Fantasy Fallout: Bearish on the Bears with Hoyer out

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Here are the fantasy implications following the news that Chicago QB Brian Hoyer has suffered a broken arm.

Surprisingly, Hoyer finished with between 18 - 24 fantasy points for three outings between Weeks 3 - 5, providing legitimate value in both one and two QB leagues. But with his injury, the days of streaming Hoyer are finished. Third-string QB Matt Barkley, who replaced Hoyer during the Green Bay game, is not worth an add in any fantasy format.

Alshon Jeffery's in real trouble

Jeffery had already been suffering from mediocre QB play, posting 487 yards and zero touchdowns through six games. He's eclipsed the 100-yard mark just once this season and that came back in Week 1. The lack of touchdowns has been especially detrimental to Jeffery's value, which is only going to fall further with Hoyer out and Jay Cutler's status still in question.

With a Week 8 matchup against Minnesota and a Week 9 bye to follow, Jeffrey's value could hit bottom in just two weeks. Jeffrey-owners have two options at this point: sell low and take what you can get or hold all the way through the season in hopes for a Cutler-inspired turnaround. Neither option is appealing, but it's one or the other at this point.

When is Jay Cutler coming back?

Cutler may be quietly grinning with Hoyer likely out of action for a few weeks. After Hoyer's solid run of play, it seemed plausible that the former Texan could hold the starting the job until season's end. But now, Cutler will be back at the helm when healthy.

Unfortunately, Cutler is dealing with injuries of his own. A thumb injury he sustained back in Week 2 has still prohibited him from even practicing. While his status should be monitored throughout the upcoming week, he isn't worth starting against Minnesota should he take the field. As a result, Cutler remains off the fantasy radar for at least another two weeks.

Waiver Wire Targets

If you're in need of a quarterback to replace Hoyer, you've truly done something wrong. Either way, here's a list of (somewhat) viable options that are owned in less than 25 percent of leagues:

Colin Kaepernick, 49ers

• Kaepernick could surprise many with his fantasy production this year. In his first start since November of last year, he registered 18 fantasy points on the road against a stingy Bills defense. His speed and arm strength makes him a great fit in Chip Kelly's up-tempo, zone-read scheme. A week 7 matchup against Tampa Bay is enticing, but the 49ers have a bye the following week.

Brock Osweiler, Texans

• Plagued by accuracy issues, Osweiler has been up and down in his first full season as a starting QB. He shouldn't be even considered this week on the road against his former team, the Broncos. However, a Week 8 matchup at home against Detroit, who allows the most fantasy points to QBs, makes him a viable streaming option if you're desperate.