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Windy City Gridiron fantasy football takes on Cole Kmet
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Windy City Gridiron about Cole Kmet.
55
Insights
32
Positive
7
Negative
Insight ledger
All Windy City Gridiron insights about Cole Kmet
NegativeInjuryOct 23, 2026
Cole Kmet suffered what appeared to be a serious, likely season-ending knee injury in Week 7; the source notes an ominous feeling around the injury despite the official prognosis not yet being announced; Kmet is one of the Bears' longest-tenured players and a much bigger part of the offense than his numbers might suggest, serving as a great ambassador for the team.NegativeInjuryOct 23, 2026
Cole Kmet suffered a serious, likely season-ending knee injury in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots on October 22, 2026. According to Ian Rapoport, Kmet is believed to have suffered a torn ACL and will undergo tests to confirm the diagnosis. Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson confirmed that Kmet will miss the rest of the season and will be placed on injured reserve. Kmet, drafted 43rd overall in 2020, is the longest-tenured Bear and a key leader in the locker room.NegativeInjuryOct 23, 2026
Left the game after a lower-leg injury and was carted off, a significant blow for Chicago's tight-end group going forward.PositiveUsageOct 17, 2026
In the 2024 Week 6 game in London against Jacksonville, Kmet caught five passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns; when long snapper Scott Daly suffered a knee injury, Kmet suddenly found himself pulling double duty, not only leading the Bears in receiving and catching two touchdowns but also stepping in as Chicago's emergency long snapper.NegativeUsageOct 15, 2026
Kmet was featured as a checkdown option in multiple plays: on a corner route to Loveland where Bagent stared down the checkdown to Kmet despite the backside dig from Burden coming open, resulting in an incompletion due to an inaccurate throw; and as a potential check-down on an interception play where Bagent forced a ball into a non-existent window instead of checking the ball down to an open Loveland.NegativeUsageOct 9, 2026
Kmet recorded 1 explosive play in Week 4 and was heavily involved in the Bears' 12 and 13 personnel packages. He was used as a fullback in traditional I-Formation on a 26-yard Monangai run, and was frequently attached to the right side of formations with Loveland. On multiple plays, Kmet doubled the defensive end before working to the second level, and executed reach blocks on backside plays.NegativeUsageOct 7, 2026
Kmet was flagged for a false start at 6:42 of the first quarter on a 2nd-and-3 play at midfield, a 5-yard penalty that the source graded as Correct. This was a routine housekeeping call with minimal impact on the drive.PositiveProjectionOct 2, 2026
With Tyson Bagent expected to start for the Bears, Kmet is positioned for increased target volume. The source notes that when Bagent started in 2023, he frequently looked for Kmet, and Kmet had some of his best games as a Bear during those starts. The source projects Kmet will see a handful of catches and expects the OVER 9.5 Receiving Yards prop to hit in the first half.NegativeRoleOct 1, 2026
Cole Kmet was used in a max protect 12-personnel look in Week 3, lining up as a full back rather than in a traditional tight end position. Kmet motioned laterally a couple steps to the right and peeled back left to block the blitzing corner on the 22-yard Rome Odunze explosive play, demonstrating his role in pass protection schemes. Kmet finished with 1 explosive play on the week.NegativeRoleSep 25, 2026
Cole Kmet generated 1 explosive play in Week 2 and was used in multiple blocking roles. The source notes Kmet was deployed in 12 personnel attached on the right side of the line in one play, and later used as a fullback in I-formation to fill the edge defender on the left. His blocking action was credited as part of well-blocked runs, including Kyle Monangai's 12-yard gain off right guard.PositiveProjectionSep 25, 2026
Cole Kmet is projected to score a touchdown in Week 3 against the Eagles; available as an anytime TD scorer at +700 odds. Colston Loveland expects the Bears to rely on the running game but leak Kmet out for a touchdown near the goal line, and includes him in a same-game parlay at +3779 odds alongside Colston Loveland.NegativeUsageSep 24, 2026
