Chicago Bears Fantasy Football Rankings: Too High or Too Low?

Aug 8, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs and is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) in the first quarter during a preseason game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back no.1: Matt Forte

Standard: 4th Overall, 4th Running Back

PPR: 3rd Overall, 3rd Running Back

Matt Forte has the ability to steal games for the Bears. While he isn’t the fastest RB in the NFL, he’s smart and shifty, making him more elusive than his average speed would lead you to believe. Forte always seems close to busting out a big play to bring his team back into a game or get them the lead. Forte is finally being seen as a top running back not only in the NFL, but in fantasy as well.

As seen above, he’s projected as no.4 in non-PPR leagues and no.3 in PPR leagues, jumping ahead of Adrian Peterson in PPR projections. Many people might not like that, but Peterson isn’t the fantasy stud he used to be. Anyone who selects Peterson no.1 overall now may have wasted a pick, as players like Forte, LeSean McCoy and Jamaal Charles have jumped ahead of him in rankings.

Jan 4, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25). Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Notable Players Ranked Higher: LeSean McCoy PHI, Jamaal Charles (Pictured) KC, Adrian Peterson (Standard) MIN

Notable Players Ranked Lower: Adrian Peterson (PPR) MIN, Marshawn Lynch SEA, Eddie Lacy GB

Verdict: Perfect

I wouldn’t take anybody rated lower than Forte above him, and wouldn’t take Forte over McCoy or Charles no matter what. Barring injury this pre-season, Forte is the third or fourth-best runningback in fantasy.