going on IR is because the team feels he has a chance to return this season. But with only one more regular season game remaining, it isn't likely to happen. Even if Cutler makes it back before the end of the season, who knows what kind of shape he will be in. Continue to look to other Fantasy options.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler (right thumb) is inactive for a fourth straight game Week 15 vs. Seattle.
Analysis: The reason Cutler isn't going on IR is because the team feels he has a chance to return this season. But with only two more regular season games and the Bears' playoff hopes dwindling, the window for that to happen is closing. Even if Cutler makes it back before the end of the season, who knows what kind of shape he will be in. Continue to look to other Fantasy options.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler was inactive for Week 14 at Denver as expected. ESPN reports Cutler, who is recovering from thumb surgery, is not expected to return to the lineup before the end of the regular season. Chicago has put no timetable on his return, but has always been hopeful about Cutler returning before the regular season ended.
Analysis: Cutler hasn't been optimistic during this whole recovery process, so this report doesn't surprise us. But it is just a report. We will have to continue to keep tabs on Cutler's situation, but you always knew the chances of him returning during the regular season were iffy. Fantasy owners are taking a big risk by stashing Cutler in seasonal Fantasy formats. Even if he returns for the final game or two, you don't know what kind of shape he will be in after a long layoff. Cutler has more Fantasy value in long-term keeper formats.
News: ESPN reports Bears QB Jay Cutler, who is recovering from thumb surgery, is not expected to return to the lineup before the end of the regular season. Chicago has put no timetable on his return, but has always been hopeful about Cutler returning before the regular season ended.
Analysis: Cutler hasn't been optimistic during this whole recovery process, so this report doesn't surprise us. But it is just a report. We will have to continue to keep tabs on Cutler's situation, but you always knew the chances of him returning during the regular season were iffy. Fantasy owners are taking a big risk by stashing Cutler in seasonal Fantasy formats. Even if he returns for the final game or two, you don't know what kind of shape he will be in after a long layoff. Cutler has more Fantasy value in long-term keeper formats.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler updated his status during a radio interview on Wednesday, and he doesn't sound any more encouraged about a quick return following thumb surgery in late November. “We got an X-ray last week, took the stitches out [Wednesday]," he said. "Everything’s kind of on track. It’s just a matter of letting that bone really heal and maybe taking the pins out, maybe not. It’s just time, and time’s not really on our side right now. But that’s the only thing that we really do.”
Analysis: The Bears are holding out hope that Cutler will return before the end of the regular season. However, Cutler hasn't been optimistic during this whole process, so it sounds like he isn't going to rush back to the field. Fantasy owners are taking a big risk by stashing Cutler in seasonal Fantasy formats. Even if he returns for the final game or two, you don't know what kind of shape he will be in after a long layoff. Cutler has more Fantasy value in long-term keeper formats.
News: Bears GM Jerry Angelo told the team's official website Wednesday that nothing has changed with injured QB Jay Cutler, who has thumb surgery last week. Chicago is still hoping Cutler will return before the end of the regular season. “Jay has started his rehab this week, mainly with range of motion and strengthening exercises," Angelo said. "Nothing has changed with his timetable. But our focus right now as a football team is on Caleb (Hanie). What we need to do at this point we need to do with Caleb. That has to be our mentality.”
Analysis: Cutler isn't sure he'll throw another pass for the Chicago Bears this year. Speaking to reporters for the first time Wednesday since he broke his thumb on his right hand against San Diego two weeks ago, Cutler said he "could be done for the season." The Bears hope he will return this year. So does Cutler, but he wasn't making any guarantees. If Cutler returns during the regular season, he is looking at possibly Week 16 or Week 17. By then your Fantasy season could be over, so you need to cut Cutler if you can't afford to stash him on your bench.
News: Chicago QB Jay Cutler successfully underwent surgery to repair his fractured right thumb on Wednesday. The team said he should be able to begin rehabbing a few days after the surgery, though he won't be able to throw for a few weeks after that.
Analysis: Coach Lovie Smith is holding out hope that he can return by the end of the year. "We feel good about the surgery and the plan is to get him back later in the year," Smith said. It would appear that the safe money is on Cutler being done for the regular season. Smith and the Bears dealt with a similar situation in 2005 with Rex Grossman making a return from injury in the playoffs. Unless you play in a keeper league, Cutler is currently unworthy of a roster spot in Fantasy leagues.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler is scheduled to have surgery on his broken right thumb Wednesday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Cutler suffered the injury while attempting to make a tackle following an interception against San Diego in Week 11. He remained in the game following the fourth-quarter play and finished with two touchdown passes and 286 yards. Cutler is reportedly expected to miss the remainder of the regular season.
Analysis: Cutler will be replaced under center by Caleb Hanie, who has not attempted a pass this season. Cutler, in his third season with the Bears, threw for 13 touchdowns -- his lowest total since his rookie year in 2006. Chicago is leaving the possibility open that Cutler could return in the playoffs, but that certainly doesn't help Fantasy owners. With Cutler out at least six weeks, Fantasy owners should cut him in all seasonal formats.
News: Bears coach Lovie Smith confirmed Monday the nightmare Jay Cutler Fantasy owners must endure. Smith acknowledged in a radio interview that his starting quarterback suffered a fractured thumb on his throwing hand trying to make a tackle after an interception in the fourth quarter. "Jay does have a right thumb fracture," Smith said on WBBM radio in Chicago. "He hurt it on the tackle, on the interception. Of course we took X-rays last night and he'll be seeing specialists this morning and we'll be able to tell you a little bit more after that." The Bears then released late Monday morning that Cutler will have surgery to repair his fractured thumb and the team is hopeful he will return before the end of the regular season. The team originally said Cutler will have the surgery Tuesday, but then said no date has been set. "The plan is to get Cutler back at the latter part of regular season. Caleb Hanie moves into starting role," Smith said at his press conference Monday.
Analysis: Hanie will take over as the Bears' starter for the games Cutler would miss, beginning when Chicago heads west to face the Raiders in Week 12. While the Bears are hopeful Cutler will return before the end of the regular season, Fantasy owners in seasonal formats should feel free to dump him and start looking for healthier alternatives.
News: The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Bears QB Jay Cutler will miss six to eight weeks after breaking the thumb on his throwing hand during Week 11 against the Chargers. The report also states the Bears have no plans to place him on injured reserve at the moment. Cutler reportedly injured his thumb while trying to tackle Antoine Cason in the fourth quarter on an interception return. He never left the contest and threw for 286 yards and a pair of touchdowns in 31-20 victory. Cutler also ran for a score and is scheduled to undergo further testing on Monday.
Analysis: Cutler did not mention his injury to reporters following the game and the Bears have yet to even confirm that he did in fact break his thumb. However, multiple Chicago outlets are reporting the injury with some suggesting he will need surgery on his thumb and could miss the remainder of the season. A broken thumb would need up to eight weeks of recovery time, which would cancel the rest of his regular season if not a playoff game. Caleb Hanie would take over as the Bears' starter for the games Cutler would miss, beginning when the Bears head out west to face the Raiders in Week 12. We'll keep you posted.
News: According to multiple reports, Bears QB Jay Cutler suffered a broken thumb on his throwing hand in Week 11 against the Chargers. There is no word on when the injury occurred, but Cutler never left the game and finished with 286 passing yards and three touchdowns in the 31-20 contest. Two of his scores came through the air, including in the third quarter when he found Johnny Knox on a 24-yard strike in the end zone. His other touchdown came on the ground on a 1-yard scamper. Cutler also chipped in with 11 yards on the ground and completed 18 of his 31 pass attempts in the victory.
Analysis: There is no word on when Cutler sustained the injury, although he never came out of the game on Sunday. However, anytime a QB has a broken bone on their throwing hand it is usually not a good thing, so Fantasy owners will now have to monitor the situation for the latest news as it becomes available. Cutler is scheduled to undergo more tests on Monday, but there is a fear that he could be lost for the season. He is coming off one of his best performances of the season against San Diego as his three total touchdowns were a season high. Stay tuned for the latest details. The Bears will head out west to face the Raiders in Week 12.
News: According to multiple reports, Bears QB Jay Cutler suffered a broken thumb on his throwing hand in Week 11 against the Chargers. There is now word on when the injury occurred, but Cutler never left the game and finished with 286 passing yards and three touchdowns in the 31-20 contest. Two of his scores came through the air, including in the third quarter when he found Johnny Knox on a 24-yard strike in the end zone. His other touchdown came on the ground on a 1-yard scamper. Cutler also chipped in with 11 yards on the ground and completed 18 of his 31 pass attempts in the victory.
Analysis: There is no word on when Cutler sustained the injury, although he never came out of the game on Sunday. However, anytime a QB has a broken bone on their throwing hand it is usually not a good thing, so Fantasy owners will now have to monitor his status throughout the week. Cutler is scheduled to undergo more tests on Monday, but there is a fear that he could be lost for the season. He is coming off one of his best performances of the season against San Diego as his three total touchdowns were a season high. Stay tuned for the latest details. The Bears will head out west to face the Raiders in Week 12.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler accounted for a season-high three touchdowns in Week 11 against the Chargers. Two of those came through the air, including a 4-yard touchdown strike to Kellen Davis in the second quarter, capping off a six-play, 44-yard scoring drive. He then found Johnny Knox on a 24-yard hookup in the third quarter, which came just minutes after he registered his first rushing score of the year on a 1-yard scamper earlier in the period. Cutler finished 18 for 31 for 286 yards in the 31-20 contest, but he did throw an interception. However, it did not result in any points for San Diego. Cutler also chipped in with 11 yards on the ground and finished with a QB rating of 97.
Analysis: After throwing for just 123 yards and completing nine passes in his last contest, Cutler was able to deliver a strong performance on Sunday. The 286 passing yards he racked up were the most he has thrown for since back in Week three and his three total touchdowns were a season-high. While these types of performances have not come very often for the 28-year-old this season, he has now racked up five touchdowns and just one interception over his last three games. The Bears will now head out west to face the Raiders in Week 12. Oakland has had some issues defending the pass this season, so Cutler could be in for another big day. Consider him a high-end No. 1/low-end No. 2 Fantasy QB against the Raiders.
News: Despite turning in one of his worst statistical games of the season, coach Lovie Smith was very happy with the leadership Bears QB Jay Cutler has displayed. Cutler completed nine of his 19 pass attempts for 123 yards in the 37-13 win over the Lions, but did not throw a touchdown pass. "He took a couple of tough shots yesterday, but just (was) showing toughness, just being the leader," Smith said. "Each week there’s something different we’re asking our quarterback to do and Jay has filled that role perfectly for a long stretch."
Analysis: While Smith and the Bears are happy with the way Cutler has been playing, Fantasy owners aren't sharing that same enthusiasm. Cutler has thrown just six touchdown passes over his last six games and is averaging just 196 passing yards over that stretch. However, he looks to have a very favorable matchup in Week 11 against a Chargers team that has had plenty of issues on defense this season. San Diego is allowing an average of 18.6 Fantasy points to opposing QBs of thus far. Consider Cutler a low-end No.1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB next Sunday.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler didn't have a great game in Week 10 against the Lions, but didn't make any mistakes that cost his team. He completed 9 of his 19 passes for 123 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Cutler also scrambled for 18 yards on four carries. Chicago would go on to beat Detroit, 37-13, as the defense carried the team to victory.
Analysis: Cutler continues to play well against the Lions and still owns a 10-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio in six meetings. Even though he didn't do anything special in Week 10, he didn't do anything to hurt Fantasy owners. Granted not scoring many Fantasy points hurt owners, that had to start Cutler this week. The Bears get the Chargers in Week 11, a team that has been allowing 203.4 passing yards per game. San Diego has also given up a league-high 17 passing touchdowns on the year. Still, Fantasy owners should view Cutler as a more of a No. 2 QB option moving forward.
News:Jay Cutler has been very efficient against his Week 10 opponent -- the Lions -- since joining the Bears in 2009. In five games, he has completed 68.7 passes for 1,272 yards with a 10-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Detroit enters Sunday ranked sixth in the league in pass defense, giving up under 194 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 13 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Analysis: Cutler threw for 249 yards and a touchdown when he faced the Lions in Week 5 and has been playing well so far this season. He has tossed just six interceptions in 264 attempts with 11 touchdowns. The Bears have done a better job of keeping him upright in recent weeks and their O-line will be put to the test on Sunday as the Lions have recorded 24 sacks thus far. But considering that Chicago will likely rely on the run in Week 10, view Cutler as more of a No. 2 Fantasy 2B.
News: After tossing two interceptions in his last game, Bears QB Jay Cutler was more efficient in Week 9 against the Eagles. He completed 18 of 32 passes for 208 yards with two touchdowns and no turnovers in the 30-24 win. He found TE Matt Spaeth for a 5-yard scoring strike in the first quarter for his 10th passing touchdown of the year. He hooked up with WR Earl Bennett -- again from 5 yards out -- for his second in the fourth. Cutler finished with a 96.9 passer rating in the victory.
Analysis: Cutler was able to make some plays through the air on Monday night and helped lead the Bears to their third straight win. He has been much more careful with the ball so far this season as he has just six interceptions through the first eight games. He would really have to struggle down the stretch to match the 16 picks he posted a year ago so keep an eye on his progress going forward. While his production has been inconsistent thus far, the 28-year-old remains a viable option in Fantasy. With Detroit on the schedule for Week 10, consider Cutler a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB. When he faced the Lions earlier in the year, he threw for 249 yards and a touchdown.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler will face an Eagles' team in Week 9 that he had much success against a year ago. He threw for 247 yards with a career-high four touchdowns last season, but Philadelphia has made significant improvements to their defense since then, most notably in their secondary. The Eagles enter Monday night ranked 10th in the league against the pass, giving up over 212 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 18.1 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Analysis: Cutler has been playing better of late for the Bears, throwing for 844 yards with four touchdowns over his last four games. He also only has three interceptions over that span and has benefited from offensive coordinator Mike Martz tweaking the offense a bit. But with the way the Eagles have been playing of late, especially on defense, the 28-year-old could be in trouble on Monday. Philadelphia has a ton of talent in the secondary with a potent pass rush so consider Cutler as more of a No. 2 Fantasy QB for Week 9.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler completed 17 of 32 passes for 226 yards in a Week 7 win over the Buccaneers in London. He threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Roy Williams in the second quarter for his only score of the game and was intercepted twice. Cutler entered the game having not thrown an interception in his two previous games.
Analysis: The Bears ran the ball early and often against the Bucs with Matt Forte rushing for over 100 yards in the first half. Once again, the approach for Chicago was to pound the ball on the ground, successfully doing so with Forte and Marion Barber. Sporadically, Cutler was able to hit some quick passes. He spread the ball around to six different receivers with Williams emerging as the team's leading option in the game with four catches, 59 yards and the touchdown catch. Cutler continues to have limited Fantasy appeal as a result of his team's run-heavy philosophy, but he has value as a No. 2 QB. He could even be a useful play during the bye weeks while your No. 1 option is out of action. However, in Week 8, he'll be on a bye himself. Consider him worthy of stashing on your bench in standard formats. He'll return to action in Week 9 at Philadelphia.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler 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 intercepted just five passes this season with three of them coming in Week 6 against Drew Brees of the Saints. They rank just 23rd in the league in sacks and do not appear to present Cutler with an unfavorable matchup. After throwing for 249 yards and a touchdown in Week 5, Cutler put together another solid performance in Week 6 against the Vikings. He completed 21 of 31 passes for 267 yards and two scores in the 39-10 win. The offensive line has been able to offer him more protection in those two games after struggling to do so early on. Typically a No. 2 Fantasy QB, this matchup could make him a potential low-end No. 1 option in larger formats. Consider him a viable bye-week replacement option.
News: After throwing for 249 yards and a touchdown a week ago, Bears QB Jay Cutler put together another solid performance in Week 6 against the Vikings. He completed 21 of 31 passes for 267 yards and two scores in the 39-10 win. He found WR Devin Hester on a 48-yard scoring strike on Chicago's first drive of the game and added a 13-yard touchdown pass to WR Dane Sanzenbacher in the second quarter. He was pulled for backup Caleb Hanie in the fourth quarter when the game was already in hand. Cutler posted a 115.9 QB rating in the victory.
Analysis: Cutler improved to 23-0 when he has a passer rating of 110-plus on Sunday and did a solid job carving up the Vikings' secondary. He showed Fantasy owners what he can do when he has time in the pocket, and appears to be turning a corner after some early sub-par performances. He will be facing off against Tampa Bay and their suspect defense in London next week so consider Cutler a low-end No.1 Fantasy QB for Week 7.
News: Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz said Thursday that he and Jay Cutler have hatched a plan to change the team's offense so that he's not getting beat up on every snap. Cutler got banged around last week at Detroit and could see a fierce pass rush again in Week 6 against Minnesota. Quick, timed passes off the snap (like Ben Roethlisberger last week) might be what's coming. "We're working on it," Martz said. " ... The same thing happened to us last year, if you remember. Once we stabilized the line ... things went well. But that's not the case. So we've got to make sure we're giving him a chance with some of those quicker throws. ... It's all part of the system. We just change gears and go in that direction. It's not hard. We're dealing with that, and we're certainly going to address that."
Analysis: Cutler will be facing one of the better pass rushes in the league in Week 6 against the Vikings. Minnesota is tied for second in the NFL with 16 sacks on the year, led by DL Jared Allen with 8.5. The Vikings enter Sunday ranked 25th against the pass, giving up nearly 271.8 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 15.4 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. In two games against the division foe a year ago, Cutler threw for 431 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions. Cutler has not received much help from his offensive line so far this season but has thrown for at least 200 yards in all but one game and should be able to move the ball against the Vikings, especially with an altered game plan. Still, the Bears will likely rely on RB Matt Forte in Week 6 so consider Cutler as more of a No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler will be facing one of the better pass rushes in the league in Week 6 against the Vikings. Minnesota is tied for second in the NFL with 16 sacks on the year, led by DL Jared Allen with 8.5. The Vikings enter Sunday ranked 25th against the pass, giving up nearly 271.8 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 15.4 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. In two games against the division foe a year ago, Cutler threw for 431 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions.
Analysis: Cutler has not received much help from his offensive line so far this season but has thrown for at least 200 yards in all but one game and should be able to move the ball against the Vikings as long as he gets time in the pocket. Even if he doesn't he has been working on quicker throws during practice to get the ball to his play makers quicker. Still, the Bears will likely rely on RB Matt Forte in Week 6 so consider Cutler as more of a No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: After throwing three interceptions over his last two games, Bears QB Jay Cutler was much more efficient in Week 5 against the Lions. He completed 28 of 38 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown in the 24-13 loss. He found TE Kellen Davis on a 9-yard scoring strike in the second quarter for his sixth touchdown pass of the season. Cutler, who was sacked three times, also gained 3 yards on two carries in the defeat. "Jay was under a lot of pressure," coach Lovie Smith said. "But he kept us in it."
Analysis: Cutler was under constant pressure on Monday night but still ended up having a productive performance. He has thrown for over 200 yards in all but one game so far this season, despite the lack of a deep threat in Chicago. He has proven the ability to put up stats when he has time in the pocket so hopefully the Bears will be able to protect him more going forward. With the Vikings on the schedule for Week 6, continue to view Cutler as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler enters Week 5 against the Lions having gone 4-0 with a 112.9 quarterback rating against Detroit since joining Chicago in 2009. Detroit enters Monday night ranked 12th in the league against the pass, giving up over 221 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 12.5 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. In two games against the division foe a year ago, Cutler passed for 606 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.
Analysis: Cutler had an ugly game a week ago and could be in for more trouble in Week 5. While he has been successful against the Lions since becoming a Bear, Detroit has a much improved team this season and have been very effective at limiting quarterbacks. Look for the 28-year-old to rely on RB Matt Forte, as usual, but hopefully he will be able to expose Detroit's vulnerable secondary. Consider Cutler as more of a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB for Week 5.
News: Chicago QB Jay Cutler had an ugly game on Sunday of Week 4 against the Panthers. That said, he did enough to beat Cam Newton and Carolina at home. Cutler managed just 102 yards passing in the game on 9 of 17 throwing. Cutler, who also rushed once for 2 yards, did not have a touchdown pass in the game and was picked off once by the Panthers.
Analysis: Cutler and the Bears were up big early in the game and he'd thrown just one pass. If anything, once Cutler started throwing the ball more, the Bears started playing poorly. Cutler wasn't needed to do big things in Week 4 for the Bears to win. He has five touchdowns and four picks on the season for the Bears and Fantasy owners. Cutler and the Bears play in Detroit in Week 5 and the Lions have been excellent at limiting the Fantasy production of opposing quarterbacks thus far this season. Heading into Week 4, only two touchdowns were tossed against the Lions in three games, though Tony Romo had a better day Week 4 against the Lions. Detroit has been good at forcing turnovers and Cutler has been good at causing turnovers. That doesn't bode well for Cutler, who should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy QB for the Week 5 game.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler enters Week 4 against the Panthers as a bit of a sleeper in Fantasy. Cutler hasn't exactly been on fire this season with six touchdowns and three interceptions in three games against the Falcons, Saints and Packers. He's gone over 300 yards twice, but has been just over the 300-yard mark in those contests. That said, Cutler has won four of his last six starts at home and has a 100-plus quarterback rating in three of his last five home games.
Analysis: Cutler doesn't have the benefit of many established receivers in Chicago and his offensive line has lacked as well. Still, he's been over 300 yards twice in three games and does already have six TD passes. Carolina's defense is not going to give him too much trouble Week 3. The Bears will have one of their easiest offensive tests of the season against the Panthers and that makes Cutler a person of interest for the coming week. Consider Cutler a low-end No.1 or high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB for Week 4 against the Panthers.
News: Chicago QB Jay Cutler did not have an inspiring performance in the Week 3 loss to Green Bay. Facing a tough defense, Cutler did manage to top 300 yards passing with two touchdowns. That said, outside of one 32-yard TD pass to Kellen Davis in the fourth quarter, Cutler would have been under 300 yards with just one TD and two costly interceptions. Cutler finished 21 of 37 for 302 yards. Cutler also led the Bears in rushing with 11 yards on three carries. He fumbled once, but the Bears recovered.
Analysis: Cutler had actually been able to limit his turnovers thus far this season over the first two and a half games. He had a bad interception in the second half of Week 3, however. Cutler has also only been above 300 yards twice in three games and he was barely up there with just 312 yards as his personal best thus far. Cutler has five touchdowns on the season to go with his three interceptions in three games and that production is mediocre at best. Cutler still doesn't really have a reliable go-to option in the passing game outside of Matt Forte. Cutler is facing the Panthers in Week 4, however. Carolina has not been good against opposing quarterbacks this season and Cutler could be in line for his best game yet. Consider Cutler a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB for Week 4. He's definitely a decent choice as an injury replacement.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler faces Green Bay Week 3 and doesn't exactly have a solid history against the Packers. Outside of that embarrassing situation with the knee injury he suffered in the NFL Championship game last year, Cutler has averaged just 228 passing yards with five TDs and nine interceptions in his last five regular season meetings with the Packers. Cutler hasn't been great this season, either with three touchdowns compared to one interception in two games with a high of 312 yards Week 1 against Atlanta.
Analysis: Green Bay has been horrid against the pass this season and the team is without safety Nick Collins for the rest of the year. That said, Chicago is without rookie tackle Gabe Carimi, which will weaken the line. Cutler, who has won seven of the last eight games against division opponents, has shown a weakness against the Packers in his career. We don't see him overcoming that in Week 3. Consider Cutler just a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option, at best, against the Packers.
News:Jay Cutler completed just 42.2 percent of his passes in a 30-13 loss to the Saints in Week 2. Cutler got off to a good start as he led Chicago to a touchdown drive on their second possession on the first quarter, which ended with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Dane Sanzenbacher. But Cutler would struggle the rest of the afternoon. He completed 19 of 45 passes for 244 yards. He fumbled once and was sacked six times. "It was a long day out there. I don't know how many sacks I took, but I had to throw a lot of balls away before I wanted to," Cutler said. "The Saints were the better team today. They rushed me hard and forced our offense to do things we didn't want to. All we can do now is regroup and get ready for next week when we face another tough opponent in Green Bay."
Analysis: You really can't blame Cutler for his poor Week 2 performance. His offensive line was absolutely atrocious and didn't give him much time in the pocket, especially in the second half. At one point he got so frustrated that he blew up on the QBs coach on the sidelines. At least Cutler gets credit for being fiery since he is picked on so much for being laid back. It was a tough outing for Cutler, who remains more of a No. 2 Fantasy QB. He will face the Packers in Week 3, and Green Bay has been suspect against the pass to open the season. But Cutler is still more of a No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: It's dome sweet dome for Bears QB Jay Cutler heading into a Week 2 road trip against the Saints. In Cutler's last four games indoors, he has completed 66.9 percent of his passes (81 for 121) for 975 yards, 10 touchdowns and no interceptions. In his only matchup in his career against the Saints in 2008, which wasn't in a dome, Cutler threw for 264 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. New Orleans did allow Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers to rack up 312 passing yards and three touchdowns in Week 1.
Analysis: Cutler is coming off a pretty strong performance in Week 1, throwing for 312 yards and two touchdowns against the Falcons. It seems the matchup in Week 2 is a favorable one for Cutler, but the Saints are very good at home. They were on the road last week when Green Bay burned them for all those yards. You might consider starting Cutler because of his history indoors and the shaky performance New Orleans turned in last week, but he is still looking like a No. 2 QB in most formats for Week 2.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler completed 22 of 32 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns with a pick vs. the Falcons in Week 1. He was massively helped by a pair of short passes that became long gains, one to Devin Hester (53 yards) and one to Matt Forte (56 yards and a touchdown). He was sacked four times. Cutler's other score came on a play-action pass from the Falcons 1 to tight end Matt Spaeth.
Analysis: The Bears offense looked good and really benefited from Falcons turnovers. He's in for another tough challenge against the Saints in Week 2, a battle that could result in another pretty good outing given how Aaron Rodgers pelted New Orleans for three scores and over 300 yards last Thursday. You have to at least consider Cutler for your starting spot if you've got him on your Fantasy team.
News:Jay Cutler's Week 1 opponent is the Falcons, who fly from Atlanta to play Cutler's Bears in Chicago. The Falcons ranked 22nd in pass defense last season (226.6 pass yards per game) and could have some issues with a banged-up Dunta Robinson starting for them. Cutler respects them quite a bit. "They are a solid team," he said this week. "You don't win 13, 14 games in a season if you are not. They have everyone back. They added another defensive end [Ray Edwards] to help them out. It's a tough team. You watch them on film, they don't make a lot of mistakes. They are very solid, they show you a lot of different looks. They are experienced and they play well."
Analysis: Cutler's going to have his hands full, particularly if Robinson is healthier than he's been letting on and if Edwards can give the Falcons a serious pass rush element opposite John Abraham. We wouldn't be shocked if Cutler threw a lot in the game and did moderately well, but he's no better than a No. 2 QB for the time being.