Tight end Cole Kmet was involved in the Bears' pass protection scheme in the 3rd quarter. Kmet leaked into the flat after a play action dive to cut Dallas Turner on the left side, but his block was described as 'just for show' because the Bears also brought Colston Loveland over from the left side to block the edge.NegativeUsageSep 23, 2026
Through 2 games: 4 targets, 1 reception for 7 yards (0.0 TDs). Held without a catch in week 2 despite being targeted. Projected for 298 receiving yards over 17 games (8.5 TDs). Part of underperforming tight end group that caught only 2 of 7 targets for 12 yards in week 2. This next game against Eagles will be huge for his bounce-back.NegativeRoleSep 19, 2026
If the Vikings specifically try to take Loveland out of the game, Cole Kmet is one of the alternative targets the Bears could rely on to beat Minnesota. The source suggests the Vikings defense will attempt to force other players like Kmet and Luther Burden III to beat them rather than allowing Loveland to dominate.PositiveRoleSep 18, 2026
Provided key blocking at the point of attack off the right side in 12 personnel on explosive plays; also scored a touchdown that Cole Kmet identified as their favorite explosive play from the Week 1 opener.PositiveUsageSep 18, 2026
Kmet scored a 22-yard TD on a play-action pass where he leaked out from a TE block assignment and caught a perfect ball from Caleb Williams in 13-personnel (3 tight ends); he also provided key blocking on the final explosive play of the game, demonstrating dual-threat value in Ben Johnson's scheme.NegativeUsageSep 18, 2026
Cole Kmet was the target on an elite throw from Caleb Williams—a touchdown pass into double coverage that exemplifies the type of exceptional decision-making and arm talent that PFF's standardized grading system fails to properly evaluate.PositiveRoleSep 17, 2026
Kmet, in his 7th NFL season, reminded fantasy observers of his receiving capability in Week 1 with a touchdown reception. The source states "Cole Kmet reminded everyone that he's still a very capable receiver in his own right with a very impressive TD reception," positioning him as a reliable target in the Bears offense despite Loveland's limited involvement.PositiveUsageSep 17, 2026
Cole Kmet scored a touchdown in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, demonstrating early offensive involvement and red-zone opportunity share in Ben Johnson's offense alongside Caleb Williams.PositiveUsageSep 16, 2026
Kmet caught a 22-yard touchdown in the 2nd quarter on a Y leak play design where the Bears faked Loveland coming back on a boot action. Kmet took the end man and bought time for the throw back, resulting in a perfect pitch and catch graded as Elite with excellent anticipation and deep-level accuracy/ball placement.PositiveUsageSep 16, 2026
Kmet was featured on an elite-graded play: a 22-yard touchdown reception on a perfectly placed ball from Williams with linebacker Devin Lloyd draped over him in coverage; the play showcased elite anticipation, deep-level accuracy, and ball placement from Williams and resulted in an explosive score.PositiveProjectionSep 16, 2026
Kmet scored a touchdown in the Bears-Panthers game, demonstrating red-zone efficiency and scoring opportunity in Week 1.PositiveUsageSep 16, 2026
Kmet scored a 22-yard TD in Q2 (15:00) after Mitchell Evans' unnecessary roughness penalty put Chicago at the CAR 41. The source notes this was a scoring-situation penalty (weight 3) that directly fed points.PositiveUsageSep 15, 2026
Cole Kmet scored in week one as part of the Bears' balanced offensive attack. The source notes that despite the presence of elite receiving weapons, the offense was so dominant that multiple contributors scored, including Kmet, Jahdae Walker, and others, demonstrating the depth and balance of the Bears' offensive scheme.NegativeProjectionSep 15, 2026
