Sept. 14 Chicago sports history reads like a compact fantasy briefing. The Cubs’ 1902 double-play trio of Joe Tinker, Johnny Evers and Frank Chance set an early defense benchmark, a reminder that elite infield coordination can anchor pitching and bullpen plans in historical contexts.

In modern value terms, Walter Payton’s 1986 milestones (100th rushing TD and 15,000 yards) highlight peak workload cues for fantasy backs, while the 1994 MLB strike reshaped playoff windows and player timing. Carlton Fisk’s No. 72 retirement with the White Sox adds a dynasty-era touchstone for keeper decisions and legacy influence.

Steelers must clamp Seattle’s two-headed backfield, dial up pressure on Sam Darnold, and win third downs to keep drives off the field. After a rough showing vs Jets, Pittsburgh leans on T. J. Watt to spark the pass rush, while stout run defense and timely stops shape fantasy upside—Watt’s sack ceiling and Seahawks’ balanced attack.

From a fantasy lens, Watt becomes the primary catalyst if the Steelers can collapse the pocket. Seahawks RBs Charbonnet and Walker III are workload bets in a game-script that could tilt on efficiency in short-yardage and third-down scenarios. Monitor game flow and substitution patterns for optimal lineups.

Ben Johnson left Detroit for Chicago to become the Bears’ head coach on a five-year, $65 million deal after guiding the Lions to a league-best offense in 2024. Johnson cited proximity to Chicago, a rebuildable roster, and developing Caleb Williams as a top priority. Williams, the No. 1 pick in 2024, enters year two with lofty expectations as Johnson aims to mold him into a franchise quarterback. Johnson, 39, jumps from coordinator to head coach in a rare ascent.

Week 2 centers on a noon Sunday clash as Dallas hosts New York, a game that could define early-season fantasy values. After Week 1’s rust and a Thursday win by Green Bay, the Cowboys face a Giants squad led by Russell Wilson, with roster moves and injuries shaping who steps up. Watch the injury reports and how Dallas’ young pass rush and Giants’ pass protection fare in a potential fantasy swing game.

Fantasy managers should monitor Bland’s status and Giants’ offensive-line readiness, plus Cam Skattebo’s workload for New York. Eberflus’ comments about slowing explosive passes add a tactical layer to the game, hinting at snap distribution shifts and scoring opportunities in a Dallas home tilt.