Week 17 at New England Patriots
Matt Forte watched teammate Bilal Powell get most of the carries last week as he continues to struggle with a knee injury. He should be able to play but we expect his impact to be minimal.
The Jets play New England this week, who is ranked eighth in aFPA to running backs. With the Pats playing to win, keep Forte on the bench for Week 17. He won't put up fantasy numbers worthy of a starting lineup spot.
Week 16 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Although Matt Forte was on the field more than any Jets running back last week against New Orleans, it only resulted in 9 touches. He is basically splitting time with Bilal Powell and Elijah McGuire.
And with a fairly tough matchup against a Chargers defense ranked 10th in aFPA to running backs, we expect the Jets to use the running backs the same. That means keep Matt Forte on the bench for Week 16. There's not enough touches or production coming from any Jets back as long as all three are being rotated fairly evenly.
Week 15 at New Orleans Saints
Matt Forte had 8 touches for 34 yards last week and he continues to share the workload with teammate Bilal Powell. The trend has been for Powell to get more carries, but Forte to be used more in the passing game and on third downs.
The Jets face the Saints this week, who are ranked 13th in aFPA to running backs, so there's no advantage either way with the matchup. We advise to keep Forte on the bench in standard leagues, but you could play him as a FLEX or RB3 in PPR leagues for Week 15.
Week 14 at Denver Broncos
Matt Forte had 18 touches against the Chiefs last week and also scored a receiving touchdown. He is basically platooning with teammate Bilal Powell. Neither put up monster numbers, but they received equal touches and scored touchdowns.
Forte will face the Broncos, who are ranked 27th in aFPA to running backs. It's a good matchup for the Jets, but the fact they are splitting touches means less chances of good fantasy numbers. Keep Forte on the bench for Week 14.
Week 13 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Matt Forte returned last week and carried the ball 10 times for 26 yards. He was on the field 41% of the time which was the most of any Jets running backs. The New York running game has struggled and it has been hard to measure who is going to get the touches and carries although this week, we feel Forte ranks the highest.
Jets face the Chiefs who are 12th in aFPA to running backs. Again, Jets running backs have been all over the board. If you do play Forte, it would be as a low-end RB3 or flex.
Week 10 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Matt Forte has 18 touches in Week 9 for 96 total yards. He also played 48% of the snaps as the Jets are utilizing three running backs at this time. Forte is definitely in the game plan, but we don't feel he will double Bilal Powell's touches every week as these should balance out. Another factor is Forte is nursing a sore knee and has not practiced all week.
If Forte does play, it's a great matchup for Jets RBs, as Tampa ranks 26th in aFPA to running backs. Because of the injury and Powell's presence, Forte only ranks as a high-end RB3 or flex play for Week 10. Keep an eye on his injury status leading up to kickoff.
Week 9 vs. Buffalo Bills
Matt Forte had 10 touches last week against Atlanta. He did split snaps with Bilal Powell, though, so he is getting on the field. However, Powell is getting more touches when both are healthy.
New York faces the Bills, who are ranked 15th in aFPA to running backs. Forte had 36 yards from scrimmage in their first meeting this season, but his production has been limited with Powell in the lineup. Expect the same pattern on Thursday. Forte rates as an RB3 or flex play for Week 9.
Week 8 vs. Atlanta Falcons
With Bilal Powell coming back last week, Matt Forte had to yield some of his touches to him. But Forte still had decent results with 82 yard from scrimmage. He is dealing with a knee issue, but is expected to play Sunday.
Forte has a good matchup for Week 8 against the Falcons who are 29th in aFPA to running backs. He should have similar numbers this week with 10+ touches. Start Forte as a low-end RB2 against Atlanta.
Week 7 at Miami Dolphins
In the beginning of last week, Matt Forte didn't seem to be in the Jets' game plan, but he ended up healing and starting last week against the Pats. He had a season-high 17 touches and will be the primary back until Bilal Powell (which could be this week) returns from injury. He is nursing a bad toe, but practiced and will play Sunday.
The Dolphins have been pretty good against the run, ranking fifth in aFPA to running backs. Even if Forte gets the majority of the touches in Week 7, it probably won't produce results worthy of a high ranking. If you do need a running back, play Forte as a low-end RB3 or flex.
Week 3 vs. Miami Dolphins
The Jets are looking like a true running back by committee situation, but Matt Forte has seemed to take the lead back role. He has the most touches and has played 54% of the snaps compared to 42% for Bilal Powell.
Forte has rushed for only 69 yards, so his numbers are more a result of a poor Jets offense. He will face a Miami defense ranked third in aFPA to running backs.
Forte does carry some fantasy value for Week 3, as the Jets will try to rely on the running game and he should continue to get the most snaps. He rates as an RB3 or flex option against the Dolphins on Sunday.