Kmet earned a 70.4 PFN Impact Score (20th of 31 TEs) in Week 1, placing him in the middle tier of tight end performance.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Cole Kmet, the lesser-heralded of the Bears' two tight ends, stole the show in Week 1 with an insane touchdown grab, demonstrating his ability to produce in the Ben Johnson offense despite being overshadowed by the other tight end on the roster.PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
Cole Kmet secured a receiving touchdown in Week 1 against Carolina's porous defense, contributing to the Bears' offensive explosion and demonstrating his role as a red-zone target in Chicago's scheme.PositiveUsageSep 13, 2026
Cole Kmet scored a touchdown in the second quarter of the Bears' 59-37 victory over the Panthers, contributing to Chicago's dominant offensive performance.PositiveProjectionSep 13, 2026
Superfans project Rome, Luther, and Kmet will each get a TD of their own.NegativeProjectionSep 11, 2026
Cole Kmet, in his 7th NFL season, is benchmarked against 2021 T.J. Hockenson (Detroit Lions), a comparison from Ben Johnson's stint as the Lions' tight ends coach. Kmet had extremely limited production to start 2025, but Hockenson remains a closer comp than most Johnson-coached products. Tight end milestones include 1,076 receiving yards (franchise record for TE – Ditka), 12 receiving TDs (franchise record for TE – Ditka), 90 receptions (franchise record for TE – Bennett), and 14 combined receiving TDs (2013 Broncos TEs).PositiveRoleSep 9, 2026
You'd be hard-pressed to find a better tight end duo than Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet; both are returning as part of the offensive continuity that should support the Bears' Year 2 offensive explosion under Ben Johnson.NegativeRoleSep 6, 2026
Cole Kmet, nicknamed 'Darth Burden,' is listed as a depth option at receiver behind WR1 Rome Odunze. If Odunze goes down, Kmet is available as a contingency target in the Bears offense.NegativeProjectionSep 5, 2026
Explicitly ruled out from reaching 1,000 receiving yards this season. The source projects Kmet will accumulate around 400 receiving yards, reflecting his role as a secondary receiving option despite the Bears' offensive firepower.NegativeDepth ChartAug 29, 2026
The source predicts Cole Kmet will make the 53-man roster as one of four tight ends.PositiveRoleAug 29, 2026
Kmet is projected as part of the Bears' tight end group, which the source describes as one of the league's better groups both in talent and depth heading into 2026.NegativeDepth ChartAug 28, 2026
The source projects Cole Kmet as the second tight end in a three-tight-end room alongside Colston Loveland and Sam Roush.PositiveUsageAug 28, 2026
Kmet was a consistent weapon for the Bears offense throughout the joint practice. He caught a shuffle pass from Williams off an RPO, was wide-open on a play-action shot in red-zone work for a touchdown, and was part of a trick play (handoff to D'Andre Swift, pitch back to Williams, downfield to Kmet). The tight-end room was described as the most consistent Bears weapon of the day, with Kmet central to that success.PositiveProjectionAug 27, 2026
Cole Kmet is part of the best tight end trio in the league alongside Colston Loveland and Sam Roush; when including Hayden Large and Stephen Carlson, the Bears tight end room is one of the best position groups in the league and positioned in a top 10 (goal: top 5) offense.PositiveRoleAug 26, 2026
Tight end praised the team's practice quality in post-practice presser, noting it was one of the better practices through camp after a strong finish to the nearly 2-hour session, suggesting offensive continuity and execution heading into joint practice with Tennessee.PositiveRoleAug 24, 2026
Cole Kmet is locked in as a core tight end in the Bears' anticipated 13 personnel package for 2026, with the team planning to keep four tight ends on the roster to maintain offensive continuity if one of the top three tight ends (Loveland, Kmet, or Sam Roush) suffers an injury.NegativeRoleAug 19, 2026
Cole Kmet was involved in a physical run during 11-on-11s that resulted in a fight with Austin Booker; the incident was described as 'nothing serious' with 'joking after,' indicating competitive intensity but no lasting concern.PositiveRoleAug 14, 2026
The source mentions Cole Kmet as a supporting piece in the Bears' skill group alongside Luther Burden, Rome Odunze, and Colston Loveland, suggesting he will contribute to the dynamic receiving corps in 2026.NegativeRoleAug 11, 2026