News: Last year Jay Cutler had a hard time playing well every week because of his offensive line. So far this preseason, his O-line is a little bit better, but his receiving corps is worse. Cutler played one series into the third quarter Saturday at Tennessee and was 13 of 21 for 170 yards with one interception coming on the opening drive when WR Roy Williams had a pass go through his hands and into Titans safety Michael Griffin's hands. Cutler was plagued by drops in this game, including two by Devin Hester.
Analysis: Cutler throws a laser, so it's sort of a shame that his unreal talent is wasted on this group of receivers. Fantasy owners are drafting Cutler as a No. 2 Fantasy QB, though he will certainly have weeks where he'll be expected to light up defenses. Expect him to fall of draft boards as late as Round 9 or 10.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler left after only one series during Saturday night's preseason game against Buffalo and had just one pass for no yards. He scrambled for 10 yards as the Bear's revamped offensive line has struggled on both Bears possessions. Caleb Hanie came on for Cutler. This was Cutler's first game action since injuring his knee during last year's NFC Championship Game against the Packers.
Analysis: It was good to see Cutler on the field, but hopefully he can see more action and play better as the preseason goes on. We consider Cutler a solid No. 2 Fantasy QB. He's worth drafting with a mid- to late-round pick in all leagues.
News: Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz told reporters Tuesday that he has been pleased with QB Jay Cutler's fundamentals in the opening days of training camp. “Technically, his footwork and his drops, I was kind of stunned,” Martz said. “He’s done an awful lot of work on his own in the offseason. I was kind of giddy, to be honest with you, because watching him drop back right now is textbook. I didn’t know how we were going to get him there, but he got there by himself before he came to camp and I couldn’t be more happy with that. However he did it, I don’t know how he did it, but I’m amazed at the progress that he made while he was away from us.”
Analysis: The fact Martz is stunned by the progress Cutler made this offseason speaks volumes. Cutler does have to repair his image after what happened in last season's NFC Championship game against the Packers. But on top of Martz's praise, many of Cutler's receivers have also been saying great things about their quarterback this offseason. Martz's offense is built for a QB to post gaudy numbers. The Bears receiving corps is a little suspect, even with the arrival of Roy Williams, which is a concern. But Cutler is certainly worth a look as a low-end Fantasy starter with the potential to be much more.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports Bears WR Devin Hester has been working out with QB Jay Cutler and other offensive players several times a week this offseason. Hester said Cutler is showing no lingering effects after tearing his MCL in the playoffs in January. ‘‘He looks good,’’ Hester said. ‘‘It’s the same Jay.’’ Hester is not the first Bears receiver to rave about Cutler this offseason. Earl Bennett commented in late June that Cutler looked "awesome" coming off the knee injury. “He’s been out there throwing the ball well, moving around good. He’s ready to go,” Bennett said. “We know the type of player Jay is. We just look forward to this year because we know he going to have a great year.”
Analysis: Of course the Bears aren't going to bash their own teammate, especially since the media and other football players jumped all over Cutler following his NFC Championship game debacle against the Packers. But it's always encouraging to hear good reports, especially since Cutler is coming off an injury. Cutler didn't thrive as expected in coordinator Mike Martz's offense in 2010, throwing for 3,274 yards, 23 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. But his numbers were still good enough to finish as a top 15 Fantasy QB last season. Perhaps with a year under his belt in the offensive scheme will allow Cutler to take his game to the next level in 2011. Still, Cutler is looking more like a high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB on Draft Day, worth taking in the mid-to-late rounds.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Bears WR Earl Bennett is yet the latest Chicago player to praise QB Jay Cutler this offseason. Bennett said Cutler looks “awesome” coming off the sprained MCL he suffered in January’s NFC title game. “He’s been out there throwing the ball well, moving around good. He’s ready to go,” Bennett said. “We know the type of player Jay is. We just look forward to this year because we know he going to have a great year.”
Analysis: We've also heard fellow WR Rashied Davis and RB Kahlil Bell say positive things about Cutler. We expect Cutler to be fine heading into the 2011 season, and it's a good sign that he's getting rave reviews from his teammates. Cutler projects as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB, and he is worth drafting with a mid- to late-round pick. He has the potential to be a solid starter in all leagues if he can be more consistent this season, but Cutler is safe as a quality backup in standard formats.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports that Bears QB Jay Cutler has looked good in player-only workouts and has shown no lingering effects from the second-degree knee sprain he suffered against the Packers. Cutler continues to gather his offensive teammates at an undisclosed high school field up north for weekly workouts during the lockout. WR Rashied Davis and RB Kahlil Bell have participated in those workouts. "Jay looks fine, man," Bell said. "The last couple of times I went, we did throwing stuff and I couldn't even tell that he had an injury. A lot of people made a lot about what happened, but I think he’s going to be all right. I know he’s going to be all right. He looks fantastic."
Analysis: We expect Cutler to be fine heading into the 2011 season, and it's a good sign that he's getting rave reviews from his teammates. Cutler projects as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB, and he is worth drafting with a mid- to late-round pick. He has the potential to be a solid starter in all leagues if he can be more consistent this season, but Cutler is safe as a quality backup in standard formats.
News: According to ESPN.com, Bears QB Jay Cutler began working out with a handful of offensive teammates Tuesday. The group, which included roughly eight skill position players, took part in a basic workout which included running routes. "It's important," coach Lovie Smith said. "The skill guys can get together, but what's really important right now is all of our players are out working out." This is a good sign for Cutler that his injured left knee, which he hurt in the NFC Championship game in January, is "good to go," as Cutler said in the Chicago Sun-Times last week.
Analysis: We expect Cutler to be fine heading into the 2011 season, and it's a good sign that he's able to start throwing already with his teammates. Cutler projects as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB, and he is worth drafting with a mid- to late-round pick. He has the potential to be a solid starter in all leagues if he can be more consistent this season, but Cutler is safe as a quality backup in standard formats.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Bears QB Jay Cutler said his injured left knee, which he has been rehabbing this offseason, is “good to go.” Cutler is hoping to get some of his offensive teammates together in the next couple of weeks to prove it. “It feels good,” he said of the knee, which he injured in the NFC Championship Game.
Analysis: We all remember Knee Gate, and the hysteria it caused when Cutler left the title game against the Packers in the third quarter. He appears fine heading into 2011, and we think Cutler should do well this year. He still projects as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB, but Cutler is worth drafting with a late-round pick. He has the potential to be a solid starter in all leagues if he can be more consistent this season, but Cutler is safe as a quality backup in standard formats.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Bears president Ted Phillips stands behind QB Jay Cutler heading into 2011 despite his failures in the 2010 playoffs thanks to a knee injury. "I'm a big supporter of Jay Cutler. He is our quarterback," Phillips said. "He wants to be great, and we think he made great strides in his second year [with the Bears], and we think he's going to make even more strides, being with Mike Martz again, for 2011." Phillips then called Cutler a "great talent" that's "only going to get better." Asked if the club would consider trading Cutler, Phillips said, "I mean, no one is untradeable, in the grand scheme of things. But, we couldn't be happier with Jay as our QB ... He's our guy. Our organization has never wavered in saying, 'Jay's our quarterback, and we're excited to have him.' "
Analysis: Cutler isn't going anywhere, and the Bears will count on him again in 2011. He should be considered a high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB, and we suggest drafting Cutler with a mid-round pick in all leagues.
News: Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz likes the direction QB Jay Cutler is headed and is looking forward to working with him again in 2011. “He has got to keep getting better at what he’s doing, and we have to continue to get better around him,” Martz said. “We need to protect him better, the receivers need to get better. All those things are tied together. That’s when he gets better, and he will. He was getting better throughout the season. I was very pleased with his progress. He’s not where he needs to be, but he’s making good progress.”
Analysis: Cutler helped lead the Bears to the NFC North championship by completing 60.4 percent of his passes for 3,274 yards with 23 touchdowns, 16 interceptions and an 86.3 passer rating. He suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee in the NFC Championship Game loss against Green Bay, but he should be fine for the start of the 2011 season. Cutler should be considered a strong No. 2 Fantasy QB on Draft Day. He will likely post similar stats to his 2010 season when he had seven games with at least 22 Fantasy points during the year and eight with 15 or less. Plan on drafting Cutler with a mid- to late-round pick.
News: The Bears official team website reports that offensive coordinator Mike Martz was pleased with QB Jay Cutler's play in 2010, their first year together. "I think overall Jay made remarkable progress through the year," Martz said. "Anytime you take a veteran quarterback and give him a new system, it's always going to be a little difficult. We were all kind of feeling our way through the season. But I was very pleased." Martz said he expects Cutler to benefit from having a year in the offense under his belt next season. "There's no question that it's going to help him tons," Martz said. "We'll get better around him personnel-wise and we'll play better too. He understands his role better too and what we're asking him to do. He doesn't have to win the game [by himself]. He just has to lead this team."
Analysis: Cutler helped lead the Bears to the NFC North championship by completing 60.4 percent of his passes for 3,274 yards with 23 touchdowns, 16 interceptions and an 86.3 passer rating. He suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee in the NFC Championship Game loss against Green Bay, but he should be fine for the start of the 2011 season. Cutler should be considered a strong No. 2 Fantasy QB on Draft Day. He will likely post similar stats to his 2010 season when he had seven games with at least 22 Fantasy points during the year and eight with 15 or less. Plan on drafting Cutler with a mid- to late-round pick.
News: Bears head coach Lovie Smith said Monday QB Jay Cutler suffered a sprained left MCL in the first half of the team's NFC title game vs. Green Bay on Sunday, forcing him out for much of the second half. Cutler was ruled out to return by team doctors after a brief second-half appearance, Smith said. To be clear, a sprained MCL means a partial tear, which is what the Chicago Sun-Times reported earlier Monday. The paper also reported that Cutler has a Grade 2 tear, which typically requires anywhere from three to four weeks of rest and rehab. Smith added that Cutler would have been questionable to play in the Super Bowl had the Bears advanced.
Analysis: The good: Cutler threw for almost 3,300 yards this season with 23 touchdowns and led the Bears to the NFC Championship game. The bad: Cutler also threw 16 interceptions and was still susceptible to the mistakes that has plagued his career, partially because of a weak offensive line. Cutler had seven games with at least 22 Fantasy points during the year and eight with 15 or less (he missed one game with injured ribs). He also had one 300-yard passing game in the regular season, which was Week 1 against Detroit. Most Fantasy owners will remember Cutler sitting out the second half of this game and pass on him for another quarterback in 2011 drafts, but the lower he sinks, the more value he represents as a low-end No. 1/top-end No. 2 Fantasy QB worth a middle- to late-round pick. Because of his big arm and the expected improvements the Bears are expected to make on offense, he's got a lot of upside. We'll keep you posted on news related to Cutler's knee.
News: Chicago QB Jay Cutler will have an MRI on Monday to examine the injured left knee that kept him out of most of the second half of the team's NFC Championship Game vs. the Packers on Sunday. Cutler was hurt in the first half and was ruled out to return by team doctors, said head coach Lovie Smith after the game. Cutler finished 6 for 13 in the game for 80 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. He added two carries for 10 yards.
Analysis: The good: Cutler threw for almost 3,300 yards this season with 23 touchdowns and led the Bears to the NFC Championship game. The bad: Cutler also threw 16 interceptions and was still susceptible to the mistakes that has plagued his career, partially because of a weak offensive line. Most Fantasy owners will remember Cutler sitting out the second half of this game and pass on him for another quarterback in 2011 drafts, but the lower he sinks, the more value he represents as a low-end No. 1/top-end No. 2 Fantasy QB worth a middle- to late-round pick. Because of his big arm and the expected improvements the Bears are expected to make on offense, he's got a lot of upside. We'll keep you posted on his MRI results.
News: Chicago QB Jay Cutler was banged up just prior to halftime in the NFC Championship game on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Cutler appeared to go down hard and take a head injury, though reports are that he injured his knee. Cutler went into the locker room with seconds to play before halftime and returned to start the second half. Cutler could play just one series before he was replaced by Todd Collins. Cutler finished 6 for 13 in the game for 80 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. He added two carries for 10 yards. He left the game with the Bears trailing 14-0.
Analysis: Cutler threw for almost 3,300 yards this season with 23 touchdowns and led the Bears to the NFC Championship game. That makes it sound like he had a pretty successful season for Chicago. That said, he also threw 16 interceptions and was still susceptible to the mistakes that has plagued his career. The upside of Cutler will keep him a viable draft day option heading into next season. Depending on his situation, Cutler can begin coming off the board in the later rounds.
News: Chicago QB Jay Cutler passed for two touchdowns and ran for two more during the Bears' 35-24 victory over Seattle in an NFC Divisional Playoff on Sunday. Cutler completed 15 of 28 passes for 274 yards and did not throw an interception in his first career playoff game. Cutler, in his second season with Chicago after spending the first three seasons of his career in Denver, registered 250-plus yards for the fifth time this season and first since Week 7 against Washington. He also became only the second quarterback with two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns in a postseason game (Otto Graham, 1954 and 1955), according to Elias Sports Bureau. Cutler scored on runs of 6 and 9 yards to help Chicago stake a 28-3 lead at halftime. "It was fun," Cutler said of his scampers to the end zone. "That first one was called, second one was kind of improv."
Analysis: Cutler performed his best reenactment of division rival Aaron Rodgers after the Green Bay quarterback accounted for four touchdowns in the Packers' victory over Atlanta on Saturday. The two rivals will now play against each other in next Sunday's NFC Championship game -- the 182nd meeting between the teams but their first for the conference title. "We're both familiar with each other, so nothing's going to be new," Cutler said. "We have our hands full." Cutler had one of his best games of the season and picked apart the woeful Seahawks defense over the middle to complete four passes of 25 yards or more. He also did not commit the mental mistakes that have plagued him throughout the season and halted his streak of consecutive games with an interception at four. He should be considered a solid option against Green Bay in Fantasy playoff leagues and will enter the 2011 season as a rising high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: Despite the Bears being locked into the No. 2 playoff seed in the NFC, QB Jay Cutler played the entire game in Week 17 against the Packers. He did not have his finest outing, though, as he completed 21 of 39 passes for 168 yards and two interceptions in the 10-3 loss. His first interception came when Cutler threw a pass to the end zone on third-and-19 from the 24 and it was picked off by DB Charlie Peprah. Then after moving Chicago within scoring distance to try and tie the game up late in the fourth quarter, he was intercepted by DB Nick Collins, effectively ending the game. Cutler also gained 8 yards on two carries in the defeat.
Analysis: It was surprising to see Cutler play the entire game in Week 17 with the Bears playoff fate already decided, but coach Lovie Smith said that he would play his starters in an attempt to win and he did. Cutler finished the regular season with 3,274 yards passing with 23 touchdowns and just 16 interceptions. That's a huge improvement from the 26 picks he tossed a year ago. While Cutler has the arm strength and the ability to be a must-start Fantasy option, his inconsistencies keep him down. Keep an eye on how he does in the postseason and plan on taking Cutler in the early-to-middle rounds on Draft Day in 2011 as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: QB Jay Cutler has led Chicago to a first-round bye in the playoffs and will face off against Green Bay in Week 17. The Bears could jump to the No. 1 seed if they win and the Falcons and Saints both lose; both of those teams play at 1 p.m. ET before the Bears play at 4:15 p.m. ET. Cutler has said that he's preparing to play the whole game Sunday. "As an offense," QB Jay Cutler said, "the way we're playing the past couple games, and how we're kind of putting things together, we just kind of want to keep on going." The Packers rank fifth in the league against the pass, giving up just under 200 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 13.5 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Analysis: Cutler also said the importance of beating Green Bay, a goal all Bears fans like, is a big reason to play on Sunday as well as finishing undefeated against the NFC North. The 27-year-old went 16 of 27 for 221 yards with one touchdown and one interception when the division foes met in Week 3. Those are good goals, but we're reminded of coach Lovie Smith benching his starters in 2005 and 2006, both years the Bears clinched their best possible playoff spots before a meaningless Week 17 game. That track record suggests that if the Bears cannot advance to the No. 1 seed by winning that eventually Cutler and the rest of the most valuable starters will get pulled on Sunday. Because of this uncertainty, owners should not start Cutler unless the Falcons and Saints both lose their games (the Falcons host the 2-13 Panthers, the Saints host the 9-6 Buccaneers).
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler said he's preparing to play the whole game Sunday at Green Bay even though he and his teammates are essentially locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC. The Bears could jump to the No. 1 seed if they win and the Falcons and Saints both lose; both of those teams play at 1 p.m. ET before the Bears play at 4:15 p.m. ET. "Lovie (Smith) said ... we're going to be playing, we're going to be going and we're going to be full-go on Sunday. So that's what we expect," Cutler said according to the Chicago Tribune. "Hopefully we can continue to be playing at the level we're playing."
Analysis: Cutler also cited the importance of beating Green Bay, a goal all Bears fans like, as well as finishing undefeated against the NFC North. Those are good goals, but we're reminded of Smith benching his starters in 2005 and 2006, both years the Bears clinched their best possible playoff spots before a meaningless Week 17 game. That track record suggests that if the Bears cannot advance to the No. 1 seed by winning that eventually Cutler and the rest of the most valuable starters will get pulled on Sunday. Because of this uncertainty, owners should not start Cutler unless the Falcons and Saints both lose their games (the Falcons host the 2-13 Panthers, the Saints host the 9-6 Buccaneers).
News: Bears coach Lovie Smith said Monday that he doesn't plan to rest his starters for Week 17 at Green Bay no matter what happens with the playoff standings. The Bears could earn the No. 2 seed in the NFC depending on what happens with Minnesota at Philadelphia on Tuesday night, but Smith said even if the Bears are locked into the No. 3 seed, he could still play his starters, including QB Jay Cutler. "There's a lot of things for us to play for," Smith said. "We realize some things could happen and we could have the bye before then. We're not thinking that way. We feel like we have to beat the Packers, to accomplish our regular season goals, and that's what we're going to go to work to do."
Analysis: Cutler is coming off an amazing game in Week 16 against the Jets with 215 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception and a rushing touchdown. He now has seven total touchdowns (six passing) and two interceptions in his past two games. In Week 3 against the Packers, Cutler had 221 passing yards, one touchdowns and one interception, but he is playing well enough now to be considered a starter in the majority of leagues for Week 17 if he's guaranteed to play a full game.
News:Jay Cutler's arm is red hot after throwing three touchdowns and rushing for one more (guess his legs are hot, too) in a win vs. the Jets in Week 16. Completing just 13 of 25 passes, Cutler threw three touchdowns of over 25 yards each and ran untouched for a 4-yard score. He passed for 215 yards and did throw one interception. Not one of his touchdowns came against Jets CB Darrelle Revis. "We came into it knowing we were going to have to take a few shots, go vertical on them," Cutler said referring to the Jets secondary. "We knew with our speed it would be hard for them to keep up."
Analysis: Assuming the Bears can clinch the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs in Week 17, we'll see Cutler play early and often at Green Bay. Against the Packers earlier this season Cutler rushed for 37 yards and passed for 221 yards with a touchdown to Greg Olsen and an interception. In three games against the Packers as a Bear Cutler has 707 yards with four touchdowns and seven interceptions. History isn't pretty for him, but with seven total touchdowns in his last two games, it's hard to ignore Cutler's productivity. Call him a middle- to low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB and consider other solid options against Cutler.
News:Jay Cutler was awesome in Week 15, rising to the occasion against a defeated Vikings defense and tossing three touchdowns on just 14 completions. This week he takes on a Jets defense known for their stingy secondary, but they've given up a passing touchdown in each of their last seven games. But in that seven game span the Jets have yielded multiple passing touchdowns just twice, a sign that Cutler could get one past them but not more than that. Cutler himself has thrown multiple touchdowns in six of 14 games this season but does have eight in his last four overall. Cutler has also rushed for at least 12 yards in seven of his last nine matchups.
Analysis: But perhaps the biggest deterrent for Cutler is his yardage, way down compared to what was expected this season. After having 372 yards in Week 1, Cutler has failed to land 300 passing yards since and has topped 250 yards just three times since then including no 250-yard games in his last seven. Cutler's a decent Fantasy option for Week 16 but shouldn't be considered an elite choice given the matchup and his less-than-stellar yardage totals.
News: After throwing for just 152 yards with two interceptions in his last outing, Bears QB Jay Cutler got back on track in Week 15 against the Vikings. He completed 14 of 24 passes for 194 yards and three touchdowns in the 40-14 win, clinching the NFC North title for Chicago. Cutler's first score came on a 67-yard strike to WR Johnny Knox in the first quarter. Then later in the first half, he found WR Devin Hester for a 15-yard touchdown. He was picked off by DB Asher Allen right before halftime but finished the half with 142 yards passing. Cutler, who had a cut on his chin after a hit from DB Antoine Winfield and played with a big bandage, slowed down after halftime, as the Bears had built up a big lead, but found WR Rashied Davis on a 9-yard scoring strike for his final touchdown of the evening.
Analysis: Cutler did not feel much pressure from the Vikings in Week 15 and was able to pick apart their depleted secondary for the big win. His interception was an ill-advised throw, but he posted his first three-touchdown game since Week 12. He now has 20 touchdown passes to 13 interceptions on the year and has done a good job of managing offensive coordinator Mike Martz's offense. Cutler could be in for a rough game next Sunday as he will face off against the Jets and their aggressive defense. New York ranks ninth in the NFL in pass defense and have two shutdown corners in DBs Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie. Consider Cutler a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB for Week 16.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler, who threw for just 152 yards and two interceptions last Sunday against the Patriots, will be looking to bounce back in Week 15 against the Vikings. Cutler threw for 237 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions when the division foes meet earlier in the season while leading Chicago to a 27-13 win. Minnesota enters Sunday's contest ranked 12th in pass defense, allowing 208 yards per game. The Vikings have surrendered 12 touchdowns through the air and are allowing an average of 15.1 Fantasy points to opposing WRs on the season.
Analysis: Cutler had been playing well prior to last week's performance against the Patriots, when the weather and New England's up-and-coming defense completely shut the Bears' offense down. Cutler might have to deal with some more bad weather this week as the NFL is looking at moving Monday's game against the Vikings to the University of Minnesota's outdoor stadium with the Metrodome's roof still a mess. Still, the last time Cutler failed to throw a touchdown pass, he bounced back with four the next week. He has 10 touchdowns in four career games against the Vikings and should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy QB against Minnesota on Monday night.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler couldn't get much of anything going in Week 14 against the Patriots. On a cold, windy day, he threw for just 28 yards in the first half and finished 12 of 26 for 152 yards. He also threw two interceptions in the 36-7 loss. His first pick came in the third quarter when LB Gary Guyton stepped in front of his pass, snapping his streak of 75 consecutive completions without one. Then late in the game with Chicago driving, Cutler threw an interception to DB Brandon Meriweather in the end zone, halting any attempt at a comeback. He also lost a half on one of his two times getting sacked. Cutler ran the ball twice for 21 yards in the defeat. He has rushed for a career high 222 yards this season.
Analysis: Cutler had been playing well in recent weeks but the horrible weather and the Patriots up-and-coming defense were able to shut him down on Sunday. It was the first time he did not throw a touchdown since Week 11 and his fewest passing yards since suffering a concussion in Week 4. Hopefully Cutler will be able to bounce back next week against the Vikings. When the division foes met earlier in the year, he threw for 237 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Cutler remains a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB heading into 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 offense even though they've made alterations to their game in recent weeks. So even though Jay Cutler will go up against a Pats pass defense that has allowed just under 277 yards per contest and given up an average of 20.2 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, he could have a hard time seeing his targets and passing accurately 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. While Cutler still might piece together a good game, he'll have to do it in difficult conditions for a quarterback to throw in. Consider other options before going with Cutler in Week 14 since he might have more trouble with Mother Nature than with the Patriots.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler has a 5-to-0 touchdown-to-interception ratio over his last two games and will face a Patriots defense in Week 14 that ranks near the bottom of the league in passing defense. New England ranks 31st in the NFL against the pass, allowing just under 277 yards per contest, and have given up an average of 20.2 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. In one career game against the Patriots, Cutler, as a Bronco, threw for just 168 and had one touchdown with two interceptions.
Analysis: After throwing a league-high 26 picks a year ago, Cutler has had his trouble with interceptions again this season but is playing better of late. He has thrown only three over the last five games while leading Chicago to wins in all of those contests. New England picked off Jets QB Mark Sanchez three times in Week 13 but they have given up some big plays through the air this year. With Cutler's recent success and his matchup in Week 14, consider the 27-year-old a No. 1 Fantasy QB against the Patriots.
News: Chicago QB Jay Cutler only threw five passes that didn't reach the intended receiver in Sunday's 24-20 win over the Lions. Cutler went 21 of 26 for 234 yards and a touchdown, without throwing an interception in the game. The touchdown pass was a 7-yard toss to Brandon Manumaleuna in the fourth quarter. That TD gave the Bears the lead for good after being down for much of the game. Cutler added 12 yards rushing on five attempts.
Analysis: Cutler now has five touchdown passes and no interceptions in his last two games. The guy was a walking turnover earlier in the season. The Bears have since changed the way they play offense and it is really helping Cutler avoid mistakes. Playing New England in Week 14, Cutler is going to have his work cut out for him in his next game. Consider him a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB for the next game against the Patriots.
News: Chicago QB Jay Cutler is not ranked among the best quarterbacks in total Fantasy points scored this season heading into Week 13 at Detroit. Still, coming off a four-touchdown performance in a win over Philadelphia Week 12, Cutler is one of the most widely added quarterbacks in Fantasy. Cutler has a good matchup for Week 13 in Detroit as he's gone 3-0 with the Bears against Detroit. He's gone 63 for 99 for 789 yards with eight touchdowns and just one interception in those games for a 111 quarterback rating.
Analysis: Cutler faced the Lions in Week 1 and went 23 for 35 for 372 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He struggled mightily during the middle of the season but the sun is shining on him again after last week's effort against the Eagles. The Lions have not been very good at limiting opposing quarterbacks average Fantasy points per game this season. In fact, since the beginning of Week 6, opposing quarterbacks have thrown 13 touchdown passes against the Lions compared to just two interceptions. The Lions have not intercepted a pass now in four straight games and Jon Kitna and Tom Brady combined to throw seven TDs with no picks in the last two games. Cutler is very much a No. 1 Fantasy QB for Week 13 against the dismal Lions.
News: Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler turned in arguably his best game of the season in Week 12 throwing a career-high four touchdown passes, including three in first half alone, to lift the Bears to a 31-26 victory over Philadelphia on Sunday. Cutler completed 14 of his 21 attempts for 247 yards and effectively picked apart a beleaguered Eagles secondary to record a season-high QB rating of 146.2. Cutler, benefiting from the absence of starting Philadelphia cornerback Asante Samuel (knee), did not throw an interception for the first time in three games and just the fourth time in a game this season.
