Week 2 at Oakland Raiders
Matt Forte played more snaps than his fellow running back Bilal Powell, but had three fewer touches. His numbers weren't great accounting for 36 yards from scrimmage. The good news is that Forte is getting on the field. And the Jets should use their backs more considering the lack of experience and talent in the receiving corp.
It is a decent matchup for Week 2 against Oakland, but the Jets offense will struggle most of the season and especially on the road. Forte is a fringe RB3 or flex play in Week 3. He is only an option if you really have a weak running back contingent on your team.
Week 1 at Buffalo Bills
Matt Forte started off strong in 2016, but faded and then was eventually injured in December. This opened the door for Bilal Powell, who excelled and took the No. 1 running back spot. Powell will hold that role to open the season.
Forte could end up becoming more relevant if he shows he still has something left in the tank. Powell will get more touches, but Forte will be involved in the offense. The matchup is good for the Jets as Buffalo's run defense was below average last season and isn't expected to be much better.
That matchup almost pushes Forte into a flex or RB3 spot for Week 1, but you might be better off with a different option until we see how bad the Jets offense really is.
Fantasy Upside
Matt Forte's first season in New York had mixed reviews. He started out on fire with two 20+ fantasy point performances in and he would add two more in the first half of the season. When healthy, Forte can definitely still contribute to the Jets and your fantasy team.
Fantasy Downside
The second half of the season was not kind to Forte. He was ineffective and missed the last two games with a knee injury. In the meantime, Bilal Powell was very strong the last quarter of the season and will probably be the starting running back heading into the 2017 season. Forte is 31 and his good years are almost definitely behind him. His touches will probably decline with Powell being the key receiving back in the passing game and the primary runner.
2017 Bottom Line
Forte had a great career in the NFL but there is no doubt he is on the downside. He has to be considered the backup at this point and, although he will still be involved in the offense, his fantasy value is nothing more than a depth player at this point. Forte is the 37th ranked running back and has an ADP of 96 overall. If you draft him, he will be an RB3 or flex option at best.
Week 14 vs San Francisco
Matt Forte is the lone fantasy bright spot on the New York Jets. He did struggle last week, but so did the whole team. In the end, he is the best offensive player on the team.
The matchup is very good for Forte this week, as San Francisco is ranked dead last in aFPA to running backs. Forte should get plenty of touches with Bryce Petty back in at quarterback. Start him as a low-end RB1 for Week 14.
Week 13 vs Indianapolis
It was an off day for Matt Forte last week. He rushed 13 times for only 27 yards, while he only caught three passes for 23 yards. The 16 touches isn't enough, and we have seen the Jets go away from Forte in several games this season (which is puzzling considering he is one of their best offensive players).
Forte should bounce back this week against the Colts, who are 20th in aFPA to running backs. The touches are always the key with him, and we expect the Jets to get him back to a 20+ level. Start Forte as a solid RB1 for Week 13.
Week 12 vs New England
Matt Forte remains the most important player on the Jets offensive side of the ball. Before the bye week, he was averaging 92 yards per game over the last four game and scored four touchdowns during that span. He also is averaging 24 touches over those four games.
Forte will face the Patriots, who are ninth in aFPA to running backs. The good news is Forte should continue to get touches and will produce some helpful fantasy numbers. Start Forte as a solid RB2 for Week 12.
Week 10 vs Los Angeles
Matt Forte has been very solid the past three weeks averaging over 22 carries and 91 yards per game. One thing to watch is the snap count. The past two games he has been on the field for less than 60% of the time. If he wasn't still getting good fantasy numbers, it might be more worrisome, but it is a red flag.
Forte faces a tough Rams defense which is ranked 9th in aFPA to running backs. But since he has been still getting his numbers despite some negative things, he still is a good play for Week 10. Start him as a low-end RB1 against Los Angeles.
Week 9 at Miami
The good news for Matt Forte owners is the running back has gotten a large amount of touches the last two weeks, which is what we saw at the beginning of the season. Last week, he managed 98 yards from scrimmage, although that number might actually upset some people considering the Jets were playing the Browns. The bonus was two rushing touchdowns.
This week could be challenging, as Dolphins are second in the NFL in aFPA to running backs. Miami has done a good job stopping some pretty decent backs, but we expect the Jets to continue to give Forte touches, so that should be enough to put up some decent numbers.
Start Forte as a low-end RB1 for Week 9, as he should still be the main focus of the Jets offense.
Week 8 at Cleveland
We finally have a bit of good news for Matt Forte owners. The veteran running back had been hovering around 15-18 touches per game since Week 2, but saw a season-high 34 touches (and his second 100-yard rushing performance of the season) last week. Forte also had a rushing and receiving touchdown.
It could be even better this week, as Forte faces a Browns defense that is 26th in aFPA to running backs. With Ryan Fitzpatrick back in at quarterback, it will be interesting to see if the Jets stick with the running game or open it up in the passing game.
Considering the great matchup and Forte's Week 7 performance, start him in all leagues and formats as a low-end RB1 for Week 8.
Week 7 vs Baltimore
Matt Forte only had 10 touches last Monday against Arizona. This has become a concern because Forte was supposed to be the workhorse for the Jets and that only lasted two weeks. Yes, he has been bothered by a knee injury, but he will play Sunday.
With the Jets making a quarterback change, there are plenty of question marks surrounding their fantasy options. Plus, the Ravens are No. 1 in the NFL in aFPA to running backs.
With all the factors weighing in, Forte's value has plummeted to a solid RB3 or flex for Week 7.
