Jonathon Brooks Week 1 Outlook - Bears at Panthers

By Derek Brown (FantasyPros), Sun, Sep 13th 2026, 12:44pm EDT

Jonathon Brooks is a nice flex with upside in Week 1. He should at least split the work with Chuba Hubbard to open the season, with the upside to be the clear lead runner from the jump. Just to remind everyone about the talent that Brooks has, in 2024 (his final collegiate season), he ranked 21st in yards after contact per attempt, ninth in elusive rating, and 21st in yards per route run (per PFF). The Bears' run defense struggled to close last season, and they didn't make any massive additions this offseason to give any hope that they'll be improved this year. Last season, in Weeks 12-18, Chicago allowed the highest rushing success rate, the sixth-most yards before contact per attempt, and the 11th-highest EPA per rush.