Analysis: Cutler appeared extremely poised in the pocket Sunday, hitting three different receivers for touchdowns -- two directed to his former Vanderbilt teammate Earl Bennett. He recorded five pass plays that went for 20 or more yards to help the Bears complete their first four-game winning streak since December 2006, their last Super Bowl season. Cutler also finished as the Bears' second-leading rusher, totaling 17 yards on seven attempts -- nearly all coming on scrambles -- and was sacked four times. Chicago travels to Detroit for Week 13, providing Cutler with another big scoring opportunity against the Lions' average pass defense.
News: Chicago offensive coordinator Mike Martz said he believes quarterback Jay Cutler has shown signs of understanding the offense. Cutler, who has always struggled with decision-making with defenses bearing down in the pocket, has completed at least 57 percent of his passes in four consecutive games. "I think he's done a great job with his decisions," Martz said. "He's not hesitating. He understands that in certain coverages he can (run) and in other ones (he has) to be careful with it." Cutler has notched 2,064 passing yards and 12 touchdowns this season, and has scrambled for 172 rushing yards on 29 attempts (his career high is 205 yards). The Bears host the Eagles in Week 12 on Sunday.
Analysis: Cutler may be understanding Martz's pass-happy system more, but he still can't grasp not throwing to the other team. The signal-caller, in his second season as the Bears' starting quarterback, has thrown 10 interceptions in 10 games this year -- the fourth straight season Cutler has tossed double-digits in picks. Fortunately for Cutler, Philadelphia cornerback Asante Samuel, who leads the NFL with seven interceptions, is out for Sunday's game. Cutler, who has been sacked a league-high 33 times, has thrown seven interceptions the last four games and will need to dodge constant pressure from a stout Eagles blitz. Philadelphia is holding opposing quarterbacks to an average of 16.9 points per game this season, giving Cutler value as only a mid-range No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: Chicago offensive coordinator Mike Martz said he believes quarterback Jay Cutler has shown signs of understanding the offense. Cutler, who has always struggled with decision-making with defenses bearing down in the pocket, has completed at least 57 percent of his passes in four consecutive games. "I think he's done a great job with his decisions," Martz said. "He's not hesitating. He understands that in certain coverages he can (run) and in other ones (he has) to be careful with it." Cutler has notched 2,064 passing yards and 12 touchdowns this season, and has scrambled for 172 rushing yards on 29 attempts (his career high is 205 yards). The Bears host the Eagles in Week 12 on Sunday.
Analysis: Cutler may be understanding Martz's pass-happy system more, but he still can't grasp not throwing to the other team. The signal-caller, in his second season as the Bears' starting quarterback, has thrown 10 interceptions in 10 games this year -- the fourth straight season Cutler has tossed double-digits in picks. Fortunately for Cutler, Philadelphia cornerback Asante Samuel, who leads the NFL with seven interceptions, is questionable for Sunday's game. Cutler, who has been sacked a league-high 33 times, has thrown seven interceptions the last four games and will need to dodge constant pressure from a stout Eagles blitz. Philadelphia is holding opposing quarterbacks to an average of 16.9 points per game this season, giving Cutler value as only a mid-range No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler failed to throw a touchdown pass for the first time since Week 3 in the Week 11 win over the Dolphins. He did manage to throw his 10th interception of the year when DB Benny Sapp sat in the underneath zone and Cutler seemed to throw it right to him. Cutler finished the night completing 16 of 25 passes for 156 yards. More impressively, he scrambled for a couple of first downs and picked up a total of 28 yards rushing on just four attempts. "They were going to sit back all day and not give us any big plays," Cutler said. "They were going to take care of the deep ins and some of the deeper throws, so we had to check down."
Analysis: Cutler did what he could against the stout Miami pass defense that came into the game ranked sixth in the NFL. He did force the throw that Sapp picked off, but became a game manager with the lead in the second half. He engineered an efficient third quarter drive that led to a 2-yard Matt Forte TD run. In Week 12, Cutler will look to find the end zone against the Eagles, who have allowed opposing QBs to throw for multiple TDs in six of the team's nine games thus far. Cutler would likely remain a No. 2 Fantasy QB heading into that matchup.
News: By winning two straight heading into Thursday night's game at Miami, the Chicago Bears have shown what can happen when Jay Cutler has time to throw. Cutler has been sacked only once in each of the last two games after the offensive line gave up 31 sacks in the first seven games. With Cutler standing upright, or moving around the pocket, the Bears have converted 58 percent of their third downs in two straight games. Cutler will face off against a Dolphins defense that has 23 sacks on the season, but also has allowed multiple passing touchdowns in four of nine games. "I'll be very confident if we keep protecting like this and giving me time to move around and make some plays," Cutler said. "That's all the difference in the world."
Analysis: Cutler's potential is sky-high every week given the offense that he plays in, but with a pair of receivers banged up and the Dolphins unlikely to relent against the Bears' O-line -- and playing on the road in a short week -- there's a lot to be wary of here. Consider other options before starting Cutler in Fantasy this week; we unanimously like quarterbacks like Jon Kitna, Shaun Hill and even Carson Palmer more than Cutler in Week 11.
News:Jay Cutler played one of the best games of his season, tossing three touchdowns against the Vikings and escaping the Minnesota pass rush play after play. Cutler, who was sacked just once, connected with Greg Olsen, Devin Hester and Kellen Davis for touchdowns while completing 22 of 35 passes. He also threw two interceptions but finished with 24 rush yards thanks in part to a big first-down run in the first quarter.
Analysis: Cutler's ability to make plays on the run and put up good totals off of play-action and bootlegs made him a great Fantasy option here. If he played like this consistently then owners would want to use him week in and week out. He'll likely see more blitzes when he plays at Miami this Thursday, but their secondary has been exposed before. Cutler's not a gleaming option for Week 11, but you certainly could do worse. Consider your options before going with him.
News:Jay Cutler and the Bears will host division-rival Minnesota in Week 10. Last year, Cutler went up against the Vikings twice and had two very different results: at Minnesota, he threw one touchdown and two interceptions with 147 yards, and at home he gunned them down for four touchdowns and 273 yards with an interception. Cutler also had at least 10 rush yards in each meeting. The Vikings rank 10th in the league against the pass, giving up just 208.4 passing yards per game on average with 10 passing scores given up. Only two quarterbacks (Tony Romo, Aaron Rodgers) have thrown multiple touchdowns against the Vikings in a game this season; Drew Brees and Tom Brady only had one passing score each in matchups vs. Minnesota.
Analysis: Making matters worse is that the Vikings' pass rush exploded last week and could be primed to get to him on Sunday. The Vikes sacked Cutler six times in two '09 games and could find success getting past his weak O-line again. Cutler should have his hands full in this matchup, making him a less-than-ideal Fantasy starter. Consider other options before going with Cutler in Week 10.
News: Chicago QB Jay Cutler gave his recipe for success after beating the Bills Week 9. "Limited the turnovers, converting in the red zone, converting on third down, and we got a victory," Cutler explained following the 22-19 win. Cutler went 17 of 30 for 188 yards in the game but he did not throw a single interception after throwing four against Washington the last time he took the field. Cutler did lose a fumble in the game, but that was it as far as turnovers. He threw two touchdown passes, the last a 2-yard TD pass to Earl Bennett which gave the Bears the lead for good. He added a shovel-pass 2-point conversion on that play. Cutler added 39 yards rushing on five attempts and finished just 10 yards behind Matt Forte for the team lead in rushing.
Analysis: Cutler has only thrown for over 300 yards once this season (Week 1 against Detroit) in the Mike Martz-led offense. Needless to say, the offense hasn't been what it is cracked up to be. Cutler had his lowest passing total of the entire season but still won the game in Week 9 as he limited the turnovers. That said, the Bills have one of the worst defenses in football and remain winless at 0-8. Playing Minnesota in Week 10, Cutler is going to struggle more. We can only call him, at best, a low-end No.1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB heading into Week 10.
News: The way he's getting battered around, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler could probably use some survival tips. Kurt Warner has a few. The quarterback who played a starring role in Mike Martz's "Greatest Show on Turf" with the St. Louis Rams sees Cutler struggling with "confidence and understanding" while trying to adapt to a complicated system that doesn't necessarily mesh with his natural tendencies. "I think he's a perfect fit from a confidence, from an ability standpoint," Warner said Tuesday during an NFL Network conference call with fellow analyst and longtime quarterback Joe Theismann. "But where I think it has to adjust is he's got to be able to anticipate within that offense and see things ahead of time, throw the ball before a guy gets open, trust the guy to come open or move to his next read. That's where I see him struggling right now within that offense."
Analysis: Cutler leads the league with 27 sacks and 19 in his past three games, starting with a nine-sack first half against the New York Giants that left him with a concussion and forced him to sit out the following week. He has as many interceptions (seven) as touchdowns after getting picked off four times by Washington's DeAngelo Hall in another ugly loss two weeks ago. Now, the Bears get winless Buffalo in Toronto in Week 9, a chance for a stumbling team to regain its footing. Much of that hinges on Cutler staying on his feet and making the right decisions. "The one thing you understand about this offense more than any other offense I've been in is that it's all based on timing," Warner said. Cutler has a real chance to win back the Chicago faithful and Fantasy owners in Week 9. The Bills are allowing opposing QBs to average 20 Fantasy points per week, which is fourth highest in the NFL. Five QBs have thrown at least two touchdowns against Buffalo as well. If you are feeling lucky, then consider starting Cutler in Fantasy Week 9.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler returns from a bye in Week 9 to play at Buffalo. The last time he faced the Bills was back in 2008 with Denver. Cutler threw for 359 yards in that game on 25 completions but he did not throw for a touchdown. He did, however, rush for two touchdowns. Through five-plus seasons in the NFL, Cutler has four total rushing touchdowns and two came in that 2008 game against the Bills. Cutler will be looking to improve on an ugly effort in Week 7 against Washington when he threw four interceptions compared to one touchdown and added a fumble. Cutler hasn't topped 300 yards passing since Week 1 and hasn't even been close to being a No. 1 Fantasy QB this year in terms of cumulative Fantasy points.
Analysis: Cutler threw five touchdowns and one interception in his first two games this season under Mike Martz. Since those first two games, however, Cutler has totaled just two touchdowns and six picks in four contests. He's healthy now after the bye week and Fantasy owners are hoping he can turn his season around. He should have a good chance playing the Bills. Buffalo is allowing the fourth-most average Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. Before Matt Cassel struggled in Week 8 and managed just one TD pass, the Bills had allowed at least two passing touchdowns in every game since Week 1. Buffalo has only intercepted one quarterback this season. If Cutler can ever have a good game, Week 9 will be the one. Consider him a borderline No. 1 Fantasy option against the Bills.
News: Chicago QB Jay Cutler had a very ugly game Week 7 in a home loss to the Redskins. DeAngelo Hall victimized Cutler for four interceptions, tying an NFL record in the process, as Cutler threw four interceptions in the game. One of those picks was returned 92 yards for a touchdown by Hall. Cutler went 26 for 40 in the game for 281 yards with the four interceptions and one touchdown pass. The touchdown was a 9-yard pass from Cutler to Johnny Knox in the second quarter. Cutler also rushed once for zero yards and fumbled in the game. Cutler turned the ball over four times in the second half alone and two of those were in the red zone.
Analysis: Cutler didn't throw an interception Week 6 against Seattle. Of course, he didn't throw a touchdown pass in that game, either. Cutler, since going for five TDs and one pick in his first two games this season, has just two touchdown passes compared to six interceptions in his last four games. Granted, he was hurt for some of that. Still, he looked healthy on Sunday against Washington and only his arm looked sickly at times. Cutler is getting a bye week in Week 8 at the right time as right now he's barely looking like a Fantasy-viable quarterback.
News: Fantasy owners have to be frustrated after Bears QB Jay Cutler failed to throw a touchdown pass in consecutive games surrounding an injury in Week 5. In fact, Cutler, who after two games had five TD passes and just one pick, has thrown one touchdown and two interceptions in his last three games for a grand total of 553 yards. Granted, he did suffer a concussion Week 4 and was out the following week, but Cutler is healthy heading into Week 7 against Washington. Cutler has never faced the Redskins. Cutler has not played as a No. 1 Fantasy QB to this point.
Analysis: Cutler has been a major disappointment to his Fantasy owners, partly because of the concussion, partly because the Bears offense under Mike Martz has been inconsistent -- plus Matt Forte has played well. That said, Cutler does have a favorable matchup in Week 7against the Redskins. Washington is giving up the fifth-most average Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season at over 20 per contest. The Redskins have been a little bend-but-don't-break with their defense as they have only allowed more than one passing touchdown twice this year, and that came against the Texans and Colts (Matt Schaub and Peyton Manning). The Bears also are having issues on the offensive line, as Seattle showed last week against Cutler, so we consider Cutler a borderline starter at best. He could play well based on the matchup, but he could also continue to struggle as he's shown recently.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler, making his first start since suffering a concussion in Week 4, completed 17 of 39 passes for 290 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in a Week 6 loss to Seattle. Cutler also ran twice for 19 yards. "I felt fine physically," he said. "There was never any concern with that. I felt fine out there playing. We didn't get it done today. It's very simple."
Analysis: Cutler spent most of his time on Sunday running for his life as the Chicago offensive line provided little protection against a rabid Seattle pass rush. The fact he still managed to throw for 290 is a testament to his resilience and that Seattle ranked 31st against the pass coming into this contest. In Week 7, Cutler will face the Redskins, who only ranked one spot above Seattle before their Sunday night game against Indianapolis. Cutler should be continue to be thought of as No. 1 Fantasy WR for that matchup.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler expects to start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks after missing last week's game because of a concussion. Cutler says doctors "wanted to make completely sure" he was "good to go" and cleared him to play on Monday. He practiced in full on Wednesday.
Analysis: Cutler will go up against a Seahawks defense that's coming off a bye but has been abysmal against the pass, yielding 302.0 yards on average with six passing touchdowns allowed. Each of Seattle's last three opponents have thrown for two scores on them, including gunslinger Philip Rivers who also put up 455 passing yards. Chances are Cutler and offensive coordinator Mike Martz are salivating at the possibilities of this matchup. Cutler is a No. 1 Fantasy option for Week 6.
News: The NFL Network is reporting that Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is scheduled to start against Seattle in Week 6, two weeks after suffering a concussion. The Bears refused to confirm Tuesday's report by the NFL Network, which cited a league source it did not identify. Cutler was injured during a loss to the New York Giants in Week 4 and missed Week 5 against the Panthers. Coach Lovie Smith said Monday he was "hopeful" that Cutler would be able to play. Bears spokesman Scott Hagel said the quarterback situation will be discussed Wednesday.
Analysis: After seeing what Todd Collins did on Sunday with his four interceptions, Bears fans and Fantasy owners will be ecstatic to see Cutler back behind center in Week 6, especially as Seattle ranks almost dead last against the pass this season. If Cutler is cleared to play, consider him an elite No. 1 Fantasy option for this very favorable matchup.
News: Bears head coach Lovie Smith didn't rule out QB Jay Cutler for Week 6 vs. Seattle, saying that the team is still "evaluating" him. Cutler did not play in Week 5 at Carolina after suffering a concussion during the team's Week 4 loss at the Giants. "Hopefully he'll be able to go this week," Smith said without naming a potential replacement starter in case he can't go. TE Greg Olsen has a positive feeling about the health of his good friend Cutler. "I think he felt good toward the end of the week and was able to get some practice in and some workouts and run around and get going. I think he’s feeling pretty good," Olsen said.
Analysis: Cutler would probably play very well against a Seahawks defense that has not played well on the road. We'll keep you posted on Cutler's status this week; obviously if he's active owners should start him and if he's not then owners should already have a backup to insert into lineups since he missed Week 5.
News: Chicago QB Jay Cutler was not active for the Bears Week 5 matchup versus Carolina. Cutler was held out due to a concussion he sustained in Week 4 against the Giants. Veteran Todd Collins got the start in Cutler's place. Despite participating in limited practice on Wednesday, it was decided Cutler would not play against the Panthers and be re-evaluated during the week heading into Chicago's Week 6 game against Seattle.
Analysis: Cutler has thrown for 912 yards this year to go with six touchdowns and three interceptions. He's been sacked 17 times -- nine in Week 4 -- so his offensive line will have to improve if he'll make it through the season in one piece. When healthy, Cutler should be viewed as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB. Until he returns to action he should be reserved and monitored closely during the week.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler will be held out of Sunday's game in Week 5 at Carolina due to a concussion suffered last weekend. Todd Collins will start for Cutler, the Bears announced Thursday. Cutler exited last Sunday night’s loss to the Giants at halftime with a concussion. After practicing on a limited basis Wednesday, Cutler met with Bears doctors and an independent consultant, reports the official team website. Both parties recommended that Cutler, who has made steady progress, continue to work out on a limited basis through the end of the week and sit out Sunday’s game before being re-evaluated again early next week.
Analysis: Keep Cutler reserved in all leagues and hope he can return in Week 6 against Seattle. When healthy, Cutler is a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB. He played well to start the season with solid games against Detroit and Dallas before struggling the past two weeks against Green Bay and the Giants. If you're looking for a replacement for Cutler this week try to add Shaun Hill (vs. STL), Sam Bradford (at DET) or Ryan Fitzpatrick (vs. JAC) based on their matchups.
News: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was back practicing on a limited basis Wednesday after leaving last week's game against the Giants with a concussion. Cutler was in uniform and participating in passing drills in the early portion of practice that was open to reporters after taking a brutal pounding in Sunday's 17-3 loss. Cutler's status for this week's game at Carolina was unclear, but it is believed that he will start.
Analysis: Forget about Cutler's Week 4 nightmare -- at least for now -- as the Bears move on from a team with a ferocious pass rush to one with a meek pass rush: The Panthers have four sacks in four games. That should give Cutler the time he needs to attack Carolina, giving him a shot at some good stats for Week 5. If you own him, assume that he'll be a go for starting until otherwise informed. We'll continue to keep you posted throughout the week on Cutler.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler was back at work Monday less than 24 hours after suffering a concussion that knocked him out of his team's game Sunday night at the Giants. He attended team meetings as if he was preparing to play in Week 5 at the Panthers, according to ESPN. Cutler, who was sacked nine times in the first half by the Giants, completed 8 of 11 passes for 42 yards with an interception before being forced from the game.
Analysis: Forget about Cutler's Week 4 nightmare -- at least for now -- as the Bears move on from a team with a ferocious pass rush to one with a meek pass rush: The Panthers have four sacks in four games. That should give Cutler the time he needs to attack Carolina, giving him a shot at some good stats for Week 5. If you own him, assume that he'll be a go for starting until otherwise informed. We'll keep you posted throughout the week on Cutler.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler was knocked out of the game in Week 4 against the Giants with a concussion. He suffered the injury shortly before halftime and was replaced by QB Todd Collins at the start of the second half. Cutler, who was sacked nine times in the first half, completed 8 of 11 passes for 42 yards with an interception before being forced from the game. "We know what type of competitor he is," coach Lovie Smith said. "If he's healthy and ready to go, he'll be back out there."
Analysis: Cutler was on the run for most of the first half in Week 4 and could not get anything going behind a poor Bears offensive line. The Giants brought constant heat on the 27-year-old an knocked him out of the game prematurely. He has thrown for 912 yards and six touchdowns this season but his status for Week 5 against the Panthers is now up in the air. Concussions have been a problem in the NFL recently so expect the Bears to proceed with caution heading into Week 5. Fantasy owners should stay tuned for the latest updates to see when Cutler might be able to play again. When healthy, Cutler is a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler will face a Giants defense in Week 4 that has been tough against the pass so far this season. New York has allowed an average of 169.3 yards per game through the air, good for fourth in the league, while holding opposing quarterbacks to 14.33 Fantasy points per game. Cutler has thrown for 870 passing yards through the first three games with six touchdowns and two interceptions.
Analysis: Cutler has had a solid start to the season while leading the surprising Bears to a 3-0 start. Mike Martz's offense has benefited everyone in Chicago and the offensive line has started to play better of late. Cutler still forces some passes and can get in trouble at times but he has the arm strength to make any pass on the field. The Giants got carved up by Peyton Manning (255 yards, three TDs) in Week 2 but were able to hold Matt Moore (182 yards, one TD and three INTs) and Vince Young (118 yards, one TD) in check in their other two games. Fantasy owners should expect a performance of somewhere in the middle for Cutler in Week 4. He could be in for a rough game on Sunday but Fantasy owners should continue to view Cutler as a No. 1 Fantasy QB against the Giants.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler did not have his finest game in Week 3 against the Packers but did just enough to lead his team to the 20-17 win. The 27-year-old completed 16 of 27 passes for 221 yards with one touchdown and a interception. His touchdown strike came right before halftime when he hit TE Greg Olsen for 9 yards. He hit Olsen five times on the night but none was bigger than the 21-yard pass he connected with that led the Bears on their game-winning drive. He also led Chicago in rushing, carrying the ball three times for 37 yards. He had two other chances at touchdown passes but TE Desmond Clark dropped a ball and WR Earl Bennett was rule down at the 1-yard line.
Analysis: Cutler looked extremely sharp on some drives in Week 3 but also made some questionable decisions that left Fantasy owners scratching their heads. There were at least three passes that Green Bay could have picked off and they actually had one negated because of a roughing-the-passer penalty. Despite some erratic passes on Monday night, Cutler appears to have a better idea of how to take care of the ball this year and has done a good job under new offensive coordinator Mike Martz. He had his least productive game of the year against the Packers but still has 870 passing yards on the year with six touchdowns. He will face a Giants defense in Week 4 that is only giving up 169 yards through the air, good for fourth in the league, through their first three games. He could be in for a rough game next week but Fantasy owners should continue to view Cutler as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB.
News: After throwing 26 interceptions a year ago, Bears QB Jay Cutler has made a concerted effort to cut down on his turnovers this season. He faces a Packers defense in Week 3 that has given up just 150 passing yards per game while picking off two passes. On his lack of turnovers this year, QB Jay Cutler said he's instructed to take sacks or throw it away. "Sacks and throwing it away, that’s part of it. A 10-yard loss on a sack is going to be better than a turnover. So I’d take either one of them." In three career games against Green Bay, Cutler has thrown for 750 yards with four touchdowns and six interceptions.
Analysis: Cutler played the Packers twice last season, throwing for 486 yards with three touchdowns and six interceptions. He appears to have a better idea of how to take care of the ball this year and has done a good job under new offensive coordinator Mike Martz. Cutler has five touchdown passes compared to just one interception so far in 2010 with 649 yards passing. Green Bay knows what to expect from Cutler but the game could be a shootout, which bodes well for Fantasy owners. Consider Cutler as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB for Week 3 against the Packers.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler had a monster performance on Sunday afternoon to defeat the Dallas Cowboys. Cutler only missed on eight passes for the entire game as he lead the Bears' offense down the field for three touchdown passes. Cutler finished 21 of 29 for 277 yards with three scores and no interceptions. Cutler also rushed for three years on five carries. Cutler connected with Greg Olsen in the first quarter for a 39-yard catch-and-run touchdown. He hit Devin Hester from nine yards out in the second quarter to give the Bears a 17-14 lead. With the score 20-17 Chicago with under six minutes to play in the fourth, Cutler found Matt Forte in the back of the end zone for his third TD pass on the game.
Analysis: Cutler was facing a much tougher defense Week 2 in the Cowboys and he was able to torch them in their own house. So far, in two games, Cutler has thrown for 649 yards with five touchdowns and just one interception. Needless to say, he's flourishing in the Mike Martz-led offense thus far. The Bears play against Green Bay in Week 3 and we believe that is going to be a high-scoring affair. Cutler should be considered a solid Fantasy option to start in all leagues in that contest.
News: Chicago QB Jay Cutler completed 23 of his 35 passes in Week 1 against the Lions for a total of 372 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. The Bears' signal caller will get a much stiffer test Week 2 in Dallas. The Cowboys did not allow the Redskins to do much of anything offensively Week 1 on Sunday night and Washington failed to score an offensive touchdown. Cutler, who has never faced Dallas, has thrown for at least 270 yards with a total of 10 touchdowns and just two interceptions in his last three regular season games played. That said, the last time he faced a tough defensive team on the road, Dec. 20 of last season in Baltimore, he went just 10 of 27 for 94 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions.
Analysis: Cutler did an admirable job Week 1 against the Lions but we knew that was going to happen, even calling him the Start of the Week for Week 1. Donovan McNabb and the Redskins could do nothing offensively against the Cowboys in Week 1 and you know Dallas is going to want to pound the Bears into submission on their own turf in Week 2 coming off a loss. It just doesn't add up for another great week for Cutler. Instead, he should be considered more of a No. 2 Fantasy QB option in Dallas.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler, the CBSSports.com Start of the Week, played well in Week 1 against Detroit. Cutler was 23 of 35 passing for 372 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also added five carries for 22 yards and lost a fumble. Cutler benefited from Matt Forte catching two touchdowns, including one for 89 yards, but Cutler could have done more on offense with Forte and Greg Olsen losing fumbles that stalled drives. "We are on the verge of becoming I think a very good offense," Cutler said. "We've got to clear some things up."
Analysis: Cutler continued his great history against the Lions and will now try to keep up his stellar play in Mike Martz's offense heading into Week 2 at Dallas. The Cowboys defense is much better than the Lions, so don't expect Cutler to play as well. He should be considered a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB on the road at Dallas.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler enters Week 1 on Sunday with a lot to prove, and we believe he will get the job done. He's the CBSSports.com Start of the Week based on his matchup with the Lions. Cutler, who has struggled in the preseason, is looking to play better than last year, his first with Chicago, when he threw a career-high 26 interceptions with 3,666 passing yards and 26 touchdowns. But this year, his outlook should improve since he gets a new offensive coordinator in Mike Martz, who has worked wonders for quarterbacks in the past. Against the Lions, Cutler has a tremendous history. In two meetings with the Lions last year, Cutler had six passing touchdowns and one rushing score. Detroit was the worst team against opposing quarterbacks in Fantasy points allowed in 2009, and it looks like more of the same this year since the Lions were No. 28 in pass defense in the preseason.
Analysis: We're expecting Cutler to get off to a good start in 2010 with this game against Detroit, and we consider him a No. 1 Fantasy QB. There aren't going to be many weeks where you trust Cutler 100 percent, but this should be one of those matchups. Look for Cutler to play well against the Lions, and he's worth inserting into your starting lineup.
News:The Sports Xchange reports despite a preseason that had him running for his life or ducking for cover far too often, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler can't wait for the regular season to begin. That might seem odd, considering the Bears scored just 17 points in the five quarters that Cutler played in the preseason, during which he was sacked 10 times, threw two interceptions and compiled a passer rating of 62.4. But Cutler says he's ready to play for keeps in offensive coordinator Mike Martz's scheme, starting with the season opener against the Lions on Sept. 12. "I'm good," he said. "I met with Mike a lot since the preseason started, just talking through game plans. We're going to do more and more of that once the season starts getting a little bit closer, just talking Detroit. And from week to week I'm sure we'll have a lot of film sessions and going over the game plan. But I feel good about the system. I understand it, and I know what we're trying to get accomplished out there. So I'm ready for the real games to start."
