FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 11/13/2009 11:16am et

The Associated Press reports Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte was held to just 41 rushing yards off 20 carries Week 10, but he managed to catch eight passes for 120 receiving yards in the game.

The Huddle Take: The passing game is where Forte will salvage his value, as he's bringing nothing to the table as a runner. His eight-catch game is a season high and the fourth time this year he's had at least four catches.

Posted: 10/20/2009 11:07pm et

The NFL Network reports Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte is struggling with the mental side of being a star and living up to expectations. He spent a lot of time away from the Bears during the offseason, and he may need to 'recalibrate.'

The Huddle Take: What the heck? Not sure most of us are too familiar with hearing those words used before in regards to an NFL player, at least in these circumstances. It would probably be good for him to remember how to play football effectively, which would help him regain that star status...because right now a star is not the way most fantasy owners would describe Forte.

Posted: 10/19/2009 11:35am et

The Associated Press reports Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte had 15 carries for 23 rushing yards and five receptions for 37 receiving yards Week 6.

The Huddle Take: Forte continues to disappoint fantasy owners who spent a high first-round pick on him, as the Bears evolve into Jay Cutler's team. Worse, the usually reliable Forte fumbled on consecutive goal line carries, which may cost him future shots at the stripe.

Posted: 10/2/2009 4:05pm et

The Chicago Sun-Times reports Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte (knee) participated in practice Friday, Oct. 2. He is listed as probable for Week 4 and is expected to play.

The Huddle Take: There should be no need for worry here. Forte should be good to go against Detroit, and will likely put up strong numbers.

Posted: 9/21/2009 10:50am et

The Associated Press reports Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte was held to 29 rushing yards on 13 carries Week 2. He also caught five passes for 33 receiving yards.

The Huddle Take: Forte's lack of success running the ball against the Steel Curtain was hardly surprising. On a positive note, it's good to see Jay Cutler figuring out what a valuable receiver Forte is in the Chicago offense and throwing to him five times after virtually ignoring him in the season opener.

Posted: 9/15/2009 9:54pm et

ESPNChicago.com reports Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte expressed concerns Tuesday, Sept. 15, about the playing surface at Soldier Field. Crews were in the stadium working on re-sodding the entire grass field Tuesday. During an appearance on ESPN 1000, Forte said, "I'm definitely concerned about it. I make a lot of cuts out there, and that's important being a running back. And [it's important] to the special teams and every part of the offense and defense. I just hope the field is set in." The team traditionally re-sods the field after the preseason and before the home opener.

The Huddle Take: It isn't every day you hear a player griping about the field in their home stadium, especially running backs, so when one of the best in the game says something, it probably carries some credence. The field in Chicago must have been pretty bad, which doesn't help players avoid injuries. Look for some serious work to be done on that field before the next game.

Posted: 9/14/2009 10:52am et

The Associated Press reports Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte had 25 carries for 55 yards during the team's Week 1 game.

The Huddle Take: Forte averaged 3.9 yards per carry last year, but 2.2 is disappointing even by those lowered standards. Worse, Forte did not catch a single pass in the Bears' loss to Green Bay. Blame at least some of Forte's struggles on the revamped Packers defense, but Chicago's new offense—with Jay Cutler looking downfield and a line designed to keep him upright rather than blow open holes for the running game—doesn't appear to be particularly Forte-friendly.

Posted: 8/31/2009 11:34am et

The Associated Press reports Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte ran for one-yard touchdown and caught a six-yard touchdown pass during the team's preseason game Sunday, Aug. 30. Forte finished with nine carries for 21 yards and four receptions for 11 yards.

The Huddle Take: Two touchdowns is nice, but Forte should be averaging more than 2.5 yards per touch against the Broncos. If you're a "glass half full" type you'll focus on the touchdowns and keep Forte in your top five; if you're a "glass half empty" type, this may raise a few more red flags about a potential sophomore slump.

Posted: 8/21/2009 10:43am et

Larry Mayer, of ChicagoBears.com, reports Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte will likely get at least six carries in the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 20. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner said, "He needs to get some work. He didn't get any the last time. Starters are going to be in there more than they were [against the Buffalo Bills], and I'd like to see Matt get in there and get six, seven or eight carries, get hit and get the timing with the line and all that."

The Huddle Take: Six carries behind the Bears' line should result in something less than 24 yards. What will be interesting to see is if Jay Cutler looks to Forte as a primary target; Jay wasn't exactly master of the checkdown in Denver, and much of Forte's fantasy value is derived from his pass-catching.

Posted: 8/6/2009 3:40pm et

The Daily Herald reports Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner said RB Matt Forte is 100 percent, but the team is being cautious with him during practices so he does not re-injure his hamstring.

The Huddle Take: This in itself isn't a cause for concern, but just serves to further illustrate how a lot of Fantasy owners will pick Forte too high based on his impressive 2008 rookie season. This isn't just a training camp thing; the Bears will be extra cautious with Forte all season because of the way he broke down at the end of the 2008 campaign due to overuse. Kevin Jones and Adrian Peterson will both see more time, and will cut into Forte's numbers.