Cole Kmet was involved in the play where Coby Bryant suffered his knee injury during the first day of padded practices; Bryant came down awkward after getting tangled up with the 6'6", 257 tight end, providing context for the injury mechanism and Kmet's physical presence in practice.PositiveUsageAug 9, 2026
Tight end was on fire at the end of a team drill with the second-team offense alongside Tyson Bagent. He also gave Ruben Hyppolite coverage problems during practice.PositiveRoleAug 6, 2026
Kmet was targeted on a crossing route by Caleb Williams during practice, demonstrating his role in the offensive scheme.PositiveRoleAug 5, 2026
Tight end praised by OC Press Taylor for versatility and selflessness; this is the second coach to commend Kmet's team-first mentality and leadership. The source emphasizes that Kmet's value stems from both his versatility and his selfless approach, which contributes to the offense's explosive play design. Kmet epitomizes the Bears' offensive philosophy of attacking defenses rather than focusing on efficiency.NegativeRoleAug 3, 2026
Cole Kmet was involved in the 1-on-1 rep during which Coby Bryant suffered his left knee injury during the first padded practice. This provides context on Kmet's participation level and role in team drills.PositiveRoleAug 1, 2026
Tight end Cole Kmet, the Bears' longest-tenured player entering his seventh season with the organization, highlighted the operational clarity and coaching continuity as a major difference in this year's training camp compared to previous years. Kmet stated: "It's a different feel to camp than maybe in years past. I've spent a lot of my career wondering what's next and how's tomorrow going to go. I feel like I kinda know what to expect at this point, especially with this staff, and what they want to get done and what they expect from each individual." He emphasized the value of understanding his role within the offensive scheme and the team's direction: "It's nice coming in and getting ready for a season understanding how you fit in the scheme of things, and then also the direction of this offense, where we want it go, and the identity we want to forge." Kmet described the start of training camp as "operationally sound."NegativeUsageAug 1, 2026
The Bears are running more 13 personnel (three tight ends) with Cole Kmet, Colston Loveland, and Sam Roush, reflecting Johnson's scheme shift toward heavier run-game and pass-protection emphasis over Kmet's receiving volume.NegativeRoleAug 1, 2026
Under Ben Johnson in 2025, Cole Kmet's passing game opportunities have shrunk significantly; his 48 targets, 30 receptions, and 347 yards were his lowest totals since his rookie season (2020). Johnson's offense emphasizes run game and pass protection, reducing Kmet's receiving role despite his willingness to accept the shift in responsibilities.PositiveProjectionJul 30, 2026
aDOT of 8.8 in 2025 (only two tight ends behind Loveland's 9.0 in that category); while unlikely to approach 2023 career highs of 73 receptions and 719 yards, remains a top 32 player at the position; deployed in 13 personnel alongside Loveland and Sam Roush.PositiveRoleJul 28, 2026
Kmet is locked into the top three tight end spots as part of head coach Ben Johnson's emphasis on reworking the tight end room.PositiveRoleJul 26, 2026
Grizzled veteran Cole Kmet, who is just 27 years old, ranked 31st among all tight ends by PFF. Despite the presence of star youngster Colston Loveland, Kmet continues to play an important role; he hasn't recaptured his peak receiving performance but has averaged over 10 yards per reception in each of the past two seasons while tallying six touchdowns. Kmet's value as a blocker is extremely important for maintaining flexibility in Ben Johnson's offense.PositiveProjectionJul 22, 2026
Cole Kmet has a decent chance at breaking the franchise reception record for a tight end in 2026, positioning him as a high-volume target in the Bears offense.PositiveRoleJul 22, 2026
Kmet is part of one of the most talented tight end rooms in the NFL under new tight ends coach Jim Dray; Ben Johnson has made clear that tight end is the most important element of his layered, explosive offensive system, second only to the quarterback.