Analysis: Questions about the reworked offensive line's ability to protect Cutler have not been answered to anyone's satisfaction, although the quarterback and Martz both insist there has been improvement. The other huge question was how quickly the offense would fully grasp Martz's thick playbook. Cutler, whose football intelligence is almost as impressive as his rocket arm, appears to have it down pat. But, unless all his receivers and blockers are on the same learning curve, there could be problems. "We're going to open it up," Cutler said. "Those guys will be expected to make it happen over there." Cutler has a lot of burgeoning talent at wide receiver and Fantasy owners sense that as he has been the 10th most drafted QB in CBSSports.com leagues. Cutler heads into the season as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB and has a favorable matchup in Week 1 against the Lions.
News:Jay Cutler isn't worried about the Bears offense - yet. With a new offensive coordinator in Mike Martz, Cutler said the Bears are running plays "just to get it on film" so he's not too worried about what he's seen so far. The line has been shaky, and the points simply aren't coming. The starters were held scoreless in last week's 14-9 loss to Arizona, drawing boos from antsy fans who have seen the Bears fail to make the playoffs since the 2006 team's Super Bowl run. "Is there a reason for concern? Maybe, maybe not," Cutler said. "I'm not concerned. I don't think anybody in that locker room is really concerned of where we're at. I think we're happy where we're at. There's room to improve, absolutely, but I think we'll be ready." The Bears have scored on just three of 16 drives with Cutler in the preseason, getting a field goal from Robbie Gould along with an 89-yard touchdown run by Matt Forte and TD pass to Johnny Knox.
Analysis: Cutler should be fine once the season starts and Martz opens all his bag of tricks. We still consider Cutler a No. 1 Fantasy QB in all leagues. He is going to throw his share of interceptions, but with Martz calling plays he should also get plenty of yards and touchdowns. Plan on drafting Cutler with a mid-round pick on Draft Day.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler completed 10 of 20 passes for 129 yards with two interceptions in Saturday's preseason loss to the Cardinals. He also ran twice for 11 yards. "We had some protection issues last game," he said. "There might still be some of the little bit of the effects of that. I trust in those guys up there, they're doing a good job for me. We had a miscue on the first play and I think from that point on it was up and down."
Analysis: This isn't the kind of performance Cutler wanted to produce in what could have been his last outing before the regular season, but it's the sort of numbers he can put up on any given week with his propensity to turn the ball over. Cutler has some upside though and could rack up yards and touchdowns along with picks in Mike Martz's offense, so continue to draft him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB in the sixth round or so.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler completed 7 of 15 passes for 99 yards with a 22-yard TD pass to Johnny Knox and was sacked five times -- four of them credited to Wimbley -- in one half of preseason play vs. the Raiders on Saturday. Cutler wasn't happy with getting sacked five times. "Clearly it's too much. Definitely it's not going to be acceptable and the offensive line is probably a little bit disappointed in themselves," Cutler said. "They've got a lot of time left to make corrections."
Analysis: Cutler's arm is still live, and his receiving corps is developing nicely, but if there's an area of concern regarding Cutler it's that his O-line is not strong and Mike Martz's offense typically gives up a lot of sacks because the quarterback is asked to drop back in the pocket a lot. Consider him a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a pick starting around Round 7 in drafts this summer, but a ton of sacks could take its toll on Cutler. Hopefully this isn't a sign of things to come.
News: In the Bears' preseason loss at San Diego Saturday, QB Jay Cutler completed both of the passes he attempted to Johnny Knox for 47 yards before taking a seat. He also scrambled for 3 yards. Cutler was sacked once over the four times he dropped back to pass.
Analysis: Not a lot you can glean from this other than that Cutler displayed familiarity with the Bears' new offense. The reality is that quarterbacks under the guidance of offensive coordinator Mike Martz have put up eye-pooping totals, and Cutler should be no different. Consider him a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a pick starting around Round 7 in drafts this summer.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler feels at home in new offensive coordinator Mike Martz's system, according to the Chicago Sun Times. "At this point, I got it pretty much down. There are some new plays, each and every day," Cutler said. "But once you get the formations and protections, and where we're trying to go with the ball against each coverage, you're pretty good after that." Not only is he comfortable with the new offense, but Cutler expects to have a good season in it. "Mike does a good job of getting quarterbacks prepared. If you look at his track record, no matter who the quarterback is, or what team it is, they're going to be successful."
Analysis: Cutler had a disappointing first season in 2009, seeing his completions, completion percentage, passing yards and average per completion all go down from the previous year, while throwing nearly as many interceptions (26) as he did touchdowns (27). Martz is well known for his offensive game plans, and the Bears' young receiving crew will have another year of experience under its belt, so it's not outrageous to expect Culter to improve in 2010. We rate him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB.
News: When Mike Martz speaks, people listen, according to Bears QB Jay Cutler. "When Mike walks into the room he's got that aura about him that I think commands respect," Cutler said Wednesday. "With the young group we have, like us offensively, I don't think there is any question he was going to get it." Cutler says he and Martz are already on the same page. "I think me and Mike have kind of clicked very quickly in our relationship," Cutler said. "We have the same goals in mind. I think we have the same thought process on and off the field."
Analysis: Cutler has the chance for a solid season in 2010. With the addition of Martz, Cutler is sure to improve. We like him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB, and he's worth drafting with a mid-round pick in all leagues. The key for Cutler will be cutting down on his 26 interceptions from last year, and hopefully Martz can help in that regard.
News: The Bears expect QB Jay Cutler to leave his interceptions habit in the past. "We know about some of the negatives," coach Lovie Smith said. "We worked on that in the past, and we just don't feel like that is going to be a big problem." Last year, his first with the Bears, Cutler struggled with 26 interceptions, which offset his career-high 27 touchdowns. But Cutler has a new offensive coordinator in Mike Martz, who has impressed Cutler with his style. "He really hits the gas pedal at first and just throws as much information as he can," Cutler said. "And then he goes back over it and starts explaining. And that's when he does some of the best coaching I've seen." Cutler is excited about the new offense. "The last three or four years it's been just seeing guys and kind of letting it fly, letting it develop," Cutler said. "In this offense you're throwing the ball before your guys are ready sometimes and before the defense is even expecting the ball to come out."
Analysis: Cutler has the chance for a solid season in 2010. With the addition of Martz, Cutler is sure to improve. We like him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB, and he's worth drafting with a mid-round pick in all leagues.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler said Wednesday he's continuing to learn about the new offense Mike Martz has installed. "There's a lot to like about it," Cutler said. "The ball's in the air, we're doing some great stuff in the run game, we're trying to get guys open, we're trying to find spaces for them, we're trying to create matchups and I think Mike does a great job of that." But Cutler added that's not a traditional offense. "I think the overlying theme is ... you've got to buy into it because we're doing some unconventional stuff. If you don't believe whole-heartedly in what we're trying to accomplish, it's going to be tough." One difference for Cutler will be a lack of audibles. "He takes a lot of the audibles out," Cutler said. "You’ve got to identify the defense. As hard as it is, once you understand what you're doing it kind of simplifies itself."
Analysis: Cutler should have a firm grasp of the offense by the time training camp opens, and we expect him to play well in 2010. There's still the chance for Cutler to have his share of turnovers, but he could also get a healthy amount of yards and touchdowns. Consider Cutler a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB, and he's worth a mid-round pick in all leagues.
News: The Bears' new offense took center stage during the team's recent minicamp, with Jay Cutler leading the way. Working with the entire first unit in offensive coordinator Mike Martz's downfield scheme, Cutler was sharp, throwing to everyone including tight ends Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark. The offense emphasizes deeper quarterback drops and passes to spots on the field rather than throwing directly at receivers. "It is a little bit different," Cutler said. "It's a high-paced, high-octane offense. Guys are flying around. Quarterbacks have to make quick, precise decisions and you have to be really accurate with the ball. It puts a lot on the quarterback, puts a lot on the receivers."
Analysis: Everything sounds good in Chicago, and the reality is that quarterbacks under the guidance of Martz have put up eye-pooping totals. Trent Green, Kurt Warner, Marc Bulger and Jon Kitna have all seen their numbers pop under Martz's tutelage. Cutler's should be no different, and when you consider his skills as a passer, the potential is there for a big season. While the Bears' receiving corps isn't well known, it is promising with the likes of Devin Aromashodu and Earl Bennett working with the more known Devin Hester, Johnny Knox and Greg Olsen in the coming season. Cutler emerges as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a pick starting around Round 7 in drafts this summer.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports Bears WR Devin Hester said new offensive coordinator Mike Martz should help QB Jay Cutler and the offense improve. "It's exciting, the things that Martz has brought with him," Hester said. "Just out there running routes, I can't wait to go against defenses. I am just so eager to try to do it against our opponents. Our offense is really built around giving the receivers opportunities to make plays. It's all up to the receivers. We have a big role this season to step up and make plays. I think our group has a good chance to shock a lot of people." Hester said the offense better suits a QB like Cutler who has the arm strength to make the throws downfield than what the Bears did previously. Hester dismissed the idea that Martz's playbook is going to be too difficult for anyone to digest. "It's going to take time," he said. "Everything is not going to happen overnight. The way we have been picking up things so far, we just have to continue."
Analysis: Nearly every quarterback under Martz has put up awesome stats thanks to not only the scheme but also the number of pass attempts they have. Trent Green, Kurt Warner, Marc Bulger and Jon Kitna have all seen their numbers pop under Martz's tutelage. Cutler's should be no different, and when you consider his skills as a passer, the potential is there for a big season if he can avoid the sacks that also come with Martz's system. While the Bears' receiving corps isn't well known, it is promising with the likes of Devin Aromashodu, Earl Bennett and Hester. Cutler emerges as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a pick starting around Round 7 in drafts this summer.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports Bears QB Jay Cutler has reached out to Kurt Warner to help further grasp Mike Martz's offense. Martz, who coached Warner with the Rams, is the new Bears offensive coordinator. "I kind of want to be able digest a little bit more of the playbook, be more in sync with what we're trying to do and what we're being asked to do before I ask (Warner) a lot of questions," Cutler said. "Maybe through July, I'll have a little more of a lengthy conversation with him." Martz said the dialogue between the two could only benefit Cutler. "I think it would be good," Martz said. "It would be very good because they are so similar in terms of their intellectual capacities to do things. Having Kurt talk to him about some of these things would be really fun for Jay, and give him perspective. Jay's got a good grasp of things already. It's unbelievable. I think on how things are done, how Kurt sees things, it's always good to get that view from somebody who has done it within the system."
Analysis: Cutler has the chance for a solid season in 2010. Last year, his first with the Bears, Cutler struggled with 26 interceptions, which offset his career-high 27 touchdowns. With the addition of Martz, Cutler is sure to improve. We like him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB, and he's worth drafting with a mid-round pick in all leagues.
News: Mike Martz said Jay Cutler has been a "dream" since beginning to teach him the nuances of his offense, the Chicago Tribune reports. Martz has gone back to basics with Cutler, working on his fundamentals in hopes of making the transition to the more complex parts of Martz's offense easier once camp opens. "He's better than I thought," Martz said. "I've got to smile because he's just been remarkable. He really has. He's so intelligent that he can intimidate you. ... He is extremely bright, one of the smartest people I've been around. Very humble though. He really loves this game, has a great passion for what he does. ... We started with him and how he holds his hands under center to how he steps, his stance underneath the center, just like he's a high school quarterback. We go back and re-train all the basic fundamentals how we see it with him. He's bought into everything that we do. He's been a dream for me. I couldn't ask for a better situation."
Analysis: Nearly every quarterback under Martz has put up awesome stats thanks to not only the scheme but also the number of pass attempts they have. Trent Green, Kurt Warner, Marc Bulger and Jon Kitna have all seen their numbers pop under Martz's tutelage. Cutler's should be no different, and when you consider his skills as a passer, the potential is there for a big season. While the Bears' receiving corps isn't well known, it is promising with the likes of Devin Aromashodu and Earl Bennett working with the more known Devin Hester and Greg Olsen in the coming season. Cutler emerges as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a pick starting around Round 7 in drafts this summer.
News: Chicago coach Lovie Smith said in an interview with CBSSports.com at the NFL owner's meeting in Orlando, Fla., that new offensive coordinator Mike Martz should help improve QB Jay Cutler this season. Since 1999, Martz has helped his quarterbacks produce six 3,800-yard seasons and two 30-plus touchdown seasons. Cutler had a rocky first year with the Bears in 2009 with 27 touchdowns and 26 interceptions, and Smith hopes Martz can improve those stats. "I couldn't be more excited about Mike being in the building," Smith said. "He's going to do a lot. He's going to take our offense somewhere it hasn't been. I'm excited about him getting his hands on our players and going from there."
Analysis: The addition of Martz increases Cutler's Fantasy value, and he should be viewed as a low-end starting option again coming into the year. He still has issues with a lack of talent around him based on a mediocre receiving corps (Devin Aromashodu, Earl Bennett, Devin Hester and Greg Olsen), but the offseason addition of RB Chester Taylor will help. Still, the best thing that happened to Cutler was Martz joining the team, and if he can limit his interceptions, a big year is possible. Cutler is worth drafting with a mid-round pick after the elite Fantasy options are off the board.
News: Speaking on 670 The Score (WSCR-AM) in Chicago, new Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz continued to show respect and optimism for Jay Cutler. The Bears quarterback will work with Martz this season in an attempt to revitalize Chicago's plain offense. Considered a difficult coordinator to deal with in the past, Martz is not just defending his ways but also discussing Cutler's potential in the offense, going as far as comparing him to Kurt Warner, who effectively established Martz as an explosive play caller. "He's got Kurt's accuracy with a stronger arm," Martz said. "You can't put a fence around Jay and say, 'This is what he is.' There's nothing that Jay can't accomplish in the passing game."
Analysis: Martz also cited Cutler's accuracy under duress as a huge positive for his game. Nearly every quarterback under Martz has put up awesome stats thanks to not only the scheme but also the number of attempts they have. Trent Green, Kurt Warner, Marc Bulger and Jon Kitna have all seen their numbers pop under Martz's tutelage. Cutler's should be no different, and when you consider his skills as a passer, the potential is there for a big season. While the Bears' receiving corps isn't well known, it is promising with the likes of Devin Aromashodu and Earl Bennett working with the more known Devin Hester and Greg Olsen in the coming season. Cutler emerges as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a pick between Rounds 6 and 7 in drafts this summer.
News: NFL Network analyst Marshall Faulk thinks that the addition of offensive coordinator Mike Martz will help Bears QB Jay Cutler flourish next season -- assuming he learns the playbook inside and out and adapts to basic principles of Martz's scheme. "Mike will ask him to be an anticipator. And Jay will struggle with it at the beginning but hopefully he'll look at Mike's resume, he'll watch film of Kurt and Marc and Trent Green and he'll [notice]. And it will even be harder with him because he kind of started to do that at the beginning of the year and he threw some picks. Hopefully Mike can get him to move forward beyond that and just accept what it is and to get him to be more responsible with the football."
Analysis: Nearly every quarterback under Martz has put up awesome stats thanks to not only the scheme but also the number of attempts they have. Trent Green, Kurt Warner, Marc Bulger and Jon Kitna have all seen their numbers pop under Martz's tutelage. Cutler's should be no different, and when you consider his raw skills as a passer, the potential is there for a big season. While the Bears' receiving corps isn't well known, it is promising with the likes of Devin Aromashodu and Earl Bennett working with the more known Devin Hester and Greg Olsen in the coming season. Cutler emerges as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a pick between Rounds 6 and 7 in drafts this summer. Check out what else Faulk had to say about Mike Martz's arrival in Chicago.
News: The Bears announced Monday that they have hired Mike Martz to be their offensive coordinator in 2010. The former offensive play caller with the Rams, Lions and 49ers is known for his intricate offense that dictates downfield passing. That should bode well for Jay Cutler, who should see plenty of opportunities to pass under Martz's guidance. Since 1999, Martz has helped his quarterbacks produce six 3,800-yard seasons and two 30-plus touchdown seasons. Cutler and Martz huddled last week before the hire and got off to a good start together. "There was an instant connection," Martz said of his meeting with Cutler.
Analysis: Cutler should re-establish the Bears' franchise mark for passing attempts in 2010, and he'll also have a real good shot at nailing down the franchise passing yardage mark. Martz definitely has a tendency to ask his passers to throw a lot, and that's something Cutler should like. While the Bears' receiving corps isn't well known, it is promising with the likes of Devin Aromashodu and Earl Bennett working with the more known Devin Hester and Greg Olsen in the coming season. Cutler emerges as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a pick between Rounds 6 and 7 in drafts this summer.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler threw four touchdowns for a second straight game as Chicago defeated the Lions in Week 17. Cutler completed 22 of 36 passes for 276 yards with no interceptions and also ran once for 5 yards.
Analysis: Cutler's four scores on Sunday gave him more touchdowns (27) than interceptions this season (26). Maybe this late-season surge is a sign he's finally getting used to life in Chicago, but his propensity for picks will make him a slightly risky Fantasy option in 2010. He will be worth a shot as a low-end No. 1 or a high-end No. 2 QB though, especially because of his strong arm and the way he finished this season.
News: Chicago QB Jay Cutler had a monster first half on Monday night in Week 16 against the Vikings. He disappeared for much of the second half as the Vikings clawed their way back into the game and forced overtime. Cutler came up big in the extra frame, however, and ended it on a 39-yard touchdown pass to Devin Aromashodu. Cutler finished with 20 of 35 passing for 273 yards and four touchdowns compared to just one interception in the win. Cutler also threw a 2-yard TD pass to Desmond Clark, hit Greg Olsen from seven yards out and connected with Earl Bennett on a 20-yard TD pass in the win. Cutler also rushed for 10 yards on three carries.
Analysis: Cutler rebounded in a big way on the Monday night stage against the Vikings, especially after throwing for just 94 yards with three interceptions and no scores in the Week 15 game against Baltimore. Cutler continues to be among the league leaders in interceptions but he’s also thrown over 20 touchdowns this season and looks to be ending the year on a high note after this performance Monday against a solid defense. The Bears play at Detroit in Week 17 and the Lions have just been terrible. Cutler should end the year hot as a No. 1 Fantasy option for Week 17.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler easily had his worst game of the season Sunday at Baltimore. He was 10 of 27 passing for 94 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. He did have four carries for 23 yards.
Analysis: Cutler's disappointing first year with Chicago took an ugly turn against the Ravens since he failed to pass for 100 yards for the first time all season. He will look to rebound in Week 16 against Minnesota, but you can't trust Cutler at this point in the season. Keep him reserved in all leagues.
News: In the Bears' Week 14 loss vs. the Packers, QB Jay Cutler completed 23 of 36 passes for 209 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Cutler's second interception set up the Packers for what became the game-winning score. His 22 interceptions this season are enough to make him the most picked-off Bears quarterback since 1949.
Analysis: Cutler has another tough opponent in Week 15 when the Bears travel to Baltimore to play the Ravens. Continue to avoid starting Cutler, who has been unquestionably one of the biggest busts in Fantasy Football this year.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler has a tough matchup against Green Bay in Week 14, and he's the CBSSports.com Sit of the Week. Green Bay is No. 3 in pass defense, and Cutler struggled against the Packers in their first meeting in Week 1 when he had one touchdown and four interceptions.
Analysis: Cutler only had 143 passing yards and a touchdown against the Rams last week, and that was a favorable matchup. It was obvious the Bears didn't want Cutler to take any chances, which is why he was limited to 17 passing attempts, his low for the season. This week, Cutler faces a Packers team that is among the league leaders with 21 interceptions. He also hasn't thrown for more than 171 yards the past three games with three touchdowns and three interceptions over that span. Consider Cutler a No. 2 Fantasy QB at best in this matchup.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler completed just eight passes in 17 attempts in Week 13 against St. Louis. He finished with 143 yards and a touchdown pass. It was the first time in seven games that Cutler did not throw an interception.
Analysis: Cutler was more of a game manager than anything else in Week 13. He has been held under 200 yards in three straight games and has not had more than one touchdown in a game since Week 9. Fantasy owners have to view him as no more than a low-end No. 1 QB for Week 14 against Green Bay.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler continued to struggle Week 12 at Minnesota, completing 18 of 23 passes for 147 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He now has two touchdowns and eight interceptions over his last three games, throwing for less than 200 yards in each of his last two.
Analysis: Cutler got hot in the middle of the year, but he's clearly struggling now, looking more like the same player who threw four interceptions back in Week 1. True, nine of his 20 interceptions have come in two games, but he's still hard to trust given his performance lately. Fortunately, he has a good chance to rebound against the Rams in Week 13. He's worth starting as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option with that matchup.
News: Chicago QB Jay Cutler will face the Vikings for the first of two meetings in Minnesota in Week 12. Cutler has really struggled of late with just one touchdown pass and six interceptions in his last two contests against the 49ers and Eagles.
Analysis: Cutler looked awful against Philadelphia last week with 171 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception, and you have to worry about his confidence level. He has 15 touchdowns and 18 interceptions, and he only has four games with more touchdowns than interceptions this year, with only one of those in his past five outings. He has the chance to play well against the Vikings, who only have one interception in their past five games, if he can survive Minnesota's pass rush. But it's just too hard to count on Cutler right now. Consider him a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Jay Cutler's struggles the last two weeks have the critics howling, the theorists postulating and the scrutiny on the Chicago Bears quarterback more intense than ever. Cutler threw five INTs two games ago against the 49ers and on Sunday the strong-armed Cutler was erratic, overthrowing and underthrowing receivers as the Bears fell to the Eagles, their fifth loss in six games. "I haven't played up to my expectations. I think that's the most important part. I can play better. I know that," Cutler said Wednesday. "It's a process, though. I think everyone in the offense knows what we're trying to get done. We're dressing young guys. We've got some new guys and we're still trying to jell a little bit. It's going to come, though."
Analysis: Cutler was the toast of the town after the Bears started 3-1. He got a two-year contract extension in October that runs through 2013 in a deal that included approximately $30 million in new money. Since that contract he's been dreadful save for a three-touchdown effort wasted in a loss to the Cardinals. Cutler is playing behind an offensive line that's been ineffective at times. And the Bears running game has been stuck for most of the season. Matt Forte, who rushed for 1,238 yards as a rookie a year ago, has managed 516 so far. The receivers, with kick returner Devin Hester still developing along with young players like Earl Bennett and rookie Johnny Knox, are also a work in progress. With the Vikings next on the docket for Cutler in Week 12, owners should rely on someone else to handle their quarterbacking duties in Fantasy.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler didn't throw five interceptions Sunday like he did in Week 10 at San Francisco, but he did struggle against the Eagles. Cutler was 24 of 43 passing for 171 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also had two carries for 11 yards.
Analysis: Cutler now has 15 touchdowns and 18 interceptions on the season. He is not playing like a starting Fantasy QB, and you should consider him a No. 2 option in Week 11 at Minnesota. Cutler has one touchdown and six interceptions in his past two games.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler was horrendous in San Francisco on Thursday night of Week 10. He threw five interceptions and did not have a touchdown pass. The game before that, Cutler had three TDs and one pick. What gives? Cutler plays against the Eagles in Week 11 and Philly has one of the better pass defenses in the NFL -- technically much better than the 49ers. Cutler has never faced Philadelphia in his career.
Analysis: Cutler has six touchdown passes and 12 interceptions in his last five games but does have three 300-yard performances over that span. He should continue slinging the ball around against the Eagles but the picks make him untrustworthy. Consider him a high-end No. 2 Fantasy option for Week 11.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler set a career high in interceptions on Thursday in a 10-6 loss to the 49ers. Cutler was prolific in terms of yardage, racking up 307 yards through the air on 29 for 52 passing. However, he was intercepted five times in the game and failed to throw a touchdown pass. Cutler also carried the ball once for 2 yards.
Analysis: Cutler has thrown for more than 300 yards in each of his past two games, a sign that the Bears’ passing attack is coming around. However, the five interceptions are certainly concerning as the majority of the picks were arguably Cutler’s fault. The Bears face a decent Philadelphia pass defense in Week 11. Consider Cutler a No. 2 Fantasy option for that contest.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler is coming off a solid performance -- three touchdowns and 369 yards passing while playing from behind vs. the Cardinals in Week 9 -- and will take on the 49ers on Thursday as part of Week 10 action. The Niners' secondary was decent vs. Vince Young and the run-wielding Titans last week but allowed three-straight 100-yard receivers and a pair of 325-yard passers in their three games prior. One note on Cutler on the road: He has tossed seven touchdowns vs. 10 interceptions away from Soldier Field thus far with at least one interception in every road game and two in three of the four, but the 49ers have just six interceptions on the season.
Analysis: With the Bears unable to run the ball effectively but able to pass with modest success, expect another strong game from Cutler in Week 10. Consider him a startable No. 1 Fantasy QB.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler did plenty of passing because he was playing from behind vs. the Cardinals in Week 9, and he did good with it. Cutler completed 29 of 47 passes for 369 yards with three touchdowns (all to TE Greg Olsen) and an interception with 17 rush yards. He hit at least five receivers for four receptions each, proving that he can spread the ball around.
Analysis: Cutler is expected to continue passing like mad for the rest of the season as the Bears offense can't run the ball well at all. Expect him to set some Bears single-season records. He'll surely pass when he plays at the 49ers in Thursday action as part of Week 10. Start him if you own him.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler, who has just one touchdown and four interceptions in his last two games, will try to get back on track in Week 9 when Chicago hosts Arizona. The Cardinals rank 20th against the pass.
Analysis: Cutler had four straight solid weeks before this recent two-game slump, so hopefully he'll be able to re-find his A-game and do something productive against the Cardinals. The Arizona run defense looked very suspect in Week 8 vs. Carolina, so maybe the Bears can get the ground game going and thus set up the pass. Use Cutler as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB for Week 9.
News:Jay Cutler threw for 225 yards, Matt Forte ran for two touchdowns and the Bears (4-3) beat the bumbling Browns 30-6 Sunday. "We've got a lot of work to do. It's good to get a win at home but offensively we've got to get to work," Cutler said. Cutler was on the run all day and got sacked a season-high four times despite a shakeup on the line in which Josh Beekman replaced Frank Omiyale as the starting left guard. A late hit to the chin from Kamerion Wimbley on a third down in the second quarter left him with a bloody mouth, and he got leveled by Shaun Rogers on a 31-yard pass to Johnny Knox in the third.
Analysis: Cutler did not have an overly impressive performance in Week 8 against the Browns, a defense he should have been able to torch. He failed to throw a TD pass for the third time this season and was held to just a 66.7 passer rating. His stats were buoyed a little bit by 32 rushing yards, but Fantasy owners can't be pleased with this performance. Hopefully he can turn things around against another weak pass defense in Week 9 against the Cardinals.
