QB Kyle Orton: Now Comfortable in the Saddle: A Viable Fantasy Option?
I know this may sound like heresy to some, but it looks like Kyle Orton is becoming a viable fantasy option at QB (at least until the harsh winter weather settles over Soldier Field later this year). He threw the ball with authority and decisiveness against a very tough Philadelphia squad, and though his second half effort wasn’t outstanding, on the day Orton posted 18/34 for 199 yards, 3 TDs and 2 interceptions. That effort was good enough for a #9 ranking among all fantasy QBs last week.
What’s more, Orton is making the likes of Brandon Lloyd, Rashied Davis and Marty Booker resemble a legitimate stable of WRs - and he has two great pass catching options at TE in Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark.
Did I mention that the much-maligned OL has averaged 4.1 yards-per-carry in the run-blocking phase of the game (16th in the NFL), with 10 sacks allowed through 4 games (that’s in the middle of the NFL range from 2-19)? Matt Forte provides a credible threat to run the ball (92/347/1 rushing through 4 games) and is a good receiver out of the backfield, with 18/147/1 to his credit in that department - Forte is the #9 fantasy RB in the land after 4 weeks. Opposing defenses can’t just blanket the receivers and dare the Bears to run the ball anymore, or Forte will make them pay.
What we have here is an offense on the rise, folks - Chicago has good balance and competent personnel across the board, with Orton growing into a true leader as we watch this year. In brief - Orton and company seem to be jelling, as the game vs. Philadelphia demonstrated this week.
If you’ve been hit hard by the Carson Palmer, Tarvaris Jackson or Marc Bulger situations during recent weeks, you just might want to consider Orton as a replacement during October/November - heck, he might even be worth a look in the month of December, if he keeps up the solid play. Grab him off the waiver wire if you still can.
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