Matt Forte - Week 7 vs. Miami
Matt Forte had his first two rushing touchdowns of the season last week against Atlanta. He also had a second consecutive game of 10+ receptions. If you're in PPR formats then Forte has been a dream come true. He leads in the NFL in receptions.
He'll get a decent matchup against the Dolphins this week. Miami isn't necessarily favorable or unfavorable against the run. But at this point Forte has to be seen as matchup proof. He'll continue to a RB1 option as long as he's making a huge impact through the air.
Matt Forte - Week 6 vs. Atlanta
Matt Forte hasn't been great on the ground this year, but he's made up for it with his receiving ability. He currently has more receiving yards than guys like Vincent Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Randal Cobb, and Keenan Allen. He also is second in the NFL in receptions (36).
This week he'll go up against the Falcons who have given up the most points to opposing backs this season. RBs have scored nine rushing touchdowns against Atlanta, four more than any other team.
Forte's strong season should continue this week and he should be started in all formats. He has a chance to be the top scorer at his position this week.
Matt Forte - Week 5 vs. Carolina
Heading into Week 4 against Green Bay Matt Forte had 136 rushing yards through three games. Against the Packers he finally found success rushing and finished with 122 yards on the ground. He also added 49 yards on five catches. He now has at least five receptions in every game this season, a great stat for PPR formats.
He'll go against a Carolina defense that has struggled in recent weeks. In their game against Pittsburgh the Panthers allowed 265 rushing yards, allowing Le'Veon Bell (147 yards) and LeGarrette Blount (118) to run wild.
Forte should continue to be productive and could finish as a top five back this week. Start him with confidence.
Matt Forte - Week 4 vs. Green Bay
Here's a fun fact: Matt Forte currently has more receiving yards this season than rushing yards. He's struggled to establish anything on the ground through the first three weeks. In the last two games he's carried the ball 25 times for just 54 yards (2.16 ypc).
Luckily for Forte owners (especially in PPR formats) he's a dangerous weapon in the passing game. He's right up there with Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett in targets.
To be fair to Forte, he's faced three of the toughest seven defenses to opposing fantasy backs this season. Things should get easier this week against the Packers. Green Bay has been favorable to backs all season.
Look for Forte to improve in the ground game and continue to have success catching the ball. He should be viewed as a RB1.
Matt Forte - Week 3 vs. New York Jets
Matt Forte struggled to find running room in Week 2 against the San Francisco defense. He carried the ball 12 times for just 21 yards, averaging 1.8 yards per carry. He also managed just 15 receiving yards on five receptions. The Bears had to rely heavier on their passing game after falling behind early 17-0.
Forte runs into another tough opponent in Week 3. While the Jets have been favorable to quarterbacks, they've been brutal to running backs. In Week 1 they allowed just 26 yards on 14 carries to Oakland RBs. In Week 2 they allowed just 46 yards on 14 carries to Packers RBs.
The Jets D is worrisome for Forte owners, but don't outsmart yourself. He's still a focal point of the Bears offense. And even if he can't produce on the ground, Forte is talented enough to make an impact off of his receptions. Through two games he's been targeted 17 times. It's not a dream matchup, but Forte should still be viewed as a RB1.
Matt Forte - Week 2 vs. San Francisco
Matt Forte didn't find the endzone last week, but it didn't matter. He put up 169 total yards, having the most success in the passing game. After putting up career highs in receptions and receiving yards a year ago in Marc Trestman's offense, Forte got right back to work. He caught eight balls (a huge plus in PPR formats) for 87 yards in Week 1. He also had 82 yards on the ground.
Some of the attention through the passing game was a result of Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall missing playing time due to injuries. Having said that, Forte should continue to be productive in the passing game.
This week he faces the 49ers, a defense that was favorable towards Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray in Week 1. Murray ran for 118 yards on 22 carries (5.4 avg) and he scored.
Look for a big game from Forte this week in both PPR and standard formats. He should be viewed as a RB1 and you should start him with confidence.
Matt Forte - Week 1 vs. Buffalo Bills
Last season under Marc Trestman Matt Forte set career highs in rushing yards, touchdowns, receptions and receiving yards. He was a top five selection in drafts this season because of those numbers.
Forte did struggle some in the preseason. He carried the ball 10 times for 10 yards and finished with negative rushing totals in two out of his three games. But this is a case where we'll ignore the preseason numbers.
The Bills are a decent matchup for Forte. They were average against the run last season, so a talented back like Forte should have no problems getting yards. Start him with confidence.
Fantasy Upside
Holy receptions, Batman! Matt Forte is a lock as a top five pick in both PPR and standard formats. He adds more value in PPR league due to the fact he caught 74 balls a season ago. It was the first time he’s topped 70 receptions in his six-year career.
Marc Trestman’s system is a blessing for a talented back like Forte. The Bears Pro Bowler averaged 23 touches per game and had a career-best 1,339 rushing yards.
Fantasy Downside
The Bears selected Ka’Deem Carey in the fourth round of this year’s draft. He’s not much of a pass-catcher, so he’ll likely fill the role of Michael Bush, who left the Bears this season. Carey racked up 42 touchdowns in his last two collegiate seasons with Arizona.
Bottom Line
Carey likely won’t eat into Forte’s workload too much. Bush only had 63 rushing attempts in 15 games last season and scored three touchdowns. There’s not much downside to selecting Forte. He’s only missed five games in his six professional seasons.