News: The Bears claim QB Jay Cutler's five INTs the past two games are a matter of circumstance. He threw two interceptions against the Falcons in Week 6 and three interceptions against the Bengals in Week 7. "Stats are very misleading -- interceptions, catches, whatever," TE Greg Olsen said Wednesday. "A lot of things go into that. It's not all those picks are on Jay. ... It's a team thing. We have to do a better job of helping out." Cutler said it's up to him to play better, starting in Week 8 against Cleveland. He has 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions on the season. "There are some situations where I've taken some chances in ballgames," he said. "I've got to be more aware of that and take care of the ball. As an offense in general we’ve all got to do a better job of that."
Analysis: Cutler should rebound against the Browns, who are No. 24 in pass defense. Look for Cutler to play well against Cleveland, and consider him a No. 1 option this week.
News: The Bears claim QB Jay Cutler's five INTs the past two games are a matter of circumstance. He threw two interceptions against the Falcons in Week 6 and three interceptions against the Bengals in Week 7. "Stats are very misleading -- interceptions, catches, whatever," TE Greg Olsen said Wednesday. "A lot of things go into that. It's not all those picks are on Jay. ... It's a team thing. We have to do a better job of helping out." Cutler said it's up to him to play better, starting in Week 8 against Cleveland. He has 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions on the season. "There are some situations where I've taken some chances in ballgames," he said. "I've got to be more aware of that and take care of the ball. As an offense in general we’ve all got to do a better job of that."
Analysis: Cutler should rebound against the Browns, who are No. 24 in pass defense. Look for Cutler to play well against Cleveland, and consider him a No. 1 option this week.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler had a forgettable performance on Sunday in the team’s Week 7 loss to the Bengals. Cutler went 26 of 37 from the air for 251 yards, but ended up throwing three interceptions and only one touchdown in the 45-10 loss. Cutler finished with a passer rating of 64.1 for the game. He also carried the ball three times for a total of 4 yards. He was replaced late in the game by backup Caleb Hanie after the game was out of reach.
Analysis: Cutler has at least one TD pass in every game this season with 11 total through six games. However, he has also thrown 10 interceptions on the year which ranks him among the league leaders in that category. Cutler has been decent in his first season with the Bears and he signed an extension with the team earlier this week. Cutler will face the Browns at home in Week 8, making him again a No. 1 Fantasy option despite the bad game against the Bengals.
News: The Chicago Bears and quarterback Jay Cutler have agreed on a two-year contract extension that runs through the 2013 season. A person familiar with the negotiations said the deal includes approximately $20 million guaranteed and roughly $30 million in new money. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the terms were not released, though the team has confirmed the signing. Cutler has completed 110 of 172 passes with 1,201 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions while leading Chicago to a 3-2 record. With a 64.0 completion rate and 240.2 yards passing per game, he is on pace to set club single-season records, including most pass attempts in a season. "Thanks to the Bears, the McCaskey family and all the Bears fans for the support," Cutler wrote Tuesday night on his Twitter page.
Analysis: Cutler should stay motivated to help his team win games, beginning with the Bengals in Cincinnati in Week 7. The Bengals rank 28th vs. the pass and have allowed over 250 yards per game on average, including 392 yards and four touchdowns to Matt Schaub last week. With the Bengals' pass rush significantly hampered, he should be in for a solid game. Consider him a solid No. 1 Fantasy QB for Week 7 action.
News: The Bears and QB Jay Cutler have agreed on a two-year contract extension that runs through the 2013 season. A person familiar with the negotiations said the deal includes approximately $20 million guaranteed and roughly $30 million in new money. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the terms were not released. "Thanks to the Bears, the McCaskey family and all the Bears fans for the support," Cutler wrote Tuesday night on his Twitter page.
Analysis: Considered to be one of the Bears' best quarterbacks since Sid Luckman, Cutler got picked off four times in the season-opening loss at Green Bay but has since lived up to his billing. He led the Bears to back-to-back comeback wins over Pittsburgh and Seattle the next two weeks while completing more than 70 percent of his passes and has nine touchdowns with three interceptions over the past four games. With a 64.0 completion rate and 240.2 yards passing per game, he is on pace to set club single-season records. He's the kind of quarterback you can trust on an every-week basis in Fantasy, so keep him active for Week 7 at Cincinnati.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler completed 27 of 43 passes for an even 300 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in a Week 6 loss at the Falcons. Cutler once again had to carry the Bears' offense with its run game shut down by the Atlanta defense, and he threw some incredible passes including a deft touchdown to Johnny Knox and a bullet to tight end Greg Olsen. Cutler also wound up being the Bears' leading rusher with 34 yards on three runs, including a 30-yard scamper.
Analysis: Through five games, it sure looks like Cutler is still delivering big stats even though he's moved on to a team not known for big passing stats. Cutler has just over 1,200 passing yards on the season with 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Expect the passing to continue when he and the Bears play at the Bengals in Week 7.
News: Chicago was on bye in Week 5 and they return Week 6 at Atlanta. Bears QB Jay Cutler wasn't very good in his season opener at Green Bay. He threw for 277 yards with a touchdown and four picks in that one. Since that game, however, he has seven touchdowns and one interception in three contests. Cutler played at Atlanta last season when he was a member of the Broncos. He went 19 of 27 for 216 yards and a touchdown in a 24-20 win in that game.
Analysis: Cutler doesn't have much of a history against the Falcons but he has been fantastic since his debut this season. That said, despite giving up decent yardage, the Falcons have allowed just three passing touchdowns on the season thus far. They provide a tough matchup for Cutler and that keeps him a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy option Week 6.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler was 18 of 28 passing for 141 yards and two touchdowns and had three carries for 8 yards and a touchdown Sunday against Detroit. He fumbled twice but the Bears recovered both of them.
Analysis: Cutler didn't post overwhelming stats, but he was solid as the CBSSports.com Start of the Week. Cutler now has eight passing touchdowns on the season and has turned things around since his disappointing season-opener against Green Bay. The Bears have a bye in Week 5, so keep Cutler reserved in all leagues and hopefully he can stay hot when he returns in Week 6 at Atlanta.
News: With each game he plays with his new teammates, Bears QB Jay Cutler gets more comfortable. Cutler threw for 247 yards with three touchdowns and one interception, his best game yet, in Week 3 at Seattle. He faces Detroit in Week 4 and the Bears don't plan on letting the Lions keep winning. The Lions lead the NFL with 10 passing touchdowns allowed, and Cutler is the CBSSports.com Start of the Week.
Analysis: Cutler has no real history against Detroit, but he doesn't need history against one of the league's worst pass defenses to be considered a top Fantasy play in Week 4. You drafted him to be a No. 1 Fantasy QB and that is exactly what he'll be in Week 4. We expect him to have his best game yet for Chicago.
News:Jay Cutler pumped his fists. He hugged his linemen. And he raised both arms triumphantly -- all inside the final two minutes. Exactly the scenes the Bears envisioned when they traded a king's ransom to Denver to get him. Cutler's miserable Chicago debut two weeks ago became further forgotten when he completed all three of his passes on Sunday's decisive drive. The third was for 36 yards to Devin Hester with 1:52 remaining, rallying the Bears to a 25-19 victory over the depleted Seattle Seahawks. Cutler finished 21 of 27 for 247 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception. "Any time you can get Devin Hester one-on-one, it works," a confident Cutler said on the field seconds after the game ended. Cutler also had a 1-yard touchdown pass to Greg Olsen in the second and a 7-yard pass to Johnny Knox in the third.
Analysis: Cutler completed more than 70 percent of his throws last week against the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers -- a strong response to the career-high four interceptions he threw in a loss on opening night at Green Bay. He looked sluggish at the beginning of Week 3 with a pick early in the game, but he bounced back and came up with a huge game for Fantasy owners. Cutler has five touchdowns to one interception in his last two games. He is quickly rising up the Fantasy rankings again. Consider him a No. 1 Fantasy QB heading into Week 4 against the Lions.
News: Chicago QB Jay Cutler has played two pretty good defensive ball clubs in consecutive weeks and had two very different results. Cutler threw for 277 yards with a touchdown and four interceptions Week 1 at Green Bay and bettered those numbers at home against Pittsburgh with 236 yards and two scores. He faces the Seahawks in Seattle in Week 3. Seattle has been perhaps the toughest secondary to score upon this season as they are No. 2 overall in pass defense and have yet to allow a passing touchdown. Of course, they've played against the Rams and 49ers and have been as thin as paper at stopping the run so teams aren't exactly attempting to be pass happy against them.
Analysis: All signs seem to be pointing for another solid week for Cutler, who will continue to build rapport with his new team. But we fully expect the Bears running game to be in high gear for the game, which could lower Cutler's stats this week. Go into Week 3 with Cutler as a No. 2 Fantasy option since the Seahawks defense could be for real and the Bears could rely on Matt Forte this week. Cutler's not a bad starting QB if your options or limited, but he's not expected to light up the stat sheet.
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler came through like a star Week 2 against the Steelers on a rainy afternoon in which he was pressured and had several passes dropped. Despite all that, his first home game with the Bears was a big improvement over his debut with them. He finished with 236 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions after being picked off a career-high four times in a season-opening loss at Green Bay. He completed 27 of 38 passes.
Analysis: That's more like it for Cutler, who broke through as a Fantasy stud last year in Denver. He's getting more comfortable with his surroundings and seems to be developing a rapport with some of his receivers, including rookie Johnny Knox, who caught one of his two touchdown passes. Considering this performance came against arguably the best defense in football, Cutler is safe to use as a No. 1 Fantasy QB in Week 3 at Seattle.
News: Hailed as a franchise savior after the blockbuster trade from Denver, Bears QB Jay Cutler threw a dud in a season-opening loss at Green Bay. Four interceptions had fans buzzing for the worst. On Wednesday, he vowed to do better when defending champion Pittsburgh visits this week. "Any time you put a defense in a hole like I did with four picks it's going to be tough. I've got to limit that," Cutler said, adding he was disappointed in his own performance. "But on a good note, we did some good things out there. We made some plays, our receivers played well, the line played well. I've just got to pick it up."
Analysis: Cutler might find the going easier if he remembers to utilize running back Matt Forte and tight end Greg Olsen more than the one total catch between them from Week 1. But until then, he'll struggle to be superb with Devin Hester, Earl Bennett and rookie Johnny Knox as his top targets. In Week 2, Cutler faces off against a Steelers defense that will bring a heavy blitz and be effective against the pass even without safety Troy Polamalu. Consider other options before settling on Cutler as your starting QB in Fantasy play this week.
News: Bears new QB Jay Cutler did not have a good first game with his new team on Sunday night in a loss to the Packers. Cutler had a career-worst 4 interceptions in the loss. After throwing three interceptions in the first half, Cutler settled down to lead Chicago to a touchdown and a field goal in the third quarter, giving the Bears a 12-10 lead. Cutler finished 17 of 36 for 277 yards, the touchdown and the 4 picks. He added 16 rushing yards on three carries.
Analysis: There were some positives from the game Sunday. Cutler found ex-Vanderbilt teammate Earl Bennett seven times and also found a new deep-ball threat in Johnny Knox. Still, Bears fans cannot be happy about his production and the outcome. We fully expect him to rebound from this but Week 2 brings the Steelers into Chicago. Normally a No. 1 Fantasy option, you might downgrade him to a No. 2 against the Steelers.
News: Not that the expectations are high or anything, but if Jay Cutler were afraid of heights this wouldn't be a good time to look down. The perch he's on is about as tall as the skyscrapers in his new surroundings. The Chicago Bears finally have a franchise quarterback after a six-decade search, and with the rocket-armed Cutler in place thanks to a blockbuster trade with Denver, they're eyeing their first postseason appearance since the 2006 team's run to the Super Bowl. "If you look at each position, we stack up pretty well versus every team in the NFL," linebacker Brian Urlacher said. Even at quarterback. Finally. The playoff hunt for Cutler and the Bears begins Week 1 at Green Bay. Cutler faced the Packers as the starter for Denver back in 2007 and went 21 of 34 for 264 yards and a touchdown in that game.
Analysis: The Packers possessed one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL during this year's preseason and finished 12th in the category in 2008. Cutler will want to prove he's the man for the job immediately and should be fine as a No. 1 Fantasy QB in Week 1.
News:Jay Cutler, who forced a blockbuster trade out of Denver last spring and became the Bears' first franchise quarterback since Sid Luckman, returned to Invesco Field on Sunday night and led his new team to a 27-17 preseason win over the Broncos. Cutler disregarded the thousands of hecklers, including Broncos pass-rusher Elvis Dumervil, in leading Chicago on three scoring drives, capped by a 12-play, 98-yarder just before halftime that gave the Bears a 17-3 lead. Cutler threw for 144 yards and a score in a crisp 15-for-21 performance before calling it a night at halftime. "It's a little bit weird. Different locker room, different sideline," Cutler said. "But that's how it goes. I love where I'm at in Chicago. I think we're heading in the right direction offensively."
Analysis: Cutler has rebounded from a dismal first preseason outing and has helped the Bears' offense show signs of life. While he remains an excellent passer, the offense he's in now is nothing like the explosive pass-oriented one he ran in Denver, so expecting stats similar to 2008 is unreasonable. We like him as a low-end No. 1 QB worth taking with a mid-round pick.
News:Jay Cutler gave a glimpse of why he was a Pro Bowl quarterback last season, and how he can transform the Chicago Bears' offense by his mere presence. He directed, he rolled out, he threw passes of varying distances and speeds with his strong arm, and one time - on a play that must have made his coaches nervous - took off on a 12-yard scramble. All part of his first game with his new team at Soldier Field. He played only three series and the Bears scored on all three in a 17-3 exhibition win over the New York Giants on Saturday night. "He made some great throws to our receivers. He was able to keep a drives going. He's an athlete. We're banking on him being able to make plays like that. It was good to see him take another step," Chicago coach Lovie Smith said. Cutler's 8-for-13 passing performance for 121 yards included a TD pass to Desmond Clark and a couple of nice hookups with his former Vanderbilt teammate Earl Bennett. "He'll throw it across the field, anywhere, with his arm strength and mobility. You never know where the ball is coming from," said Devin Aromashodu, who made a 38-yard reception to set up the TD pass to Desmond Clark.
Analysis: Cutler's night was made easier by the return of RB Matt Forte and TE Greg Olsen, both of whom missed the opening loss to Buffalo, when Cutler was only 5 for 10. Forte, a rookie star last season, broke off a 32-yard touchdown run. Still a relationship in progress is the one between Cutler and the guy who is supposed to be Chicago's go-to receiver, Devin Hester. They connected on two passes but missed on two others, one of which would have been a 91-yard TD pass after the speedy Hester slipped 15 yards behind the Giants' secondary. But Cutler's pass was just out of the wide open Hester's reach. The Bears ended up driving for the TD anyhow, taking 10 plays to traverse the 92 yards. "Me and Devin are still getting on the same page," Cutler said. We think Cutler and Hester will do fine, and we like Cutler as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a mid-round pick.
News: Those expecting new QB Jay Cutler to immediately transform the Bears into anything resembling a pass-happy offense had better be patient. Many eyes were on Cutler, who failed to meet the much-anticipated offseason buzz he's generated since Chicago acquired him in a blockbuster offseason trade with Denver. He went 5 of 10 for 64 yards Saturday at Buffalo with an interception on a poorly underthrown pass up the left sideline that was picked off by Leodis McKelvin. Cutler nearly threw another interception, but cornerback Reggie Corner dropped the ball that hit him squarely in the chest. "It's too early to start to panic. It's preseason," Cutler said. "I feel fine about it." Cutler also noted that the Bears rested starting RB Matt Forte and starting TE Greg Olsen. "We're just calling base stuff and seeing what happens out there right now," Cutler said at the half. "As soon as we start getting into the game plan, really nailing stuff down, that's when it's really going to count." Cutler keyed mostly on Devin Hester, who caught only two of six passes thrown his way for 22 yards. Cutler's best throw came when he hit Desmond Clark in stride up the right hash mark for a 30-yard completion that set up Robbie Gould's opening 23-yard field goal. "It's a lot of new guys on the field," Hester said, referring to the rough start. "The preseason games are going to help us see where we're at, so that by when the season starts we'll know what we're working with."
Analysis: We think Cutler will work out the kinks as the preseason goes on and should perform better, especially when he has Forte and Olsen on the field. Continue to draft Cutler as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB. He's not going to play as well as he did in Denver last season, but he should still post enough quality stats to be a safe starter for you week in and week out.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports Bears WR Devin Hester thinks new QB Jay Cutler is going to thrive in Chicago. "Just from the OTAs we've had, our offense has changed a whole lot," Hester said. "I feel like we're stronger than we have ever been. I feel like we're going to take the ball up and down the field. That's the kind of QB Jay brings to this team." Hester believes Cutler can make last year's receiving corps into a premier one. "If we sign a big-time WR or a free agent WR who can help our team, I'm glad," Hester said. "But the guys we have here now, we're pretty set. [The coaches] just want us to make plays. ... Jay is the type of QB who is going to find a way to get the job done."
Analysis: Hester has to be excited about playing with Cutler because that should only make him improve. Cutler, however, needs Hester to step up as well as the rest of the receiving corps if Cutler is going to play like he did with the Broncos. We still like Cutler as a No. 1 Fantasy QB but consider him with a mid-round pick after all the elite passers are off the board.
News: At least for now, the Chicago Bears are ready to go to training camp with the wide receivers on their roster to complement new QB Jay Cutler. However, former Giants WR Plaxico Burress and disgruntled Broncos WR Brandon Marshall are intriguing possibilities for the Bears. Marshall, who caught 102 and 104 passes the past two seasons while Cutler was Broncos quarterback, has asked Denver for a trade. Burress is a free agent after being waived by the New York Giants. The Bears used Devin Hester, second-year WR Earl Bennett and sometimes Rashied Davis and Brandon Rideau with the starting WR corps throughout their organized team activities. Acquiring a No. 1 wide receiver would seem a natural move since Hester is by far the most accomplished of their receivers and has only played the position full time for one season. "I think we've got one," Cutler said about No. 1 receivers. "I think we've got one in Devin, and I think Earl is going to be dangerous on the back side as well." Cutler said he hasn't spoken to Marshall and hasn't talked to the Bears about Marshall.
Analysis: Cutler is obviously saying the right things about his receiver corps, but he would be much improved with either Marshall or Burress. Still, he'll make due with what he has in Hester, Bennett and the other options, and don't forget about talented TE Greg Olsen or RB Matt Forte out of the backfield. Cutler remains a No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a mid-round pick.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports Bears QB Jay Cutler is trying to develop a rapport with his receiving corps. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner says at least two of the Bears' top four receivers are on the field every time Cutler throws a pass. One or both of the tight-end tandem of Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark also must be on the field when Cutler throws. WR Devin Hester doesn't catch a pass from any QB other than Cutler. "Every snap [in the offseason] is about developing that chemistry," Turner said. "It's just a matter of those guys trying to establish their relationship on the field. It takes time to get on the same page. It's a process."
Analysis: This is good for Cutler to develop a rapport with his receivers because he has to get some familiarity with his new players. We view Cutler as a No. 1 Fantasy WR, and he's worth a mid-round pick in all leagues. If his receivers can step this year, especially Hester and Olsen, Cutler shouldn't see too much of a dropoff from his days with the Broncos.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports Bears QB Jay Cutler and WR Devin Hester are already developing a good rapport. Cutler has been able to find Hester enough times during OTA workouts to give the Bears hope for a strong deep passing game when the season starts. "As good as advertised," TE Desmond Clark said of Cutler.
Analysis: We expect Cutler to be throwing the ball plenty to Hester this season. He's the best WR option on the roster, and Cutler likes to throw the deep ball. The better Hester plays the better Cutler will be, and he should remain a No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a mid-round pick in all leagues.
News: The Denver Post reports new Bears QB Jay Cutler said he sees plenty of similarities to the offense he ran in Denver, but Cutler said he expects the Bears to remain a run-first team. "We're going to run the ball. I think I've learned the hard way that you've got to run the ball and you've got to stop the run to get anywhere in this league, to make the playoffs and make a push for the Super Bowl, so that's not going to change," Cutler said.
Analysis: This is what we expected when Cutler was traded to the Bears. The Broncos were a pass-happy team in the AFC West, but the Bears want to pound the ball with Matt Forte. While we don't expect Cutler's stats to take a nosedive, he's not going to be as productive as he was in Denver. Still, he remains a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a mid-round pick in all leagues.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Bears QB Jay Cutler has been diligently learning his new team's offense since being traded to them, and offensive coordinator Ron Turner expects him to know most of the playbook in time for the team's offseason minicamp this week. "He'll have almost all of it," Turner said. "It will not hold us back at all when we get to training camp. He'll have already gotten nearly everything. Once you get in the season you always add things by game plan and all that but as far as the basics of the playbook, it will all be in."
Analysis: Nothing but good news out of Chicago since Cutler arrived there earlier this offseason. Cutler's arm and ability are among tops in the NFL, but the team surrounding him in Chicago is far from the one in Denver. His best receivers in Chicago include third-year tight end Greg Olsen and speedster Devin Hester, far from the trio of Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler Cutler had in Denver. If you expect him to top 4,500 yards and 26 touchdowns like he did last year, you'll be sorry. Think of him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a mid-round pick in drafts this summer.
News: Two picks before the end of Round 3 of the NFL Draft, the Bears took Oklahoma WR Juaquin Iglesias. They also drafted Abilene Christian WR Johnny Knox in Round 5, Pittsburgh WR Derek Kinder in Round 7 and San Diego State TE Lance Louis in Round 6. "Receiver-wise, we knew that was a position we needed to add some players and we did," coach Lovie Smith said. "From Iglesias, with what he brings as a good, steady receiver with good skills, caught a lot of balls, to the speed of Johnny Knox and the combination we got with Kinder." Iglesias, a 6-foot, 210-pounder, caught 202 passes for 2,821 yards and 19 touchdowns for Oklahoma, including 10 TDs as a senior. Knox ran the third-fastest time in the fastest 40-yard dash at the scouting combine at 4.34 seconds. "I saw a little more attention, a little more interest after my combine," Knox said.
Analysis: The Bears found themselves short on receiving help for new QB Jay Cutler beyond young TE Greg Olsen. Their top wide receivers last year were Devin Hester with 52 catches and Rashied Davis with 35. Their 2008 third-round pick, Earl Bennett, failed to catch a pass last year. Adding any weapons for Cutler will help, and this should improve his value a little bit if any of them can take off right away. For now, continue to view Cutler as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB. He'll still post good stats just not as good as when he was with Denver.
News: The Denver Broncos have agreed to trade disgruntled QB Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears on Thursday. The Broncos get QB Kyle Orton in return, along with two first-round draft picks and a third-rounder. The Broncos get the Bears' top pick in this year's draft, which is No. 18 overall, and Chicago's first-round draft pick in 2010, along with a third-round selection this year (No. 84 overall). Denver also gave up a fifth-rounder this year. Cutler asked for a trade last month after his relationship with Josh McDaniels soured when the new 32-year-old coach talked to other teams about trading him. Cutler and his agent didn't think McDaniels was upfront with them about the trade talks. "We felt that (Cutler) is a very good person, a good leader," Bears GM Jerry Angelo said. "He had some things that happened in Denver. We recognized those, but we treated them as just speed bumps, part of the growing process. He's highly competitive, he's highly emotional. That just comes with the territory."
Analysis: Cutler now heads to Chicago where he gets a fresh start. Cutler is leaving behind receivers like Brandon Marshall, Brandon Stokley and Eddie Royal for the likes of Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, Rashied Davis and Greg Olsen. It seems like a huge step down in quality, but Cutler has proven to be a capable NFL QB and could still play at a high level despite the change of scenery. Consider him a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB, but his numbers will take a hit since Chicago isn't as pass-happy of a team as Denver and there are plenty of question marks surrounding the Bears' receiving corps.
News: Broncos owner Pat Bowlen announced Tuesday night that the club will attempt to trade QB Jay Cutler. Cutler had requested a trade earlier in March when he learned that the Broncos attempted to deal for Matt Cassel, the quarterback who thrived in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' system last season. Cassel instead went to Kansas City, and Cutler has since rebuffed advances by McDaniels to mend fences. "Numerous attempts to contact Jay Cutler in the last 10 days, both by head coach Josh McDaniels and myself, have been unsuccessful," Bowlen said in a statement. "A conversation with his agent earlier today clearly communicated and confirmed to us that Jay no longer has any desire to play for the Denver Broncos. We will begin discussions with other teams in an effort to accommodate his request to be traded."
Analysis: Awful news for Cutler, who really was in a fantastic situation with the Broncos considering their receiving corps and the aggressive offense McDaniels employs. For him to land in a similar situation is tough to imagine as most of the NFL's top receiving corps already have a strong passer in place. That said, expectations are that Cutler's Fantasy stock will decline once we know where he'll wind up. Potential suitors are wide-ranging and include: Buffalo, Carolina, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Minnesota, the New York Jets, San Francisco and Tampa Bay. Of those teams, only the Bills, Lions, Vikings and Bucs would keep Cutler as a bonafide No. 1 option. The next three weeks should be very interesting.
News: The Denver Post reports that Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels and QB Jay Cutler have exchanged text messages and are planning to speak to each other in the near future. Cutler is reportedly willing to talk to McDaniels. McDaniels said previously that the team is committed to Cutler but added that no options - including trades - are being ruled out for any of his players. Cutler felt that ever since the team let go of offensive coach Jeremy Bates and later on tried to trade for QB Matt Cassel, he's been out of the loop with the Broncos.
Analysis: Cutler has no leverage to use here, so unless the Broncos are blown away by a trade offer, we expect them to keep their quarterback, which makes sense since he has three years left on his current contract, making him an affordable option. Cutler set numerous club records last season as he passed for 4,526 yards, 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in 2008 with eight 300-yard games. Pretty gaudy numbers for a third-year player. Obviously, any decent quarterback playing in an offense with a strong supporting cast including Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler combined with McDaniels' crafty play calling should make for a very potent Fantasy option. Cutler would be nuts to pass up this opportunity, but if he doesn't feel wanted and if the fences are never mended, there could be volatile issues all season long. Assuming Cutler sticks with the Broncos, you've got to like him as a quality Fantasy QB. If he moves on, there's almost no chance he'll land with a club where he'll sling for as many stats as he would in Denver. We will keep you posted on news regarding Cutler this offseason, but expect to see him go off draft boards between Rounds 4 and 5.
News: Broncos coach Josh McDaniels says the team is committed to Jay Cutler as Denver's quarterback. Still, he says no options - including trades - are being ruled out. He reiterated that Cutler is his quarterback and he'll do what he can to improve the relationship. In an interview on NFL Network, McDaniels downplayed the trade request made by Cutler, saying that Cutler is "our quarterback." He echoed that comment again on Tuesday. "He's on our team, he's under contract, and I understand there's things we have to work toward in our relationship," McDaniels said. "I've heard (Cutler's trade request), but have not heard it from him personally. No one has contacted me, called me, text-messaged or e-mailed me." Cutler feels that ever since the team let go of offensive coach Jeremy Bates and later on tried to trade for QB Matt Cassel, he's been out of the loop with the Broncos.
