Week 14 vs. Washington
Matt Forte returned to full strength last week, seeing 26 touches for Chicago. He and Jeremy Langford were able to share the load, as the rookie back had 14 touches. Forte was productive, racking up 123 total yards and a touchdown.
This week he faces a Redskins defense that has been bipolar against stopping the run. They started the season strong, then went on a six-game stretch allowing 157 yards per game, before being stout in their previous two matchups.
Forte's touches may be diminished some by the emergence of Langford, but he's still an RB1 and should be seen as so.
Week 13 vs. San Francisco
Matt Forte returned from injury last week, but as expected he split time with Jeremy Langford. Forte started the game and finished with 37 offensive snaps compared to Langford's 30. He also finished with 16 touches compared to Langford's 13.
Basically, last week was a pretty even split between these two highly productive backs. We expect them to continue to split carries moving forward, with Forte having a slight edge in the competition.
Forte gets a dream matchup this week against a very poor 49ers rush defense. Despite the great matchup, Forte must be viewed as a RB2 this week because of his timeshare with Langford.
Week 12 vs. Green Bay
Matt Forte is officially playing Thursday against the Packers, but how much? We expect him to be the lead back, but rookie Jeremy Langford has earned a role in this offense with the way he's played the last three weeks in Forte's absence. Plus, it's Forte's first game back so they may not want to overwork him.
On top of all that, Forte gets a tough matchup against the Packers. In the last three games, Green Bay has allowed an average of 54 yards to backs, with just one touchdown. Typically, Forte is a top-10 back, but not this week. He should be viewed more as a low RB2 or even a flex option.
Matt Forte - Week 8 vs. Minnesota
Matt Forte had one of those games two weeks ago that looks good for fantasy purposes, but wasn't all that great in real life. He averaged less than three yards per carry, but was still able to manage 89 total yards with a touchdown.
He'll have a tough matchup this week against the Vikings. Minnesota has allowed a few big games to backs, but they've generally been tough to run against. There has only been three total touchdowns scored against the Vikings all season. Despite the matchup, Forte remains a must-start RB1. He's second in the NFL in rushing attempts and will receive plenty of touches to make an impact.
Week 6 at Detroit
Matt Forte has at least 100 total yards in every game but one this season, and he should continue those strong numbers in a strong matchup this week. Forte faces a Lions defense that was gouged a week ago by Arizona. The Cardinals finished with 191 rushing yards by backs and three touchdowns.
Forte should also be able to make a big dent as a receiver considering all of the injures at the wideout position. Three of the team's top four receivers have either missed or been limited in practice this week. Last week Forte finished with five receptions with Alshon Jeffery and Eddie Royal sidelined. Owners should view Forte as a strong RB1 this week.
Week 5 vs. Kansas City
Matt Forte has been great this season, and proved it again in Week 4 as he finished with 155 all-purpose yards. He's averaging 125 total yards per game, although he has just one touchdown through four contests.
Forte has become somewhat matchup-proof simply because of how often the Bears give him touches. Even when he has a bad game, he's still putting up good numbers. So expect him to perform well in Week 5 when he has a good matchup against the Chiefs. If you own Forte, view him as a strong RB1 option this week.
Week 4 vs. Oakland
Matt Forte is the Bears only prayer for offense at this point. With quarterback Jay Cutler and top receiver Alshon Jeffery both likely to sit out again, the offense will rely on Forte for playmaking.
He did the best he could last week, rushing 20 times for 74 yards against a tough Seahawks defense. He didn't record any catches, however, because Jimmy Clausen is terrible. Still, Forte is an elite back and has a great matchup against Oakland. His value takes a bit of a hit because of the Bears offense, but he should get 20-plus touches, which gives him plenty of opportunities to make a big play.
Week 3 vs. Seattle
With Jay Cutler and Alshon Jeffery both likely out this week, the Bears offense will rely heavily on Matt Forte. This is both a good thing and a bad thing. It's good because he'll get plenty of touches, but it's bad because he's really the only person the defense needs to account for.
Forte will have his hands full trying to find running room against a tough Seahawks defense. He might bail out PPR owners with some cheap, short-yardage passes, but don't rely too much on that. Forte is one of the best running back options in the game right now, so it'd be crazy to bench him. Just know going in he may not put up incredible stats this week. He should still be viewed as a RB1.
Week 2 vs. Arizona
Matt Forte had a strong Week 1 performance as he finished with 141 yards on the ground and 25 yards through the air. He also added a touchdown to his impressive totals.
In Week 2, Forte goes up against an Arizona defense that gave up big chunks of yards to the Saints running backs last week. New Orleans' backs gained yards catching the ball, however. Catching the ball, however, is one of Forte's...well, fortes. The Bears back was targeted eight times in Week 1, making him the second go-to option in the Bears offense. Forte should be viewed as a RB1 and a must-start option.
Week 1 vs. Green Bay
The Bears may need to rely heavily on Matt Forte this week seeing as the starting three wideouts are all listed as questionable. Forte performed well last season against the Packers, especially in the first matchup where he racked up 171 total yards. He should be viewed as one of the top backs this season and is typically a top-10 play on a week-to-week basis. Things are no different this week, and Forte should be a must-start option.
