Aug 13, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert (24) carries the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs at Soldier Field. Chicago defeated Kansas City 19-14. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears
It’s week four of the 2022 NFL season, and you may be scrambling for a last ditch effort at flex depending on your fantasy roster. Multiple high-profile running backs are either under-performing or are hurt.
If you are on this boat, you should pay attention to the Chicago Bears running back room with David Montgomery (ankle/knee) ruled out for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants. This opens the door for second-year running back, Khalil Herbert, to step in and shine under the Chicago Bears’ run-heavy offensive scheme. Last year when Montgomery was placed on the IR after week four against the Detroit Lions, the rookie out of Virginia Tech took over for four weeks.
Herbert recorded at least 72 rushing yards in each game and had some added moments on the receiving side as well, catching nine of his ten targets. The only flaw last year was that he only scored one touchdown in that span, but this year, he appears to have made a statement on his progression. Last week against the Texans, Herbert was on a mission, rushing for 157 yards and two touchdowns. Head coach Matt Eberflus gave Herbert 22 touches last week after Montgomery went down, showing his belief in the second year backs’ potential.
The Bears have attempted only 45 passes this year, which is their fewest through three games since 1982. It’s safe to say that the ground game is Chicago’s bread-and-butter, and with the Giants’ defense ranking 24th in total rushing yards allowed, Herbert has a chance to sprout.