Analysis: Cutler has no leverage to use here, so unless the Broncos are blown away by a trade offer, they're expected to keep their quarterback, which makes sense since he has three years left on his current contract, making him an affordable option. Cutler set numerous club records last season as he passed for 4,526 yards, 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in 2008 with eight 300-yard games. Pretty gaudy numbers for a third-year player. Obviously, any decent quarterback playing in an offense with a strong supporting cast including Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler combined with McDaniels' crafty play calling should make for a very potent Fantasy option. Cutler would be nuts to pass up this opportunity, but if he doesn't feel wanted and if the fences are never mended, there could be volatile issues all season long. Assuming Cutler sticks with the Broncos, you've got to like him as a quality Fantasy QB. If he moves on, there's almost no chance he'll land with a club where he'll sling for as many stats as he would in Denver. We will keep you posted on news regarding Cutler this offseason, but expect to see him go off draft boards between Rounds 4 and 5.
News:Sports Illustrated's Peter King believes that the Broncos and QB Jay Cutler will work out their differences this offseason and thus avoid a falling out resulting in a trade. King cites that the Broncos have Cutler's rights for three more years and that Cutler's agent, Bus Cook, said his client will show up at mandatory workouts this offseason. Eventually, Cutler and McDaniels should reconcile. Meanwhile, the New York Daily News reported that the Jets called the Broncos and asked to be part of any trade discussions for Cutler if the Broncos put him on the block. Cutler feels that ever since the team let go of offensive coach Jeremy Bates and later on tried to trade for QB Matt Cassel, he's been out of the loop with the Broncos.
Analysis: Cutler has no leverage to use here, so unless the Broncos are blown away by a trade offer, they're expected to keep their quarterback, which makes sense since he has three years left on his current contract, making him an affordable option. Cutler set numerous club records last season as he passed for 4,526 yards, 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in 2008 with eight 300-yard games. Pretty gaudy numbers for a third-year player. Obviously, any decent quarterback playing in an offense with a strong supporting cast including Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler combined with McDaniels' crafty play calling should make for a very potent Fantasy option. Cutler would be nuts to pass up this opportunity, but if he doesn't feel wanted and if the fences are never mended, there could be volatile issues all season long. Assuming Cutler sticks with the Broncos, you've got to like him as a quality Fantasy QB. If he moves on, there's almost no chance he'll land with a club where he'll sling for as many stats as he would in Denver. We will keep you posted on news regarding Cutler this offseason, but expect to see him go off draft boards between Rounds 4 and 5.
News: The Denver Post reports that more than 10 teams have inquired with the Broncos as to the availability of QB Jay Cutler in a trade, according to an NFL source, but the club has rebuffed every offer thus far and maintain that they will not trade their star quarterback. Cutler formally requested a trade out of Denver last weekend. A meeting between Cutler and new head coach Josh McDaniels (among others, including Broncos GM Brian Xanders and Cutler's agent Bus Cook) went south last week, according to reports, resulting in Cutler's request. Cutler feels that ever since the team let go of offensive coach Jeremy Bates and later on tried to trade for QB Matt Cassel, he's been out of the loop with the Broncos.
Analysis: Cutler has no leverage to use here, so unless the Broncos are blown away by a trade offer, they're expected to keep their quarterback, which makes sense since he has three years left on his current contract, making him an affordable option. Cutler set numerous club records last season as he passed for 4,526 yards, 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in 2008 with eight 300-yard games. Pretty gaudy numbers for a third-year player. Obviously, any decent quarterback playing in an offense with a strong supporting cast including Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler combined with McDaniels' crafty play calling should make for a very potent Fantasy option. Cutler would be nuts to pass up this opportunity, but if he doesn't feel wanted and if the fences are never mended, there could be volatile issues all season long. Assuming Cutler sticks with the Broncos, you've got to like him as a quality Fantasy QB. If he moves on, there's almost no chance he'll land with a club where he'll sling for as many stats as he would in Denver. We will keep you posted on news regarding Cutler this offseason, but expect to see him go off draft boards between Rounds 4 and 5.
News: The Broncos have confirmed that QB Jay Cutler has asked for a trade, but there is no promise that such a trade will occur. According to an ESPN report, a meeting between Cutler and new head coach Josh McDaniels (among others, including Broncos GM Brian Xanders and Cutler's agent Bus Cook) went south, resulting in Cutler formally requesting the trade. Cutler feels that ever since the team let go of offensive coach Jeremy Bates and later on tried to trade for QB Matt Cassel, he's been out of the picture. Cutler is not expected to report to the team's offseason workouts beginning this week. Owner Pat Bowlen told the Denver Post that he's supporting his coach in this matter and is unhappy with how Cutler has handled himself. McDaniels meanwhile told Sports Illustrated's Peter King that no trade is imminent. "He's got three years left on his contract. We're not at the point where we're going to do it now," McDaniels said. "[But] it's probably something we're going to have to talk about. We've been trying to communicate, and I still want to try [to talk with Cutler], but if that's the direction we're headed, we're going to have to talk."
Analysis: The Broncos have reportedly turned down offers of draft picks for Cutler and might consider dealing him for another quarterback. It has also been reported that McDaniels likes the potential of Chris Simms to be his starter in 2009 if Cutler doesn't stick with the team. Cutler, who has three years left on the six-year deal he signed as a rookie, set numerous club records last season as he passed for 4,526 yards, 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in 2008 with eight 300-yard games. Pretty gaudy numbers for a third-year player. Obviously, any decent quarterback playing in an offense with a strong supporting cast including Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler combined with McDaniels' crafty play calling should make for a very potent Fantasy option. Cutler would be nuts to pass up this opportunity, but if he doesn't feel wanted and if the fences are never mended, there will be volatile issues all season long. If Cutler does stick with the Broncos, you've got to like him as a Top-5 Fantasy QB. If he moves on, there's almost no chance he'll land with a club where he'll sling for as many stats as he would in Denver. We will keep you posted on news regarding Cutler this offseason.
News: New Broncos coach Josh McDaniels and Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler talked this week for the first time since their rift became public. The team would not say what was discussed, but The Denver Post reported on its Web site Tuesday night that the call only muddied the waters between McDaniels and Cutler, who left the conversation feeling he would be traded by Draft Day if the Broncos could find the right deal. Cutler was reportedly told by McDaniels that no one is untradeable and that the quarterback was expected to report for the team's offseason conditioning program that begins Monday. The conference call was the first step in what could be a long reconciliation process between the Broncos' new 32-year-old coach and his temperamental quarterback.
Analysis: Cutler, who has three years left on the six-year deal he signed as a rookie, set numerous club records last season, as he passed for 4,526 yards, 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in 2008 with eight 300-yard games. Pretty gaudy numbers for a third-year player. The yardage totals remain high but the touchdowns have room to improve thanks to a strong supporting cast with Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler. That combined with McDaniels' crafty play calling should make for a very potent combination, but this news could sour the whole situation. Expect Cutler to be in Denver in 2009 and be a cannon, well worth using as a No. 1 Fantasy QB and a Top-5 Fantasy passer. If they deal him -- and we can't understand why they would -- his value would probably head south.
News: The Broncos insisted Tuesday that Jay Cutler, their Pro Bowl quarterback, isn't on the trading block and said new coach Josh McDaniels and his star player are scheduled to meet next week to try to patch up their strained relationship. Cutler was angered during the weekend when his name came up in talks involving a three-way trade that would have sent him to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and landed Matt Cassel in Denver. Instead, the Patriots traded Cassel to Kansas City. Cutler, who has three years left on the six-year deal he signed as a rookie, set numerous club records last season, including yards passing in a season (4,526), completions (384) and 300-yard games (eight).
Analysis: Cutler passed for 4,526 yards, 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in 2008, pretty gaudy numbers for a third-year player. The yardage totals remain high but the touchdowns have room to improve thanks to a strong supporting cast with Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler. That combined with McDaniels' crafty play calling should make for a very potent combination, but this news could sour the whole situation. Expect Cutler to be in Denver in 2009 and be a cannon, well worth using as a No. 1 Fantasy QB and a Top-5 Fantasy passer. Hopefully, Cutler and McDaniels will mend fences and get on with trying to win the wide-open AFC West.
News: Numerous media outlets reported over the weekend that the Broncos nearly pulled off a three-team trade that would have sent QB Jay Cutler to Tampa Bay, a draft pick to New England and QB Matt Cassel to Denver. However, the deal fell apart and Cassel was sent to Kansas City instead. Cutler, the face of this franchise, isn't convinced that the Broncos and head coach Josh McDaniels aren't still trying to trade him. "I'm upset. I mean, I'm really shocked at this point," Cutler told The Denver Post. "I could see why they want Cassel. I don't know if they think I can't run the system or I don't have the skills for it. Or if they don't think they can sign me with my next contract. I just don't know what it is. I've heard I'm still on the trading block."
Analysis: In fact, rumors persist that Cutler could be heading to Detroit or Minnesota, though at this point it's hard to imagine that the Broncos would have designs on a better quarterback option. Cutler passed for 4,526 yards, 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in 2008, pretty gaudy numbers for a third-year player. The yardage totals remain high but the touchdowns have room to improve thanks to a strong supporting cast with Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler. That combined with McDaniels' crafty play calling should make for a very potent combination, but this news could sour the whole situation. We still expect Cutler to be in Denver in 2009 and be a cannon, well worth using as a No. 1 Fantasy QB. Hopefully, Cutler and McDaniels will mend fences and get on with trying to win the wide-open AFC West.
News: Josh McDaniels, the Patriots' offensive coordinator, has agreed to become the Broncos' next head coach, the team confirmed late Sunday night. The 32-year-old takes over for Shanahan, who was fired Dec. 30 after 14 seasons. McDaniels is known for his creative play calling and game plans -- just like Mike Shanahan was when he took over the team in 1995 at the age of 42. Shanahan was fired earlier this offseason. Last season, under McDaniels' tutelage, Tom Brady threw for a record 50 touchdowns as the team went undefeated in the regular season. McDaniels' reputation took on more luster when the Patriots lost Brady to a knee injury in the opener and Matt Cassel - a quarterback who hadn't started a game since high school - came on to lead the Patriots to an 11-5 record. The cupboard won't be all that bare for McDaniels as he inherits a high-octane offense led by third-year quarterback Jay Cutler, who set several offensive team records in earning his first Pro Bowl nod in 2008.
Analysis: If you've seen a Patriots game in the last two seasons, you know McDaniels likes to pass ... and pass and pass. This hiring can only mean good things for Cutler, who's already coming off a career year. If you had any reservations about drafting him as a No. 1 Fantasy option in 2009 because of the coaching change, put them to rest.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler doesn't like that his head coach was fired, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Cutler had spent the day before meeting with Shanahan, discussing offseason plans as well as the direction of the offense. "I'm disappointed, I'm shocked, I'm not happy about it, I'm not pleased with it at all," Cutler said Tuesday. "We had zero inkling this was going to happen. I didn't have a clue." Cutler added that he's particularly interested in what happens to quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates, who called the plays for the Broncos in 2008.
Analysis: For the season, Cutler passed for 4,526 yards, 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions, pretty gaudy numbers for a third-year player. The yardage totals remain high but the touchdowns have room to improve thanks to a strong supporting cast with Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler. Cutler will be drafted as a Top-10 Fantasy QB next season -- assuming the Broncos don't go do something silly like become a run-oriented offense.
News: Denver QB Jay Cutler finished 2008 with a loss at San Diego. Cutler was 33-of-49 passing for 316 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He also added two carries for 4 yards and a two-point conversion. For the season, Cutler passed for 4,526 yards, 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.
Analysis: Cutler finished the season as a No. 1 Fantasy QB and will enter 2009 in the same capacity. He will continue to improve and has a strong supporting cast with Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler. Cutler will be drafted as a Top 10 Fantasy QB next season.
News: The Colorado Springs Gazette reports Wednesday the Broncos still believe in QB Jay Cutler, who could pile up good numbers against a Chargers pass defense that ranks 31st in the NFL in Week 17. In the first meeting against San Diego, Cutler had 350 yards and four touchdowns. "I know we can put up a lot of points on any defense in this league and we can be as good as there is out there," WR Brandon Stokley said. "I have tremendous confidence in him."
Analysis: Consider Cutler a No. 1 Fantasy QB in Week 17 against the Chargers. The Broncos will likely be throwing a lot with the running game decimated by injuries in Denver. Look for Cutler to finish the season with a good game.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler completed 25-of-45 passes in Week 16 against Buffalo for 359 yards. He did not throw a touchdown pass and was intercepted once, but he scored two rushing touchdowns. He carried the ball eight times for 30 yards.
Analysis: The 350-plus yards and two scores made it a pretty productive day for the Broncos' QB from a Fantasy standpoint. The loss to the Bills also makes it so the Broncos will be playing a semi-playoff game in Week 17 at San Diego. Cutler threw for 350 yards and four touchdowns in Week 2 against the Chargers and will make for an excellent start in Week 17.
News: QB Jay Cutler threw for 172 yards on 21-for-33 passing Saturday against the Panthers. He threw one touchdown pass to P.J. Pope that went for seven yards and had one interception. It breaks a streak of five straight games with at least 200 yards passing and only the third time this season that he has not reached that plateau. Cutler threw a few passes right at Carolina defenders that should have been interceptions but were dropped.
Analysis: Against a tough Carolina defense, Cutler often times threw into coverage and never seemed to get settled down. Without a true rushing threat anymore, the Broncos could not establish a ground game and it ultimately effected Cutler's ability to complete passes. The Broncos play the Bills at home Week 16, a team that Cutler should have better success against, so continue thinking of him as a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler completed 32-of-40 passes for 286 yards in Week 14 against Kansas City. He threw two touchdown passes -- both to WR Brandon Marshall -- and was intercepted once in the game. It was his fifth straight game with at least 200 yards passing.
Analysis: Cutler began the game with an interception, but was efficient after that. He has now thrown two touchdowns and an interception in back-to-back games, throwing the ball over 40 times in each game. He has thrown the ball 35-plus times in three straight and with the Broncos losing their sixth running back of the season to injury on Sunday when Peyton Hillis left with a hamstring injury, he may need to throw it even more in Week 15 at Carolina. Consider him a solid start in any Fantasy playoff scenario.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler threw for 357 yards in Week 13 at the Jets. It was the first time in three games that he threw for as much as 250 yards. He also threw two touchdown passes and was intercepted once. Cutler came into the game with just one touchdown in his last two games.
Analysis: Cutler was playing opposite the quarterback many people believe he plays like in Brett Favre. Cutler ended up with the better numbers on this day. He played a Favre-like game with some very risky throws, including an interception in the end zone. He threw some across the field and made some throws that made his team and Fantasy owners cringe, but he also made some outstanding plays. Fantasy owners should continue to view him as a gunslinger who can throw for big yards on any given Sunday. In Week 14, he'll play a weak Kansas City defense and should start in most Fantasy leagues.
News: The eye-popping strength in Jay Cutler's right arm has earned him lots of flattering comparisons, as well as lofty expectations. Cutler also doesn't lack confidence. The third-year Broncos QB recently boasted he thinks he has a stronger arm than John Elway in his heyday, a borderline sacrilegious statement in Denver. In fact, Cutler said, he'd bet on his arm over anybody else's in the league. Yes, even Brett Favre. "Yeah I think so," Cutler said, laughing. "What is Brett? Is he 40 yet? Thirty-nine, soon to be 40? I think he may have given me a run back in his 20s, but I think I got him now." Cutler's mix of swagger, playmaking arm strength and scrambling ability have some likening him to a young Favre. "I can see the comparisons," said Favre, who shares the same agent with Cutler. "He's probably a little more advanced as far as being in a passing offense when he came into the league as I was. From a physical standpoint, I see us doing a lot of the same things at that age." The two will square off Sunday for the second time in their careers when the Broncos (6-5) visit the Jets (8-3) at the Meadowlands.
Analysis: Cutler certainly has his career off to a nice beginning, and the comparisons to Favre aren't outrageous. Through their first 32 starts, their numbers are close, with Cutler actually better. Cutler is 624-of-1,010 for 7,534 yards, 48 touchdowns and 31 interceptions, while Favre was 667-of-1,072 for 6,995 yards, 39 TDs and 39 INTs. Cutler, who leads the AFC with 3,036 yards passing, should play well against the Jets. Consider Cutler a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option this week.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler went without a touchdown in Week 12 against Oakland for the first time this season. He completed 16-of-37 passes for 204 yards and was intercepted once. He also rushed four times for 24 yards.
Analysis: Cutler was held without a touchdown by a very poor Raiders bunch, so imagine what the Jets defense might do to him in Week 13 on the road. Cutler threw for 447 yards just two games ago and had thrown for 307 yards just prior to that game, so he still has some big games in there somewhere. The consistency just is not there in the Broncos offense at the moment. At this stage in the game, though, Fantasy owners will have little choice but to ride it out with their quarterback and hope that he gets back on track. The Broncos figure to be behind against the Jets and will be throwing the ball an awful lot, which helps.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler, coming off a pair of games in which he had 754 yards passing and five touchdowns, had a bit more modest performance Week 11 at Atlanta. He finished 19-of-27 passing for 216 yards and a touchdown on a nine-yard pass to Daniel Graham in the fourth quarter.
Analysis: Cutler still had a useful Fantasy performance, even if it wasn't his best. He remains a must-start Fantasy quarterback because even his down games won't kill you, and he has a chance for a monster game Week 12 against the lowly Raiders.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler, who had struggled with interceptions and poor yardage totals over the last few weeks, didn't have any of those problems Week 10 at Cleveland. He finished with a career-high 447 yards on 24-of-42 passing, firing three touchdown passes -- all in the fourth quarter. He did throw one interception, but only on a bad route by WR Brandon Marshall. He also had seven rushes for 29 yards.
Analysis: That's why you don't bench Cutler. Actually, he looked decent last week too; he just happened to throw three interceptions coming off two straight sub-200-yard performances. In any case, he can blow up for games like this at any time and now has 300 yards or more in five of nine games this season. He has a great matchup Week 11 at Atlanta, so treat him as a No. 1 Fantasy QB and expect more big numbers.
News: Denver QB Jay Cutler threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns in Week 9's loss to Miami. Impressive numbers, but he also threw three interceptions in the game. In fact, he's got six picks in his last three with five touchdowns. It hasn't been the same as the early going for Cutler and the Broncos. Cleveland has a poor run defense but a decent pass defense so it could be tough going again in Week 10 in Cleveland.
Analysis: Cutler is trying for his 10th straight game with at least one TD pass and we expect him to get it rather easily against the Browns in Cleveland. The Broncos need a bounce back game and this could be where it comes. Go ahead and start Cutler as a must-start No. 1 Fantasy QB in Week 10.
News: The Miami Dolphins bottled up Denver's ground game and intercepted Jay Cutler three times in a 26-17 win over the befuddled Broncos on Sunday. Cornerback Will Allen returned the second of Cutler's mistakes 32 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. Cutler was 24-of-46 for 306 yards, two TDs and three interceptions in the game. He hit Eddie Royal with a 2-yard TD pass in the 1st quarter and Peyton Hillis with a 1-yard pass in the 4th.
Analysis: Cutler started the year off as one of, if not the, best quarterbacks in Fantasy. Over the last two games, however, he's thrown for just three touchdowns and five interceptions. He's still getting the ball into the end zone, but he's making a lot of mistakes and the Broncos are losing. He remains a quarterback to trust in Fantasy on most occasions and that still goes for Fantasy Week 10 when the Broncos head to Cleveland on Thursday night.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler declared the dinged-up index finger on his throwing hand, injured Week 7 at New England, is feeling fine. He effortlessly validated the point, winging a pass nearly 60 yards downfield in practice Wednesday. "It feels pretty good," he said. "Got lucky."
Analysis: Cutler's finger swelled up after he smacked it on a helmet during the first play of a 41-7 loss to New England, but it wasn't broken -- just bumped and bruised. Cutler started off the season looking like he'd be the No. 1 QB in Fantasy this year, but he has cooled off over the last month, throwing for less than 200 yards in his last two games. But he also has a touchdown pass in every game and has a nice matchup against the Dolphins in Week 9. Keep him active.
News: Broncos WR Eddie Royal will return from his bye week to face the Miami Dolphins at home in Week 9. The Dolphins have allowed the eighth most passing yards per game (233.3) in the NFL. They have given up nine passing touchdowns with just four interceptions all year.
Analysis: Cutler started off the season looking like he'd be the No. 1 QB in Fantasy this year, but he has cooled off over the last month. He's failed to throw for even 200 yards in his last two games and has thrown at least one interception in all but two of his games. But he also has a touchdown pass in every game and that should continue against a weak Dolphins pass defense. Consider him a must-start Fantasy QB. The Dolphins may be the cure for what has ailed him the last few weeks.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler had his worst game of the season Week 7 at New England. Of course, slamming his right hand against an opponents' helmet on his first throw of the game didn't help. He favored his right index finger for the rest of the first half and even left for one series at the end of the second quarter. He played most of the game, though, and finished 17-of-26 passing for a season-low 168 yards, two interceptions and one touchdown. He also ran three times for 18 yards.
Analysis: Cutler's throws looked wobbly at times, but they seemed to improve in the second half. His performance didn't, though, and he now has five touchdown passes to five interceptions over his last four games, averaging 194.3 yards over his last three. He still deserves to start in all Fantasy leagues, but in light of his recent struggles, he no longer looks like a slam dunk on a week-to-week basis. Still, expect to get him active Week 9 against the Dolphins, assuming the Broncos' bye in Week 8 gives his finger adequate time to heal.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler failed to break 200 yards passing and had two costly turnovers in a Week 6 loss to the Jaguars. Cutler completed 21-of-37 passes for 192 yards and two scores. But he threw an interception and lost a fumble as Jacksonville won 24-17. Cutler threw touchdown passes to Brandon Stokley (11 yards) and Daniel Graham (11 yards). He also rushed three times for 22 yards.
Analysis: Cutler threw six touchdowns in the first two games, but has just six in his last four games. He also now has one interception in four of his last five games. Cutler also failed to throw for 200 yards for the first time this season in Week 6. He has been on the decline since his hot start, but Cutler still does enough to be considered a No. 1 Fantasy QB. The Broncos play the Patriots Week 7.
News: QB Jay Cutler guided a patient Denver offense to a 16-13 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 5. The game's first touchdown came with 5:41 left in the third quarter, when Brandon Stokley hauled in Cutler's pass in the right flat and followed Brandon Marshall's big block into the end zone to put Denver ahead 13-7. The touchdown went for 10 yards. Cutler finished 23-of-34 for 227 yards, while also rushing five times for 16 yards.
Analysis: Cutler has just two touchdowns in his last two games after getting eight in his first three. But he didn't throw a pick for the first time in four games and still managed 200-plus yards for a fifth straight game. Cutler is really coming into his own in Year Three and has emerged as a No. 1 Fantasy QB. The Broncos play the Jaguars Week 6. Cutler was 16-of-23 for 222 yards, one touchdown and one interception last season against Jacksonville.
News: Denver QB Jay Cutler didn't have a great day on Sunday against the Chiefs and the Broncos lost the game 33-19. Cutler did throw for 361 yards on 29-of-49 passing, but that went for just one touchdown -- to Brandon Marshall -- and two interceptions. Add in a fumble lost for Cutler and it wasn't one of his better afternoons.
Analysis: Cutler still has nine touchdowns compared to four interceptions on the year and the Broncos remain one of the NFL's top passing offenses. He's a No. 1 Fantasy QB and will stay that way when the Broncos host the Buccaneers in Week 5. Start him and expect better numbers next week.
News: Denver QB Jay Cutler has thrown for 300, 350 and 264 yards in his three games this season and he's got eight touchdowns compared to just two interceptions. Cutler is facing the lowly Chiefs in Week 4. The Chiefs are actually ranked fourth against the pass and are only allowing 153 yards per game through the air. Cutler, however, has good numbers against Kansas City. He threw for five touchdowns and just one pick against them last year.
Analysis: The Broncos have the most prolific offense in football right now and with Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal as targets, Cutler is our No. 1 Fantasy QB heading into Week 4, even with the Chiefs' solid pass defense. Start him across the board and enjoy.
News: Denver QB Jay Cutler didn't have his best game on Sunday against the Saints. It was good enough to defeat the Saints, however. Cutler threw for 264 yards on 21-of-34 passing with two touchdowns. He did throw one interception.
Analysis: Cutler has eight touchdowns compared to just two picks on the season and that's pretty darn good. This was the first time he was limited under 300 yards passing and he remains a must-start Fantasy QB through thick and thin. Start him Week 4 against the Chiefs.
News: The Denver Broncos have suddenly morphed into a pass-happy offense, relying heavily on the rocket right arm of Jay Cutler. The Broncos have loosened up the playbook, giving the boot to their familiar bootleg and taking more chances down the field. The wide-open approach has the Broncos leading the league in offense, averaging 463.5 yards a game. Cutler insists he isn't doing anything different this year. But he does feel more comfortable in the pocket. His offensive line is also giving him more time to scan the field, allowing him to pick apart the secondary. And now he gets a great matchup against New Orleans, which has allowed 512 passing yards this season in two games.
Analysis: Consider Cutler a No. 1 option in Week 3 against the Saints and hope he continues to play at this level.
News: Showing ultimate confidence in his offense, Mike Shanahan went for the 2-point conversion with 29 seconds left and Jay Cutler hit rookie Eddie Royal over the middle to give the Denver Broncos a 39-38 win over the stunned San Diego Chargers on Sunday. Cutler completed 36 of 50 passes for a career-best 350 yards and four TDs and enjoyed the return of Brandon Marshall, who set a franchise record with 18 catches for 166 yards in a magnificent return from his one-game suspension.
Analysis: Yes, we think Brandon Marshall's return is a very good thing. The Broncos meet New Orleans in Week 3 and we believe that Denver and Cutler will eat them for dinner. Consider Cutler a No. 1 option next week and start him.
News: Denver QB Jay Cutler is active and starting for Week 2 against the Chargers.
Analysis: The knee injury is not expected to hold back Cutler Week 2 and the news gets even better as WR Brandon Marshall is returning from his one-game suspension. Cutler should have fun throwing to Marshall and rookie WE Eddie Royal. Consider Cutler a viable No. 1 Fantasy QB.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler (knee) is listed as probable for Week 2 vs. San Diego. He went through full practices all week and says his knee is fine after taking a shot Week 1 from Raiders DB Nnamdi Asomugha. Cutler stayed in the game and passed for 300 yards and two touchdowns.
