What are the Risks of Matt Forte?

Video: Excellent Highlights of Matt Forte.

He’s expected to have a heavy burden again this year. Forte has been durable in his seven-year career, coming short of a full season just twice (five career missed games). However, at his age and with heavy usage, that could easily come crashing down abruptly. Perhaps that’s why he’s bulking up before training camp.

Forte was a beast for his PPR owners last year, catching 102 passes, but his 3.9 yards-per-carry average was his worst since 2009, proving that the workload likely caught up to him, at least on the ground.

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His huge involvement in the passing game was a direct benefit of having Marc Trestman as a head coach. But now that Trestman is out, will that continue? Plus, no Brandon Marshall in the receiving game changes things considerably. Opposing defenses can direct more of their attention to shutting down Forte out of the backfield.

New Bears head coach John Fox is more defensive-minded, while offensive coordinator Adam Gase is a QB guru that prefers airing it out. Knowshon Moreno recorded 60 receptions under Gase in 2013, but expecting Forte to catcher another 100 balls, or anything remotely close to it, is absurd.

Also, Jacquizz Rodgers (two seasons of 50-plus catches for the Atlanta Falcons) and Ka’Deem Carey could cut into Forte’s reception workload out of the backfield if the new coaching staff tries to keep him fresh throughout the season.

Forte remains in first-round consideration, but he should no longer be a lock as a top-five pick, even in PPR setups. If you take him as your RB1 in the second half of the first round, temper expectations, especially in comparison to his 2014 stats.

http://fantasy.usatoday.com/2015/07/football-matt-forte-bust-draft