The Chicago Bears and New England Patriots wrapped up week seven on Monday Night Football. For those who started Mac Jones in fantasy, spoiler alert: he was bad.

It was a weird situation. Jones was mediocre, but it was his first game back from injury. Bailey Zappe played well in his absence, going 2-0 during the past couple of weeks as the starting quarterback. We are not one to question Bill Belichick and his decision-making. But, inserting Zappe early in the second quarter to replace Jones was not a good idea.

The two men combined for 190 passing yards, which was not enough as the Chicago Bears blew the Patriots out of the water 33-14.

Justin Fields made his presence felt in both the run and passing game, and kicker Cairo Santos hit four field goals in the win.

Let’s dive into the fantasy stars and disappointments from Monday night.

Stud Of The Game: Justin Fields (Because It’s Justin Fields)

The Chicago Bears found their franchise quarterback. Yes, I said it. Give this man better protection and he will become a star.

Fields was 13/21 for 179 yards through the air but threw a touchdown to Khalil Herbert to save his passing numbers. His legs propelled his fantasy points past the 20s, as he also ran for 82 yards and a score as well.

Justin Fields is the fantasy QB4 over the last three weeks. pic.twitter.com/zmhl6IuSUb

— Christian Williams (@CWilliamsNFL) October 25, 2022

Believe it or not, Fields is looking like a serviceable QB1 in fantasy. He has scored at least 17 fantasy PPR points in three straight games, including 23.36 last night against New England. His rushing numbers are helping tremendously, finishing with 80+ yards for a second straight game.

In comparison, Fields’s 96.32 fantasy points is more than Jared Goff, Russell Wilson, and Derek Carr to name a few. Oh, and he’s less than a point away from surpassing Aaron Rodgers. Impressive to say the least.

In a year where guys like Rodgers and Tom Brady are struggling to put up consistent big numbers for their fantasy teams, dual-threat guys like Fields are picking up the slack. For those who picked him up off the waiver wire, good for you. Others like me who did not? Big mistake.

I have the utmost belief that the Bears’ quarterback will continue to improve and pick up steam as he attempts to sneak into the top 10 fantasy quarterback conversation. Monday’s performance shows how much potential this man has to be a weapon for years to come.

Other Studs: Rhamondre Stevenson (23.8), Khalil Herbert (15.7)

Fantasy Disappointment Of The Day: Mac Jones

After a three-game absence, Jones made his return for the New England Patriots. Though he was announced as the starting quarterback, many wondered if Belichick should have ridden with the hot hand in Bailey Zappe and rested Jones for one more week.

Well, he did that… Sort of.

Projected to score 12.7 fantasy points, the former Alabama quarterback showed flashes of being his old self. In fact, he even ran 24 yards and got a few first downs with his legs. But, it was clear there was rust to shake off. He completed only three of his six passes before Belichick benched him for Zappe. One of those attempts was a key interception for the Bears.

Eyes in my rearview mirror, I’m on point , won’t go for NOTHING. ???? #TripleLz ???????? pic.twitter.com/N7ZvXh4RpY

— Quanny B. (@JaquanBrisker) October 25, 2022

What a play by Brisker, but that was the play that broke the camel’s back for the Patriots and Jones.

That’s the thing with New England. You just never know who’s dependable from a fantasy perspective. No one could have predicted Belichick would pull Jones for Zappe that early in the game. If fantasy owners were told Jones wouldn’t play at all, that would’ve been much better to hear compared to what happened last night.

0.92 fantasy points is nothing to appreciate or be happy about. Especially if it’s coming from your starting fantasy quarterback. We don’t know who will start for the Patriots next week at quarterback, but it’s clear Jones is a risky option to have starting.

But, I have good news for you. Belichick explained to the media that Jones would have entered back to the game if things didn’t get out of hand in favor of Chicago. Do with that information what you will.

Thank you for reading! If you want more player spotlight articles or fantasy football Studs and Duds, make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter! Check out my last article here. Thank you for your continuing support, and be on the lookout for more quality content! Also, check out my podcast here!