Analysis: The knee injury is not expected to hold back Cutler Week 2 and the news gets even better as WR Brandon Marshall is returning from his one-game suspension. Cutler should have fun throwing to Marshall and rookie WE Eddie Royal. Consider Cutler a viable No. 1 Fantasy QB. Cutler completed 37 of 68 passes for 387 yards, zero touchdowns and three interceptions in two games against the Chargers in 2007.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler (knee) went through a full practice Wednesday and Thursday as the team prepares for Week 2 vs. San Diego. Cutler threw for 299 yards with long touchdown passes to rookie Eddie Royal and Darrell Jackson that helped the Denver Broncos beat up on their AFC West rivals in a 41-14 victory over the Oakland Raiders Week 1.
Analysis: Cutler was a pleasant sight for the Broncos to see Week 1 after an up-and-down performance last season when he lost 35 pounds and the zip on his throws while struggling with diabetes that was not diagnosed until March. Now he's back to his healthy self and the Broncos couldn't be happier. The fact he played this well against a top pass defense without Brandon Marshall can only get Fantasy owners excited for what lies ahead. The Broncos play the Chargers in Week 2 and Cutler can be a viable No. 1 Fantasy QB. Cutler completed 37 of 68 passes for 387 yards, zero touchdowns and three interceptions in two games against the Chargers in 2007.
News:Jay Cutler's strength and rocket arm are back like never before now that his diabetes is under control. Cutler threw for 299 yards with long touchdown passes to rookie Eddie Royal and Darrell Jackson that helped the Denver Broncos beat up on their AFC West rivals in a 41-14 victory over the Oakland Raiders Week 1. Cutler showed why the Broncos made him a first-round draft pick in 2006, completing 16 of 24 passes and confidently picking apart Oakland's rebuilt defense in a dominating season-opening performance despite missing suspended big-play receiver Brandon Marshall. Cutler connected for a 26-yard touchdown with Royal in the first quarter and then hit Jackson on a 48-yard catch-and-run in the third. He also had 12 rushing yards before three kneel downs at the end of the game dropped him to nine yards.
Analysis: Cutler was a pleasant sight for the Broncos to see after an up-and-down performance last season when he lost 35 pounds and the zip on his throws while struggling with diabetes that was not diagnosed until March. Now he's back to his healthy self and the Broncos couldn't be happier. The fact he played this well against a top pass defense without Marshall can only get Fantasy owners excited for what lies ahead. The Broncos play the Chargers in Week 2 and Cutler can be a viable No. 1 Fantasy QB. Cutler completed 37 of 68 passes for 387 yards, zero touchdowns and three interceptions in two games against the Chargers in 2007.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler, who takes on the Raiders in Week 1, didn't fare particularly well against Oakland in 2007. In two games, he went 39-of-65 for 483 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions.
Analysis: While his matchup doesn't look great for Week 1, Cutler is better than his 2007 numbers against the Raiders suggest. Consider him a fringe No. 1 Fantasy quarterback, but the 25-year-old certainly has some room to grow. He has a good arm and a very solid target in Brandon Marshall.
News: The Denver Post reports quarterbacks ascend to a new level of play when they reach their third season in Mike Shanahan's system, and this is Jay Cutler's third year. It's probably equal parts familiarity, comfort level and maturity, but there's no denying the trend. John Elway took the Broncos to the Super Bowl in 1997, his third season in Shanahan's system. Jake Plummer took them to the AFC championship game. Cutler? For the time being, he'll have to settle for looking really good in the preseason. Cutler has thrown the ball 43 times out of 79 plays in three preseason games. The Broncos have thrown more than they've run in seven of Shanahan's 13 seasons. Last year, they attempted 515 passes and 429 running plays. Year Three is here and Shanahan has a new level of trust and confidence in his quarterback. More and more, it's looking like he'll put the fate of the team on his young quarterback's shoulders.
Analysis: We consider Cutler a fringe No. 1 Fantasy quarterback coming into the season, but the 25-year-old certainly has some room to grow. He has a good arm and a very solid target in Brandon Marshall. Fantasy owners who wait on a quarterback can look to him in the middle rounds as a QB with some upside.
News: Broncos quarterback was effective leading Denver to scores on all three of its first-half possessions in Friday's preseason game against Green Bay. One was a 99-yard touchdown march that chewed up most of the second quarter, and another was an 80-yard drive in all of 16 seconds.
Analysis: After completing his first dozen passes against Dallas a week ago, Cutler was wild against the Packers, completing just 6 of 13 throws for 115 yards. But he was precise when it mattered most. Cutler split defensive backs Al Harris and Aaron Rouse with a rope to tight end Nate Jackson that gave Denver a 10-7 lead and capped a 16-play drive that covered 99 yards and 8 1/2 minutes. This was a true test of where he's at to begin the season because Week 3 of the preseason is the only week in which team's gameplan and allow their starters to play deep into the game. We consider Cutler a fringe No. 1 Fantasy quarterback coming into the season, but the 25-year-old certainly has some room to grow. He has a good arm and a very solid target in Brandon Marshall. Fantasy owners who wait on a quarterback can look to him in the middle rounds as a QB with some upside.
News:Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler completed his first 12 passes for 142 yards in Saturday's preseason game vs. Dallas while leading Denver on two TD drives. He completed 16 of 20 passes for 178 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions all together. He led the Broncos on a nine-play, 65-yard opening drive that ended with Andre Hall scampering in from a yard out.
Analysis: We consider Cutler a fringe No. 1 Fantasy quarterback coming into the season, but the 25-year-old certainly has some room to grow. He has a good arm and a very solid target in Brandon Marshall. Fantasy owners who wait on a quarterback can look to him in the middle rounds as a QB with some upside.
News: Denver starting QB Jay Cutler finished Saturday's preseason game 8-for-10 for 59 yards in a short time and then made way for his backups to take over. They didn't fare nearly as well. Patrick Ramsey, who is slated to be the backup, completed just 6-of-11 passes for 32 yards and two interceptions and Darrell Hackney wasn't much better. Hackney went 4-of-7 for 62 yards to lead all QBs in yardage.
Analysis: Cutler is a fringe No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB. Ramsey should only get any Fantasy recognition whatsoever if Cutler cannot play for whatever reason. And Hackney has no value as he'll probably be the third stringer. Still, Hackney proved better than Ramsey Saturday and the former Redskin will need to perform better if he hopes to keep the backup job.
News: The Denver Broncos will start the season without wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who was suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for three games for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Marshall, who is due in court next month for a drunken driving trial, can have his suspension reduced to two games if he undergoes counseling and abides by other conditions, which the NFL did not specify. Marshall will miss the Broncos' season opener at Oakland on Sept. 8 and the team's home opener against San Diego the following week. They face New Orleans at home in Week 3. This news also impacts QB Jay Cutler, who relied heavily on Marshall in 2007.
Analysis: Marshall became Cutler's favorite target last season as Javon Walker spent most of the season on the sidelines with a knee injury. Marshall ended up leading the team with 102 catches for 1,325 yards and seven touchdowns. The fact Cutler could be without a key player like Marshall for a few games definitely affects his Fantasy value. Add to the fact he is still trying to recover from being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Cutler is a fringe No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: The Denver Post reports Broncos QB Jay Cutler is concerned about the recurring trouble WR Brandon Marshall is in and whether he'll have his go-to receiver once the season starts. "Once or twice — you could live with that," Cutler said. "You say people make mistakes, but I mean it's been three, four, five times. I don't know how many times he's at right now, so I don't know what's gonna happen. I don't know if Mike's going to do anything. I don't know if the league's going to do anything. I just hope he gets his act together, cause it'd be a shame for him to waste all that talent." Cutler has been dealing with his own adversity in the offseason. After dropping 30 pounds from training camp to the end of the 2007 season, Cutler was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Cutler has regained the weight, and coach Mike Shanahan said he is encouraged that the quarterback will be ready for the season opener Sept. 8 against the Raiders.
Analysis: If Cutler is 100 percent ready for the season as expected then consider him a borderline No. 1 Fantasy option. If not, then he's a top-end No. 2 QB. Keep an eye on how he does in training camp before making a decision, but the safe bet is to consider Cutler with a middle-round pick in all leagues.
News:Jay Cutler's blood sugars are down, his are spirits up and his fastball is back. The Denver Broncos' third-year quarterback said during the team's passing camp that he feels like his old, strong self and a new man now that he's got his Type 1 diabetes under control thanks to an insulin pump and a change in his diet. Cutler lost 35 pounds and some zip on his frozen rope throws last season but didn't heed the warning signs, including constant fatigue, unexplained weight loss, extreme thirst and frequent urination, until team medical personnel noticed a high blood sugar reading in routine tests in March and sent him to a diabetes specialist. "He has all that strength back and you see the ball is coming, it is stronger," wide receiver Glenn Martinez said. "You can see the energy level is higher, too. ... You see a more confident player. People thought he would be down and out and he isn't."
Analysis: Cutler played well in his second season in the NFL in 2007, which was his first as a full-time starter. He started every game and finished with 3,497 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, adding 205 yards rushing and one touchdown. The Broncos added lots of depth to their WR corps this offseason, but the talent level remains mediocre (Darrell Jackson is their biggest acquisition). It's up to Cutler to make these borderline wideouts strong players again. Moreover, he'll be hurt if WR Brandon Marshall (arm lacerations) isn't ready to play at the start of the season. Nevertheless, Cutler is a quarterback on the rise and should be considered a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option in 2008. He has potential for 3,500 yards and over 20 touchdowns.
News: Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, his business manager Marty Garafalo confirmed Thursday night. The 25-year-old Cutler found out about two weeks ago that he was diabetic and needed daily insulin injections, Garafalo told The Associated Press. Some 21 million Americans have diabetes, meaning their bodies cannot properly turn blood sugar into energy. Either they don't produce enough insulin or don't use it correctly. With the Type 1 form, the body's immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells, so that patients require insulin injections to survive. Garafalo said Cutler was managing his disease and "in no way is his football career jeopardized."
Analysis: Cutler played well in his second season in the NFL in 2007, which was his first as a full-time starter. He started every game and finished with 3,497 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, adding 205 yards rushing and one touchdown. The Broncos added lots of depth to their WR corps this offseason, but the talent level remains mediocre (Darrell Jackson is their biggest acquisition). It's up to Cutler to make these borderline wideouts strong players again. Moreover, he'll be hurt if WR Brandon Marshall (arm lacerations) isn't ready to play at the start of the season. Nevertheless, Cutler is a quarterback on the rise and should be considered a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option in 2008. He has potential for 3,500 yards and over 20 touchdowns.
News: Denver QB Jay Cutler played well in his second season in the NFL in 2007, which was his first as a full-time starter. He started every game and finished with 3,497 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also added 205 yards rushing and one touchdown.
Analysis: Cutler has a chance to be a breakout star in 2008. He has a solid running game with Travis Henry and Selvin Young, a stud wide receiver in Brandon Marshall and a developing tight end in Tony Scheffler. He could also have another great target in Javon Walker if he remains with the Broncos, although a report in the Denver Post said Walker could be traded or cut by the end of February. Even without Walker, Cutler is a quarterback on the rise and should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy option in 2008.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler threw for 246 yards and two touchdowns as Denver closed out their season with a 22-19 overtime win against the Vikings on Sunday afternoon.
Analysis: Cutler threw seven touchdowns and only two interceptions in his last four games after really struggling in the first half of the season. He will likely have Javon Walker back at full strength next season and with Brandon Marshall on the opposite side of the field, that's quite a 1-2 punch at WR.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler (knee) participated in full practice Wednesday and Thursday after his injury limited him Wednesday. The team lists him as probable for Week 17 against the Vikings. He hurt his knee in Week 16 at San Diego.
Analysis: All indications point to Cutler playing in Week 17 against the Vikings, so keep him active in Fantasy. The Vikings have one of the worst passing defenses in the league too, so you have to like the matchup.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler took limited reps in practice Wednesday after hurting his knee Week 16, reports the Colorado Springs Gazette. "It’s a little banged up, I was a little limited today, but I’ll be ready by Sunday no problem," he said.
Analysis: Cutler even went as far as to say he'll practice Thursday, leading us to believe he's probably a safe start Week 17 against the Vikings. The Vikings have one of the worst passing defenses in the league too, so you have to like the matchup.
News: Expected to post decent stats, Jay Cutler instead laid the proverbial egg at San Diego in Week 16. He completed just 14-of-32 passes for 155 yards with two interceptions and a fumble lost. He also managed to lead the team in rushing yards with 42.
Analysis: Cutler whiffed for Fantasy owners in Week 16, and shouldn't be expected to do much better against a good Vikings defense playing for their playoff lives in Week 17. Think of Cutler as a No. 2 Fantasy QB for the coming week's game. He should still turn it around and be a solid Fantasy QB in 2008, though.
News: Most of Denver QB Jay Cutler's success this year has come at home. On the road, Cutler has struggled, and he has only four touchdowns and four interceptions in his past four games away from home. He did throw for 188 yards and two touchdowns in his only trip to San Diego last year, but he also had 232 yards passing, no touchdowns and one interception at home against the Chargers this season. San Diego leads the NFL with 27 interceptions, and Cutler has an interception in six of seven road games this year.
Analysis: This could be a difficult game for Cutler, especially on the road. Consider him a No. 2 Fantasy option this week unless you do not have a better QB to use.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler was banged up in the Houston game last week but practiced Monday and is expected to play Sunday at San Diego.
Analysis: It appears safe to keep Cutler in your lineup. Consider him a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option against the Chargers.
News: Broncos QB threw a career-high four touchdown passes in a rout of the Chiefs in Week 14, but could not find the same magic Week 15 against the Texans. Cutler completed 27-of-39 passes for 254 yards. However, he threw just one touchdown -- a 12-yard strike to Tony Scheffler in the third quarter. Eleven of his 27 completions went to Brandon Marshall.
Analysis: The good news is that Cutler had his fifth straight game of 200 or more passing yards. He also didn't turn the ball over. However, the one touchdown is a downer after throwing four. He was facing a top 15 pass defense. Cutler will face the Chargers for a second time this season Week 16. He didn't throw a touchdown in their first meeting. Consider him a No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News:Jay Cutler has played well for the most part over his last four games. Save for a stinker at Oakland, he's thrown eight touchdowns in those four including four last week in a dominant win vs. Kansas City. This week, Cutler and the Broncos head to Houston to play the Texans, who rank 14th against the pass and did a nice job against Luke McCown and the Bucs last week but allowed five passing touchdowns in their previous three games.
Analysis: Cutler has a hot hand and is getting improved play from his receivers, along with a running game that's come alive of late to help balance out the offense. Expect Cutler to post good numbers against the Texans in Week 15; think of him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler completed 20 of 27 passes in Week 14 vs. Kansas City. He threw for 244 yards and four touchdowns and did not throw any interceptions.
Analysis: Cutler had his way with the Chiefs secondary and he had one of his most efficient games as a professional. Unfortunately, his recent erratic play had him starting in just 39 percent of CBSSports.com leagues. For Week 15 at Houston (a Thursday night game), consider activating him in leagues of 10 or more teams. He's as confident as he'll ever be.
News: The last time Broncos QB Jay Cutler faced the Chiefs in Week 10 he had 192 yards passing, one touchdown and one interception. He's gotten better since that matchup, but this week should still be tough for him. Kansas City is No. 7 in pass defense with only 10 passing touchdowns allowed. The Chiefs also have a solid secondary and one of the best pass rushers in the NFL in Jared Allen.
Analysis: Cutler will look to continue his recent play -- five touchdowns and three interceptions in his past three games -- against Kansas City, but it could be tough. Consider him a No. 2 Fantasy option this week.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler completed 16 of 32 passes for 214 yards and threw two interceptions in Denver's 34-20 loss to the Raiders in Week 13. He also ran six times for nine yards.
Analysis: Cutler looked completely out of sorts on Sunday in Denver's critical loss. Poor decision-making were mainly to blame, although the Raiders defense is a pretty decent unit. He has a chance to redeem himself at home against the Chiefs in Week 14, but Kansas City's secondary are no slouches either.
News: In Week 2, Broncos QB Jay Cutler completed 23-of-33 passes for 269 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions against the Raiders. He faces them again in Week 13, but Denver will likely run more against Oakland's 32nd-ranked run defense instead of throw against their No. 4 pass defense. Cutler has, however, thrown two touchdowns in each of his last two games with 502 total passing yards.
Analysis: Cutler should have an efficient game, not a statistical blowout. If you don't have a better option, then go with him in Week 13, but consider other Fantasy QBs first. Consult our positional rankings for more insight.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler heads into Week 13 with two touchdown passes in each of his last two games, which is pretty good for him, as he only had one game with more than one score in his previous nine games this season. Cutler should find plenty of throwing lanes to pass through against Oakland on Sunday, especially if the Broncos can run against the Raiders like everyone else has all year.
Analysis: Cutler's nice play of late has him starting in 15 percent more leagues this week than in Week 12, although the fact he's playing the sorry Raiders probably has something to do with that spike, too. Consider him a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB in Week 13, depending on the size of your league.
News: Denver QB Jay Cutler was 17-of-31 passing for 302 yards, two touchdowns and one interception Sunday at Chicago. He also added two carries for 12 yards.
Analysis: Cutler will look to continue his recent hot play at Oakland in Week 13. He should be considered a low-end No. 1 option.
News: Broncos WR Javon Walker practiced Wednesday and Thursday this week after missing the previous eight games with a knee injury. There is a chance Walker will play against the Bears in Week 12, which will help Cutler. Chicago is No. 23 in pass defense with 11 touchdowns allowed and six interceptions.
Analysis: If Cutler gets Walker back, that would be a tremendous boost to the WR corps. Continue to monitor what develops, but Cutler would be a solid No. 2 option against the Bears.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler had one of the more efficient games of his career Week 11 against the Titans, completing 16 of 21 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns. Both of his touchdown passes went for more than 40 yards -- the first for 48 to Brandon Stokley and the second for 41 to Brandon Marshall. Cutler also gained seven yards on four rushes.
Analysis: Cutler had gone a couple of games without throwing for 200 yards, so his Fantasy owners can relax a little there. Even more encouraging, he threw multiple touchdown passes for the second time this season. That said, he still has a long way to go before he becomes a reliable Fantasy option, and he faces a Bears defense on the road in Week 12 that can still get after the quarterback on occasion. You could probably do better than Cutler in Fantasy for that matchup.
News: In his only start on Monday Night Football, Broncos QB Jay Cutler completed 21 of 34 passes for 264 yards with a touchdown. He will try for his 13th game in 15 starts with a touchdown pass when the Titans visit Denver in Week 11.
Analysis: The Titans pass defense is excellent, but if Albert Haynesworth can't go for Tennessee, the Broncos will spend most of Monday night running the ball, which will limit Cutler's chances. Still, he's a solid No. 2 Fantasy QB option in Week 11.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler was 17-of-29 passing for 192 yards with a touchdown, an interception and 21 rush yards at Kansas City in Week 10. Cutler briefly left the game with a leg injury but missed only two plays.
Analysis: Cutler remains a decent Fantasy play, especially if your other options aren't good ones. He'll have to throw a lot in Week 11 when he and the Broncos host the run-stuffing Titans. Expect Cutler to be a No. 2 Fantasy QB next week.
News: The Broncos listed Jay Cutler as their starting quarterback for Week 10 at Kansas City. He hurt his ankle last week but managed to practice for this week's game.
Analysis: Cutler will need to play well if he's going to help the Broncos avoid their sixth loss in the last seven games. The Chiefs' pass defense only ranks 19th in the league, yardage-wise, and so Cutler clearly has a chance to do well in Week 10. Consider him a No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler (ankle) is listed as probable for Week 10 at Kansas City. Cutler took full practice reps all week and appears as though he will face the Chiefs. Cutler has only thrown for three touchdowns and three interceptions in three career starts against the AFC West.
Analysis: Cutler will need to play well if he's going to help the Broncos avoid their sixth loss in the last seven games. The Chiefs' pass defense only ranks 19th in the league, yardage-wise, and so Cutler clearly has a chance to do well in Week 10. Consider him a No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler's leg was healed enough for him to practice on Wednesday and Thursday, and it appears he will start in a highly-important divisional contest at Kansas City in Week 10. Cutler has only thrown for three touchdowns and three interceptions in three career starts against the AFC West.
Analysis: Cutler will need to play well if he's going to help the Broncos avoid their sixth loss in the last seven games. The Chiefs' pass defense only ranks 19th in the league, yardage-wise, and so Cutler clearly has a chance to do well in Week 10. Consider him a No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: Jay Cutler seems less worried about his badly bruised left leg than he does the state of the Denver Broncos. The second-year quarterback who practiced through the pain Wednesday suggested the Broncos, losers of five of six, are in panic mode. Coming off a 44-7 blasting by the Lions, the Broncos are facing just their second losing season in coach Mike Shanahan's 13-year tenure. They went 6-10 in 1999 when Terrell Davis blew out a knee and John Elway retired after leading Denver to back-to-back Super Bowl wins. "The Broncos aren't used to this. We're not used to going 3-5. We're not used to giving up 40 points in two games so far and getting blown out. It's just not something that's accustomed to this organization," Cutler said.
Analysis: Cutler feared his season was over and his leg broken Week 9 when Lions defensive end Cory Redding speared him with his helmet. "To get the MRI back and to see that it was just a deep bruise and nothing was cracked or anything, it was a relief," Cutler said. "I mean, it's a bruise. I can go ahead and push it and if it hurts, it hurts, but it's not going to get any worse." Cutler took most of the snaps at practice Wednesday and moved around well, Shanahan said. "He looked good," Shanahan said. "Unless there's a setback, he should be ready to go." If Cutler plays Week 10 against the Chiefs, he will face one of the better pass defenses in the NFL. Kansas City has allowed just eight passing touchdowns this season. Consider Cutler nothing more than a No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler doesn't have the hairline fracture in his left leg he feared. An MRI exam Monday was negative, but coach Mike Shanahan said he didn't know if Cutler would practice much this week or be under center Sunday at Kansas City. "He doesn't have a stress fracture, which is a positive," Shanahan said. "The X-rays were negative, the MRI was negative. So, we'll see how sore he is. Right now he's quite sore. And we'll get a chance to see how he feels on Wednesday." Cutler took a helmet to his lower leg, which was badly bruised, in the first half of the Broncos' 44-7 loss at Detroit on Sunday. He was carted off the field and although immediate X-rays were negative, Cutler said he feared his leg was broken.
Analysis: Patrick Ramsey replaced Cutler and would start against the Chiefs if Cutler can't go. Continue to monitor Cutler's status to see if he will play. If healthy, Cutler would be a No. 2 Fantasy option against the Chiefs.
News: According to the Rocky Mountain News, Broncos QB Jay Cutler's injured left leg hurt following the game. X-rays were negative, which could rule out a broken leg — or not. "Actually, I'm happy it's not broken," Cutler said when asked whether the initial diagnosis was comforting. "But there could be a hairline (fracture) in there. We'll have to see. Hopefully, it's just a bruise and I'll be able to go next week."
Analysis: Continue to monitor Cutler's status prior to setting your lineup for Week 10. If Cutler is able to play, consider him a No. 2 option against Kansas City.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler was sidelined with an injury to his lower left leg early in the second quarter Sunday against the Detroit Lions. Cutler left the game when his legs and ankles were twisted as Shaun Rogers sacked him, then another Lion hit him as he was going down. Cutler was helped off the field and was later taken off it on a cart as he unstrapped his shoulder pads. He finished 3-of-4 passing for 20 yards. "I'll get an MRI," he said. "Hopefully, it's just a bruise."
Analysis: Continue to monitor Cutler's status prior to setting your lineup for Week 10. If Cutler is able to play, consider him a No. 2 option against Kansas City.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler left Sunday's game at Detroit with an undisclosed injury in the first half. His return is unknown. Patrick Ramsey came on at QB.
Analysis: Continue to monitor what happens with Cutler. Hopefully he can come back soon.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler has at least one touchdown pass in 11 of his 12 career starts and will try to add to that fine statistic when Denver plays at Detroit in Week 9.
Analysis: The Lions pass defense is pretty brutal, which makes Cutler an attractive option in Week 9. After having four touchdowns in his first four starts this season, he has four scores in his last two games and ranks as a low-end No. 1 Fanatsy QB for this game.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler had a decent game going up against the man he's often compared to. In a 19-13 loss against Brett Favre and the visiting Packers in Week 8, he completed 21 of 34 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown. The score came on a five-yard pass to TE Tony Scheffler in the first quarter. Cutler also ran three times for seven yards. He did lose a fumble, but only on a fluke play when one of his backpedaling offensive lineman inadvertently knocked the ball out of his hands.
Analysis: Cutler had a solid game, but nothing like his three-touchdown performance in Week 7. He still hasn't quite made the most of his potential, but since the Broncos visit the Lions in Week 9, he deserves to start in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler hears all the time how he's a clone of Brett Favre. Both have strong arms, a ton of confidence to fit a football into tight spaces, and a short memories after interceptions. Cutler wants the comparisons to cease. It's not fair to Favre. "I'm not even close to his level," said Cutler, whose team will face Favre and the Green Bay Packers on Monday night. "Brett's one of the greatest of all time." Cutler has a similar swagger as Favre, not to mention the same confidence in his powerful right arm. Cutler has thrown a touchdown pass in 10 of his 11 starts to begin his career. He also has 13 interceptions. He's a high-risk, high-reward quarterback, just like Favre. "He's been very successful," Cutler said. "I'm a long way from getting to his status. He's a top two or three quarterback -- ever."
Analysis: Favre and Cutler do have a common thread at receiver because both have thrown to Javon Walker, who arrived in Denver on a draft-day trade in April 2006. Walker is currently out until at least December after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery last week. "We were connecting," Cutler said. "We're not really sure when we're going to get him back. We just hope we get him back soon." So Cutler has found another reliable target in second-year receiver Brandon Marshall, who leads the team with 33 receptions for 439 yards. Marshall thinks he and Cutler could be the next Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison. Fantasy owners would love nothing more. Cutler is coming off a three-touchdown performance against the Steelers and now plays the 22nd ranked pass defense. Consider him a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB for Week 8.
News: Jay Cutler completed 22-of-29 passes for 248 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in Week 7 against the Steelers. He also carried three times for 41 yards in the win.
Analysis: Cutler will look to carry that momentum over into Week 8 against the Packers. The Steelers entered the game with the No. 2 pass defense in the NFL, while the Packers were 23rd entering play in Week 7. Cutler remains nothing more than a No. 2 Fantasy quarterback, however.
News: Broncos wide receiver Javon Walker will undergo surgery on his right knee on Friday and will be out for "a few weeks," coach Mike Shanahan said Thursday. Walker missed the Broncos' past two games because of swelling but practiced Monday and Wednesday. "Javon's not feeling very good," Shanahan said. "He'll get operated on (Friday) in Houston, so he'll be out for a few weeks." Shanahan didn't have a precise timetable for Walker's return.
