The Bears and Dolphins opened the preseason with plenty of drama, but the standout was Austin Booker, who surged into the conversation for bigger defensive-line reps. He totaled six tackles, four QB hits, three sacks (including a strip-sack) and three TFLs, thwarting Miami’s edge pressure and highlighting the Bears’ trench development under Dennis Allen. Chicago’s young front showed the kind of disruptive ceiling that fantasy players in IDP leagues will want to monitor as camp progresses.

The rest of the Good/Bad/Ugly snapshot pointed to a few clear narratives. The Good belongs to Booker, but the Bad belongs to run defense: Miami piled up 101 rushing yards on 26 attempts, with De’Von Achane flashing 7.3 yards per carry across three tries and three rushing TDs from the ground game. Chicago’s six sacks were impressive, yet the Dolphins’ ability to lean on the run remains a concern for the Bears’ early-season plan.

On the Ugly side, Ben Johnson’s Lions-like aggressiveness showed up in fourth-down calls—four tries with only one convert—underscoring how early-season play-calling decisions can influence momentum and roster decisions. The Bears must balance aggression with situational execution to protect lead and rhythm as the regular season nears. Case Keenum took the reins for two Bears TD drives as most starters rested, signaling potential QB depth-chart intrigue behind Fields and hints at a roster path that could matter for fantasy value, especially for Chicago pass-catchers. Overall, the opener delivered flashes for a defense on the rise, a run defense needing quick adjustment, and early coaching philosophy that could shape how Chicago’s fantasy assets are valued in the weeks ahead.