Bears and 49ers tonight for those of you unaware. Get those fantasy lineups set if need be!

Good to have real football back on Thursday nights. This is the first Thursday night game since the opening week of the season and has some pretty interesting storylines.

First of all, can the Bears get back on track? Sure Jay Cutler threw three touchdowns last week but most of that came well after the game was out of hand. Chicago needs to find some defense early in tonight’s game to give Cutler and that offense a chance.

Oh Matt Forte, where hast thou gone? Fantasy owners continue to question your supposed first-round talent and rightfully so. Perhaps he gets a chance to score tonight if the Bears defense can keep the game competitive.

The 49ers also are a team on the decline lately, despite playing well in a few close losses. San Fran nearly knocked Indianapolis from the ranks of the unbeaten two weeks ago behind a strong start from Alex Smith.

And speaking of Smith, he, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree form a young, promising triumvirate of future fantasy goodness — not to mention Frank Gore and the rookie Glen Coffee. This offense could become a hotbed of fantasy football talent for years to come if Smith can keep it together.

Start ‘em

Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers
With Owen Daniels out for the season, Davis has become the No. 1 fantasy tight end in standard formats. Seriously, who isn’t starting this guy?

Matt Forte, RB, Bears
I know he has underperformed but you cannot argue against the volume of touches he receives. He continues to be the only legitimate option in that backfield.

Alex Smith, QB, 49ers
Typically, the 49ers’ passing game is not one on which to be bullish. But the Bears give it up through the air. Jay Cutler is a great start, as well, but you already knew that.

Sit ‘em

Bears DST
In case you were wondering, the Bears defense is no longer an elite unit and should not be used for fantasy purposes.

Here are today’s great reads:

• After losing for the second consecutive week, perhaps the Broncos are who we thought they were at the beginning of the season. [The Big Lead]
• Week 10 positional rankings for fantasy owners, including the 49ers’ tight end mentioned above as this week’s best option at the position. [Roto Arcade]
• Another look back at week 9 target information for those needing a little extra receiver research. [Pancake Blocks]
• Matchups fantasy owners will be drooling over in the coming weeks. Those planning on playing in the fantasy playoffs this year should have a look. [The Fantasy Football Geek Blog]
• And if that is not enough for playoff-hopeful fantasy owners, more fantasy football playoff prep is available. [Bruno Boys]
• For those of you interested in an Aaron Rodgers interactive sack tracker. Man, that dude gets hit a lot. [Deadspin]

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