Chicago Bears' general manager Ryan Poles has faced significant criticism due to his inability to improve the team's performance in his three-year tenure, with a dismal 29.4% winning percentage and last-place finishes in the NFC North.

This article outlines the ten most egregious decisions made by Poles, highlighting key moves that have led to the Bears’ current state of despair. Drafting Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze showed promise but raises questions about alternative choices that could have been made. Overpaying Montez Sweat and trading away Khalil Mack are among other decisions that have sparked scrutiny.

The fantasy football landscape is shifting as teams head into Week 17, prompting players to reassess their rosters for potential waiver wire pickups. The Carolina Panthers have been hit hard by injuries, particularly in their backfield. With Chuba Hubbard placed on injured reserve due to calf and knee issues, Mike Boone is expected to see an increase in playing time. Boone, who has struggled this season with minimal production, is now set to share backfield duties with Raheem Blackshear and Velus Jones Jr. However, fantasy managers are advised to proceed with caution, especially against a tough Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that has limited running backs significantly in recent games.

Meanwhile, Brandin Cooks of the Dallas Cowboys has struggled to find his form this season, ranking as the WR101 with an average of just 5.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Despite his past success, Cooks has become a less reliable option for fantasy owners. On the other hand, Arizona Cardinals rookie Trey Benson has been a high-rostered handcuff but has seen limited action due to James Conner's health. Kimani Vidal of the Los Angeles Chargers has also faced challenges, averaging only 3.5 half-point PPR points per game, while Kendre Miller of the New Orleans Saints has battled injuries, managing to play in just five games this season.

The Carolina Panthers are set to navigate the remainder of the 2024 NFL season without their standout running back, Chuba Hubbard, who is anticipated to be placed on injured reserve due to calf and knee injuries. Reports from ESPN indicate that Hubbard did not participate in practice on Wednesday, though he managed limited participation on both Thursday and Friday. His questionable status for the upcoming matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers represents a significant blow to both the Panthers' offensive strategy and the fantasy teams relying on his performance in championship games.

Currently, Hubbard ranks sixth in the league with an impressive 1,195 rushing yards and has scored 10 rushing touchdowns this season. This achievement marks him as the first player for the Panthers to reach double-digit rushing touchdowns in a single season since Christian McCaffrey accomplished the feat in 2019. In recognition of his standout performance this season, Carolina extended Hubbard's contract with a lucrative four-year deal worth $33.2 million.

Hubbard's injury adds to the Panthers' woes, as he becomes the third running back to be placed on injured reserve, joining Miles Sanders, who is dealing with an ankle injury, and rookie Jonathon Brooks, who suffered an ACL tear. The team's running back depth is now severely tested, with only Raheem Blackshear and Velus Jones Jr. remaining on the active roster, while Emani Bailey and Mike Boone are available on the practice squad.

The Carolina Panthers are out of playoff contention but are focusing on evaluating their roster as the season winds down. With the opportunity to play spoiler, they are encouraged to utilize Velus Jones Jr., a versatile player recently signed from the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad.

Injuries have left the Panthers thin at running back and wide receiver, presenting a chance for Jones Jr. to showcase his skills. NFL scout Matt Holder suggests that the team should maximize his playing time to assess his potential under a creative offensive play-caller.

Evan Engram, the tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars, is set to play against the Chicago Bears after recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for four games.

Meanwhile, the Bears will be without cornerback Tyrique Stevenson due to a calf injury, along with several other players including safety Jaquan Brisker and wide receiver Velus Jones Jr.