Week 6 at Baltimore Ravens
Tarik Cohen began the season hot and was the waiver wire commodity everyone wanted. But he's cooled down lately with fewer touches and fewer yards. The last two games have been his worst performances of the season, with a major dip last week. Cohen finished with just 13 rushing yards on six carries and -6 yards on just one catch. He was out-snapped by Jordan Howard, 34-17.
A few weeks ago, Cohen was looking like a potential RB1 in PPR formats. Now, it's hard to put him in your lineups. He gets a decent matchup this week against the Ravens, but he needs touches. Cohen is closer to being an RB4, which makes him a bench candidate in most leagues.
Week 5 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Tarik Cohen settled down a bit last week as he only finished with 48 total yards. His performance was considerably lower than the rest of his games this season. He's still involved in the offense, though, and 48 yards isn't a horrible floor.
If Cohen is going to get back to making big plays again, he may have to wait a week. He gets a tough matchup this week against the Vikings as Minnesota has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing backs this season. The Vikings have been pretty tough against receiving backs as well, allowing just 18 receptions for 110 yards to the position.
Cohen still carries value due to his big-play ability, but the poor matchup dings him this week. Cohen should be viewed as a flex option, or RB3 play this week.
Week 4 at Green Bay Packers
Jordan Howard was the star in the Bears' backfield last week, but Tarik Cohen still had a great game. He finished with 102 total yards and almost had a 73-yard touchdown, but it was called back because he stepped out of bounds.
While Howard remains the primary back in Chicago, it's clear Cohen still has a big role. With the passing game struggling, the Bears will lean on both of their backs plenty and they should each continue to be worthy in fantasy.
Cohen should be viewed as a strong RB2 play this week in both formats, but especially in PPR as he shines in the passing game. He gets a favorable matchup against the Packers on Thursday night, and you should start him with confidence.
Week 3 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Tarik Cohen is starting to surpass Jordan Howard as the primary option in this offense. Although, to be fair, Howard was injured last week. Still, Cohen is a better receiving back than Howard, and with the way the season is going, it looks like Cohen will be on the field more often.
Last week, Cohen saw 9 targets, catching 8 passes for 55 yards. He also ran 7 times for 13 yards. Not nearly as explosive as we saw in Week 1, but definitely a lot of usage. Cohen looks to be a strong option in PPR formats moving forward.
Howard has been limited in practice this week, which means we may see even more of Cohen this week. He gets a decent matchup against the Steelers and should be viewed as an RB2. He moves into RB1 territory if Howard can't play.
Week 2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last week I told you Tarik Cohen probably wouldn't get enough touches to be a factor. Boy, was I wrong. He ended up being the top waiver add in leagues this week after out-performing Jordan Howard. Cohen had 13 total touches (5 rush, 8 rec.) for 113 yards and a touchdown.
Cohen figures to be a great option as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, especially since the Bears lost another starting wide receiver. Cohen's 8 receptions (and 12 targets) are a strong sign he'll carry plenty of value in PPR formats.
This week he gets a decent matchup against the Buccaneers. He will be a strong RB2 in PPR leagues and more of a flex option in standard leagues.
Week 1 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Fourth-round rookie Tarik Cohen is listed as the No. 2 running back on the depth chart behind Jordan Howard. You can likely expect him to get some touches in this matchup, but only a handful. He probably won't do enough on the field to warrant fantasy consideration.