Analysis: Cutler has stumbled in recent weeks without Walker at his disposal and now will have to adjust for the forseeable future without his top wide receiver. Cutler remains nothing more than a No. 2 Fantasy WR heading into Week 7. Don't forget that the Steelers own the second best pass defense in the NFL.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler completed 23-of-36 passes for 232 yards with an interception vs. San Diego in Week 5. He also had 7 rush yards and struggled to gain any consistency against the Chargers.
Analysis: Cutler has yet to throw for two or more touchdowns in a game this season and has at least one interception in every game this season. Moreover, his passing totals have been less than expected aside from a Week 1 eruption. The Broncos are on bye in Week 6 but play vs. Pittsburgh in Week 7. Expect Cutler to be seated on your bench for that game.
News: In Denver QB Jay Cutler's only meeting with the Chargers last year he passed for 188 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. San Diego is ranked No. 27 in pass defense, and the Broncos could be without RB Travis Henry (ankle). If Henry is out, expect the Broncos to throw the ball, and Cutler should excel in this matchup.
Analysis: Cutler has one touchdown in each start this season, but also has at least one interception in every game. The Broncos should be able to find a nice, balanced attack in Week 5, so we consider Cutler a clear No. 1 Fantasy QB choice this weekend.
News: Broncos QB Jake Cutler has a touchdown pass in each of his first 10 career starts. In his only meeting with the Chargers, he completed 17 of 30 passes (56.7 pct.) for 188 yards with two touchdowns, no interceptions and a 97.6 rating.
Analysis: San Diego's pass defense ranks 27th in the league and can be picked apart, as they have given up over 275 yards through the air in the last three games. Their run defense is also nothing to write home about, so the Broncos should be able to find a nice, balanced attack in Week 5. We consider Cutler a clear No. 1 Fantasy QB choice this weekend.
News: Denver QB Jay Cutler was 13-of-21 passing for 131 yards, one touchdown and one interception Sunday against the Colts. He also added two carries for 11 yards and a touchdown.
Analysis: Cutler was just average against the Colts. He will look to bounce back in Week 5 against San Diego. Consider him a low-end No. 1 option against the Chargers.
News: Jay Cutler has a touchdown pass in each of his first eight career starts, and he was born 180 miles from Indianapolis in Santa Claus, IN. But the Colts plan to make Cutler's homecoming in Week 4 tough with the No. 10 pass defense this year. Cutler has gone through full practice routines all week while battling an ankle injury.
Analysis: Matt Schaub was the only quarterback to pass for at least 200 yards against the Colts this year, and they haven't allowed more than one touchdown pass in a game. Cutler also has an injured ankle. Consider Cutler a No. 2 QB option for this tough matchup.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler (ankle) participated in the entire practice Wednesday, but safety John Lynch (groin) sat out and likely won't test it until Friday, head coach Mike Shanahan said. Fullback Mike Bell (head) also skipped practice as the team prepares for Week 4 at Indianapolis.
Analysis: Cutler has posted some nice stats through three weeks with 795 yards and three touchdowns, but those four interceptions are looming. The sky is still high for the second-year QB out of Vanderbilt, but he heads into Week 4 against the Colts as a No. 2 Fantasy QB. Continue to track his progress.
News: According to the Denver Post, Broncos QB Jay Cutler, who is nursing a hurt ankle, made it clear he expects to play Sunday. "Everything is fine," Cutler said. "I'll probably be a little sore on Wednesday, but it should be fine. ... I should be able to get a full week in."
Analysis: Continue to monitor Cutler's status and hope he can return as he says for Week 4 against the Colts. He is a low-end No. 1 QB option at this point.
News: According to the Denver Post, Broncos QB Jay Cutler left Sunday's game against Jacksonville with an ankle injury. Cutler will be examined Monday, likely offering a better sense of his rehabilitation time as a game at Indianapolis looms in Week 4. Cutler was unavailable after the game as he was treated for what the team called a minor ankle injury.
Analysis: Continue to monitor Cutler's status and hope he can return for the Week 4 against the Colts. He is a low-end No. 1 QB option, and his absence would hurt many Fantasy owners this week.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler completed 16-of-23 passes in Week 3 vs. Jacksonville, including a 1-yard TD pass to Nate Jackson. He also threw an interception.
Analysis: Cutler has thrown for at least 200 yards and a touchdown in each game this season, but he also has at least an interception in each game. Consider that nugget in leagues that penalize interceptions. He's a solid young quarterback, though, worth using as a No. 2 QB for Week 4 at Indianapolis.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler has passed for a combined 573 yards against Buffalo and Oakland, but he has just two touchdowns and three interceptions. In Week 3 he now faces the No. 2 pass defense of the Jaguars, who have yet to allow a passing touchdown with nine sacks.
Analysis: Cutler has certainly posted a decent amount of passing yards in two weeks, but throwing more interceptions than touchdowns is a concern. Treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy QB for Week 3.
News: Jay Cutler completed 23-for-33 passes for 269 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in Week 2 against the Raiders.
Analysis: Cutler could not carry over his momentum for his 300-yard performance at Buffalo in Week 1. He remains a decent No. 2 Fantasy option heading into Week 3 against the Jaguars.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler completed 23-of-39 passes for 304 yards during a Week 1 win at Buffalo. Cutler threw an interception, but hooked up with Brandon Marshall in the third quarter for a 5-yard touchdown. Cutler ran the ball four times for 18 yards.
Analysis: Cutler did a nice job running the offense in between the 20s, but struggled every time the team got near the red zone. He should improve on that as his career progresses. He showed a lot of moxie at times Sunday and might develop into a solid No. 1 Fantasy QB by season's end. However, view him as a No. 2 Fantasy option for Week 2 against the Raiders, who had the best pass defense in the NFL in 2006.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler looks to build off his rookie year when he started the final five games in place of the since-departed Jake Plummer. Cutler was 81-for-137 for 1,001 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions, but the Broncos went 2-3 with him as the starter. "We're working things out," said Cutler, who became the first rookie to throw two or more touchdowns in each of his first four games. "I feel comfortable with the guys."
Analysis: Cutler will go up against a Bills pass defense that ranked seventh in the NFL last season but lost CB Nate Clements to the 49ers via free agency. Do not expect the Bills D to be formidable, nor the Buffalo weather to play tricks on Cutler's passes. Treat him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB for Week 1.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler was 17-for-31 (54.8 percent) passing in the preseason. He threw for 197 yards and a touchdown. He did not throw an interception.
Analysis: Cutler heads into the season as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB, worth a pick between Rounds 7 and 10. He has plenty of potential and should build on last year's five-game debut, especially with a receiver the magnitude of Javon Walker at his disposal.
News: The Broncos trailed the Browns 10-3 with 1:55 left to go in the first half during Saturday's preaseason game. That was enough time for the Broncos to tie it thanks to Jay Cutler's best drive of the summer. He hit Brandon Marshall for gains of 9 and 22 yards, then found tight end Daniel Graham for 11. After a 6-yard scramble, defensive lineman Shaun Smith's personal foul put the Broncos on the 17. After Cecil Sapp ran twice for 15 yards, Cutler rolled right and hit Kyle Johnson with a 2-yard touchdown pass. Cutler finished the game 9-of-16 for 115 yards.
Analysis: Cutler heads into the season as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB, worth a pick between Rounds 7 and 10. He has plenty of potential and should build on last year's five-game debut, especially with a receiver the magnitude of Javon Walker at his disposal.
News: Dallas flustered Denver quarterback Jay Cutler into going 7-of-13 for only 58 yards in their preseason matchup. He failed to convert all five third-down chances, leaving the Broncos to settle for two short field goals after drives that started in Cowboys territory following turnovers. Even Cutler's longest completion, a 21-yarder, was a fluke. Rookie linebacker Anthony Spencer, a defensive end in college, tipped it up and right to tight end Daniel Graham instead of swatting it down. "We just have to learn from this experience and get back to work," Cutler said. "We're going to look at some of the pressure they brought us and see where we can beat it, and see what we can do protection-wise to stop them."
Analysis: Cutler was also credited for a fumble thanks to a botched handoff. The Cowboys defense was excellent while the Broncos looked totally unprepared. Cutler heads into the season as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB, worth a pick between Rounds 7 and 10. He has plenty of potential and should build on last year's five-game debut, especially with a receiver the magnitude of Javon Walker at his disposal. Don't sweat this awful outing.
News: Jay Cutler led a 67-yard scoring drive while playing just two series in Monday's preseason game in San Francisco for the Broncos. "We got out there and made plays, and on the first drive we put one in there," Cutler said. "I had short work, and I'll have to build on it for next week against Dallas and then get better and better." He completed just one of his two passes for 24 yards.
Analysis: The game was a battle between two of the up and coming quarterbacks in the league, as Alex Smith was also sharp in limited duty. Cutler heads into the season as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB. He has plenty of potential and should build on last year's five-game debut, especially with a receiver the magnitude of Javon Walker at his disposal.
News: There was a different vibe with Jay Cutler, last year's top draft pick, running the offense Wednesday as the Broncos started practice. He took over the starting QB duties for the final five games last season from Jake Plummer, who announced his retirement rather than report to Tampa Bay following a trade over the winter. "It was good to get away from the conditioning and lifting and I get to play a little football," he said. "I thought the day went really well. Mentally, I feel a lot more comfortable. I have a good feel for what is going on. I think I'm able to help (new backup quarterback) Patrick Ramsey a little bit. That's a little bit of a different change. I'm usually the one at the other end. It feels good. It feels good to be back."
Analysis: Cutler heads into the season as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB. He has plenty of potential and should build on last year's five-game debut.
News: Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler left the Broncos' Week 17 game with the 49ers after taking a hit from Anthony Adams early in the second quarter. He was replaced by Jake Plummer, but was able to return in the second half. He finished with 230 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
Analysis: The rookie QB has gained the starting job in Denver and will be a nice pick in the middle rounds in 2007 drafts as a No. 2 Fantasy QB with great upside.
News: Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler left the Broncos' game with the 49ers after taking a hit from Anthony Adams early in the second quarter on Sunday. He was replaced by Jake Plummer.
Analysis: Cutler was dropping back to pass when Adams hit him from the front and then fell on top of him, causing Cutler to fumble. However, the 49ers were called for illegal contact downfield on the play and Denver kept the football. The rookie QB has gained the starting job in Denver and will be a nice pick in the middle rounds in 2007 drafts.
News: Jay Cutler completed 12-of-23 for 179 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in Week 16 against Cincinnati.
Analysis: Cutler did a good job in the first half passing the Broncos to a lead and then the running game took over in the second half. Cutler is the first QB in NFL history to toss two or more touchdowns in each of his first four starts. That's impressive.
News: Broncos rookie QB Jay Cutler is only the third rookie -- and first since Dan Marino in 1983 -- to throw multiple touchdowns in his first three starts. Cutler lost his first two starts, but things started to click in the second half against San Diego. Since then, he's been brilliant. In his first six quarters after earning the job, he threw two picks, two touchdowns and completed only 44 percent of his passes. In the next six quarters -- starting with the second half against the Chargers -- he's thrown four touchdown passes, one interception and completed 64 percent. Cutler attributed the turnaround to nothing more than being patient. He watched film of himself against Arizona and saw that he wasn't trying to force plays. "I was taking what they were giving me," he said. "We got that momentum going and we never really let up, so it was good just to see that."
Analysis: Cutler will face a Bengals defense that is dead last against the pass. True, WR Javon Walker may not play in the game, but if he does, consider Cutler a top-end No. 2 Fantasy QB and a decent sleeper to start in deeper leagues. Look for him to be a middle-round pick in 2007 drafts, armed with plenty of potential.
News: Denver QB Jay Cutler was 21-of-31 passing for 261 yards with two touchdowns and an interception against Arizona. Cutler also had three carries for 10 yards.
Analysis: Consider Cutler a No. 2 QB option for Week 16 against Cincinnati, but he could be a decent sleeper against a bad pass defense if you need QB help.
News: Broncos QB Jay Cutler was 17-of-30 passing for 188 yards and two TDs at San Diego in Week 14. He also fumbled three times, losing the ball once (Tatum Bell saved his rear two other times). Cutler was awful in the first half but started to show off his arm in the second half before San Diego pulled away.
Analysis: Cutler is still unstartable as a No. 1 QB in Fantasy play, though he does have a nice enough matchup at Arizona in Week 15 to be used as a No. 2 QB.
News: Jay Cutler, in his first-career NFL start, completed 10-of-21 passes for 143 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in Week 13 against the Seahawks. His second touchdown was a 71-yard touchdown to fellow rookie Brandon Marshall, who took a short dump-off pass and broke several tackles to go all the way with just over two minutes remaining in regulation.
Analysis: Cutler struggled for most of the night and had one of his interceptions returned for a touchdown by LB Darryl Tapp. He is the man in Denver and is a low-end No. 2 Fantasy quarterback for Week 14 at San Diego.
News: Broncos WR Rod Smith has seen rookie QB Jay Cutler in practice and is comfortable with him being Denver's starter. "He's ready," Smith said of Cutler. "He has a calmness about him that I haven't seen in a while from a young guy playing that position in this system. I think it bodes well for his skills."
Analysis: Cutler shouldn't start in any Fantasy leagues but he is worth owning in all leagues since he does have the potential to throw for 200-plus yards and a TD or two on a weekly basis. The kid does have a strong arm, a good head on his shoulders and can throw on the run. As for Smith, consider him a No. 4 Fantasy WR at best for the game vs. Seattle.
News: Broncos coach Mike Shanahan named Jay Cutler the team's starting quarterback for Week 13 vs. Seattle, replacing Jake Plummer. "I liked the way he's practiced, I like the way he's handled himself, and I think he gives us the best chance to win," Shanahan said.
Analysis: Cutler is a strong-armed QB who has been compared to Brett Favre as far as arm strength and willingness to throw a tough pass. The Broncos may want Cutler to simply manage the offense and not throw the ball everywhere. Fantasy owners are encouraged to spend a roster spot on Cutler in the event that he turns in consistent performances.
News: The Denver Post confirmed through a team source that Broncos coach Mike Shanahan will make Jay Cutler the team's starting QB vs. Seattle in Week 13, benching Jake Plummer. Cutler will have 10 days from the team's Week 12 loss at Kansas City to prepare for the game. Shanahan has yet to make an official statement.
Analysis: Cutler is a strong-armed QB who has been compared to Brett Favre as far as arm strength and willingness to throw a tough pass. The Broncos may want Cutler to simply manage the offense and not throw the ball everywhere. Fantasy owners are encouraged to spend a roster spot on Cutler in the event that he turns in consistent performances.
News: Broncos QB Jake Plummer dropped to 0-6 in six starts in Kansas City on Thanksgiving in Week 12 and had his second pass intercepted when tight end Stephen Alexander tipped the ball into the hands of cornerback Ty Law, leading to KC's first field goal. He was 25 for 39 for 216 yards with that interception, and no doubt speculation will pick up steam over whether rookie Jay Cutler is about to be promoted. "We'll see what happens there," safety John Lynch said. "That is the other side of the ball. We've got to look at our side." Plummer threw another interception in the second half but it was nullified by a penalty and didn't end up in the stat books.
Analysis: It was reported earlier in the week that Cutler was expected to start vs. Seattle in Week 13. Don't cut Plummer just yet, but be prepared to if he loses the starting job to Cutler. If you can, add Cutler off waivers now.
News: NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports that while Jake Plummer will start at Kansas City in Week 12, rookie QB Jay Cutler is "very likely" to start when the Broncos host the Seahawks in Week 13. No confirmation of this has been made from coach Mike Shanahan or the Broncos staff.
Analysis: Plummer has had a disappointing season, the likes of which haven't endeared him to Fantasy owners. Cutler showed off a nice arm during the preseason and has drawn comparisons to Brett Favre. Obviously, if Plummer hammers the Chiefs, he could keep the job, but Fantasy owners should take a flier on Cutler if they can since he'd be a potential Fantasy postseason savior if he gets under center and connects right away with Javon Walker and Rod Smith. If you own Plummer, keep him benched and be prepared to cut him if he loses the starting gig.
News: Broncos backup QB Jay Cutler did not play against the Chargers.
Analysis: Cutler only has value in keeper leagues at this point. Keep him reserved for Week 12 agaisnt Kansas City.
News: WR Brian Clark, TE/LS Mike Leach, WR Brandon Marshall and TE Chad Mustard all played in Week 10 at Oakland but they did not record offensive statistics.
Analysis: Backup QB Jay Cutler and WR Todd Devoe also dressed for the game, but they did not play. None of the players mentioned are worth using in Week 11 at Kansas City.
News: Broncos backup QB Jay Cutler, WR Brandon Marshall, WR Brian Clark, TE/LS Mike Leach and TE Chad Mustard did not record an offensive statistic in Week 8 vs. Indianapolis.
Analysis: None of these players should be considered in Fantasy leagues for Week 9 when the Broncos take on the Steelers on the road.
News: Broncos coach Mike Shanahan had a chance to quiet the escalating Jake Plummer-Jay Cutler debate Monday, but didn't exactly give Plummer a ringing endorsement going into Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. "It's not my job to share with you if I want to make a change at any position," Shanahan said. "When we do make a decision, we'll make the decision in the best interest of our organization. I will tell you this -- Jake Plummer will be our quarterback against Indy." Plummer's recent woes has led to speculation that Cutler could play. Plummer has thrown seven interceptions -- the same number he had all last season -- and just four touchdown passes. What's more, the offense is averaging 13.2 points a game, which is second-to-last in the NFL, and the team lost starting left tackle Matt Lepsis to a torn ACL.
Analysis: Plummer will be impacted by the loss of Lepsis and could feel some serious pressure from inside the organization to perform ... or else. Plummer is at best a No. 2 Fantasy QB at this point. Cutler, on the other hand, might be worth adding as a flier in case he does play sooner than later.
News: TE Stephen Alexander, TE Nate Jackson, WR David Kircus, LS/TE Mike Leach, WR Quincy Morgan, TE Chad Mustard, FB Cecil Sapp and TE Tony Scheffler dressed for Week 7 at Cleveland, but they did not record any offensive statistics.
Analysis: Backup quarterback Jay Cutler dressed, but he did not play. The Broncos play in Week 8 against the Colts, but neither of these guys are recommended Fantasy options.
News: According to ESPN, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan could replace QB Jake Plummer with highly-touted rookie QB Jay Cutler, if Plummer continues to struggle offensively. The Broncos play the Browns in Week 7, but will have two tough challenges ahead in the Colts and Steelers in consecutive weeks. It was reported that Shanahan will evaluate Plummer during the upcoming games and make a decision on whether to replace Plummer with Cutler.
Analysis: Plummer hasn't be a strong Fantasy option in 2006. He has struggled mightily this year and fans have been clamoring for Cutler since Week 1. View Plummer more as a No. 2 Fantasy QB in the next couple of weeks and keep an eye on the QB situation in Denver. There is no need to drop Plummer or go pick up Cutler right now seeing how a change has yet to be made. It is purely speculation at this point. Cutler is only worth adding at this time in keeper leagues.
News: TE Stephen Alexander, FB Kyle Johnson, WR David Kircus, TE/LS Mike Leach, WR Brandon Marshall, WR Quincy Morgan, TE Chad Mustard and TE Tony Scheffler did not record offensive statistics in Week 6 against the Raiders.
Analysis: Backup QB Jay Cutler also dressed, but he did not play. None of the players mentioned are worth using in Week 7 at Cleveland despite the favorable matchup.
News: TE Stephen Alexander, RB Mike Bell, backup QB Jay Cutler (did not play), WR David Kircus, LS/TE Mike Leach, WR Brandon Marshall, WR Quincy Morgan and TE Chad Mustard did not record any offensive statistics in Week 5 against the Ravens.
Analysis: Out of the eight players, only Mike Bell has had any Fantasy value this season. Even he is not worth using in Week 6 against the Raiders unless he can return to a more prominent role in the offense.
News: After a strong game from Jake Plummer in a Week 3 win in New England, rookie reserve Jay Cutler appears to destined to hold a clipboard for the time being.
Analysis: Just keep in mind, every backup quarterback is one injury from stepping in, and from all accounts, Cutler is the real deal.
News: It only took two weeks for Denver coach Mike Shanahan to start fielding questions about benching Jake Plummer for rookie first-round pick Jay Cutler. Plummer has four interceptions and no touchdowns in Denver's first two games, but Shanahan said he has no plans on making a change at quarterback. "It's great for talk radio and it's great for TV, but Jake has won a lot of games," Shanahan said. "Just because we started out a little slow, just like we did last year, doesn't mean it's the end of the world."
Analysis: While Plummer hasn't exactly been the greatest QB in the world, the Broncos are still 1-1 and no need to go with Cutler at this point. Keep Cutler reserved in Week 3 vs. New England as Plummer will get the start.
News: Rookie QB Jay Cutler was able to dress for Week 2 against the Chiefs but he did not get into the game.
Analysis: Fans might be clamoring for the rookie to see playing time in Week 3 at New England, but he is not worth using in any Fantasy league.
News: The following players did not record an offensive statistic in the Broncos' Week 1 loss at St. Louis: Todd Devoe, FB Kyle Johnson, TE/LS Mike Leach, TE Chad Mustard, WR David Kircus, TE Nate Jackson, RB Cecil Sapp and emergency QB Jay Cutler.
Analysis: Sapp and Cutler did not play at all in the game. None of these players should be owned in any Fantasy formats. Don't consider them for Week 2 vs. Kansas City.
News: Denver rookie QB Jay Cutler is expected to start the team's preseason finale at Arizona. Cutler has completed 63 percent of his passes (27-of-43) for 360 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions. With the starters playing little, if at all, Cutler knows the action he sees will be his last for a while, as long as Plummer is healthy and effective. "Hopefully we win a lot of games this year, Jake stays healthy and we go deep into the playoffs," he said. "I get to sit there and soak it all up and learn from it. You never know what's going to happen. I'm one play from getting in there, so I'm always going to be prepared."
Analysis: The Broncos don't want to use Cutler during the regular season, but Cutler's play in the preseason gives them comfort if Jake Plummer misses any time. Cutler is a definite project, but he's a gritty player with a nice arm. He could be a more reliable version of Jake Plummer once he gets into the flow of the Broncos' offense and the speed of the NFL game. Do not draft him in seasonal leagues, but in rookie-only drafts for dynasty league play, consider taking him with a second- or third-round choice.
News: Broncos rookie quarterback Jay Cutler's second game wasn't as good as his first, but he still made many plays. Cutler completed six of 12 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown to rookie tight end Tony Scheffler vs. Tennessee. "I missed some throws," Cutler said. "I'm sure there's some little things I missed."
Analysis: The Broncos don't want to use Cutler during the regular season, but Cutler's play in the preseason gives them a comfort level if Jake Plummer misses any time. Cutler is a definite project, but he's a gritty player with a nice arm. He could be a more reliable version of Jake Plummer once he gets into the flow of the Broncos' offense and the level of NFL talent. Do not draft him in seasonal leagues, but in rookie-only drafts for dynasty league play, consider taking him with a second- or third-round choice.
News: Rookie Jay Cutler out of Vanderbilt was 16-of-22 for 192 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason game at Detroit.
Analysis: Cutler is a definite project, but he's a gritty player with a nice arm. He could be a more reliable version of Jake Plummer once he gets into the flow of the Broncos' offense and the level of NFL talent. Do not draft him in seasonal leagues, but in rookie-only drafts for dynasty league play, consider taking him with a second- or third-round choice.
News: The Broncos named rookie QB Jay Cutler their backup behind Jake Plummer, despite the fact that Cutler has yet to play in an NFL game, preseason or otherwise. Cutler was the team's first-round pick in April. "I think I've done some good things and picked it up pretty quick," Cutler said. "I still have a lot to learn." Bradlee Van Pelt was the backup before he got demoted to third string.
Analysis: Cutler is a definite project, but he's a gritty player with a nice arm. He could be a more reliable version of Jake Plummer once he gets into the flow of the Broncos' offense and the level of NFL talent. Do not draft him in seasonal leagues, but in rookie-only drafts for dynasty league play, consider taking him with a second- or third-round choice.
News: The Denver Broncos reported to training camp Thursday with rookie Jay Cutler agreeing to a last-hour deal. Cutler, the 11th pick in the NFL draft, agreed to a package worth up to $48 million over six years, agent Bus Cook said. The deal was expected to be signed in time for the Broncos' first workout Friday.
Analysis: Cutler has little chance to start as a rookie with Jake Plummer ahead of him on the depth chart, but he has immense long-term potential. He warrants consideration in all keeper-league drafts.
News: Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan liked what he say from rookie QB Jay Cutler on his first day of minicamp, says the Denver Post. "He's very talented," he said. "There's a learning curve at the quarterback position, but we'll let the process take care of itself with him."
Analysis: Cutler has little chance to start as a rookie with Jake Plummer ahead of him on the depth chart, but he has immense long-term potential. He warrants consideration in all keeper-league drafts.
News: DenverBroncos.com reports Jay Cutler has impressed his teammates. "He's got a rocket. He throws the ball hard," CB Darrent Williams said. "Once he learns the offense, he's going to be a good player too."
Analysis: Cutler has little chance to start as a rookie with Jake Plummer ahead of him on the depth chart, but he has immense long-term potential. He warrants consideration in all keeper-league drafts.
News: The Broncos traded up with the Rams in the 2006 NFL Draft, selecting Vanderbilt QB Jay Cutler with the 11th overall pick.
Analysis: This was perfect for Cutler, who can now spend one or two seasons behind Jake Plummer before becoming the starter in Denver. Cutler was considered the "project" quarterback of the top three in the draft, and he will certainly be able to develop under the tutelage of Mike Shanahan in Denver. Fantasy owners should ignore Cutler in 2006 unless Plummer gets hurt, but in keeper leagues he's a good option later on in drafts if you're willing to wait a year or two to get something out of him.
News: The Arizona Republic believes the Cardinals will draft a quarterback with the No. 10 overall pick in the draft. Matt Leinart and Vince Young aren't expected to be available, but Jay Cutler should be on the board.
Analysis: The Cardinals could look for someone to groom behind veteran starter Kurt Warner, and Cutler makes a lot of sense. Head coach Dennis Green could also go after an offensive lineman are defensive assistance as well.
News: The Nashville City Paper reports Vanderbilt QB Jay Cutler will meet with the Detroit Lions this week.
Analysis: Several teams including the Lions, N.Y. Jets, Arizona, Baltimore and St. Louis all have interest in Cutler as a potential first-round selection.
News: The New York Daily News believes Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler is ranked ahead of Matt Leinart and Vince Young on the Jets' quarterback rankings.
Analysis: The Jets have been rumored to want Leinart, Young, Cutler, Virginia OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson and North Carolina State DE Mario Williams.
News: Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler and Memphis running back DeAngelo Williams visited the Minnesota Vikings on April 11 in preparation for the NFL Draft.
Analysis: Cutler would be a nice addition for a Minnesota team that has an older quarterback in Brad Johnson atop the depth chart. Cutler could land in Tennessee, New York (Jets) or Oakland as well.
