THE FANTASY FIXX
The Biggest Bear.
Matt Forte#22, RB-(Chicago Bears)….
The Bear’s offense is in for a major lift this season with the addition of quarterback Jay Cutler, but no one is likely to benefit more than running back Matt Forte. Last season as a rookie Forte was among the league leaders in rushing (ranked 7th) and led all running backs with 63 catches last season. His 1,700-yards and 12 touchdowns in 2008 made him the top rookie in fantasy last season.
With the addition of a big time passer, Forte should be able to find more running lanes allowing him to improve on his 1,200-yards from a year ago. The versatile back was a three-down player for the Bears offense in 2008 and fantasy owners can expect the same this season. Even with Cutler under center, Forte should also remain just as involved in the Bear’s more conservative passing game. He may not hit the 60 catch barrier, but could find more room to roam with opposing safeties sitting back because of Cutler’s big arm.
What to expect in 2009…
With a big arm in the huddle for 2009, the Bears running game which was solid last season could gain some fresh legs this coming season. Forte is likely to have another solid campaign with the presence of Cutler to take some of the pressure off. Forte played in all 16 games and finished with nearly 380 touches in 08. He be the Bears focal point on offense this year and should finish in the top 10 among fantasy backs. (2009 predictions: 295 carries, 1,360-yards rushing, 11 rushing touchdowns, 50 receptions, 505-yards receiving, 3 touchdowns)
Looking to soar again.
Kevin Curtis#80, WR-(Philadelphia Eagles)….
The Eagle’s speedy wideout was severely hampered a year ago with a sports hernia injury that put him out for seven weeks. He was never the same the rest of the way in 2008 finishing the year with just 33 catches and two touchdowns. In 2007 Curtis had emerged as a big time pass receiving threat and one of McNabb’s favorite targets finishing with 77 receptions for over 1,100-yards.
Despite the shortened season due to injury Curtis did have some flashes with a six catch and seven catch game. He lacked his normal burst and did not have many big number games, but it appears he’s recovered from the hernia surgery last year and the follow up procedure he had in April. Now healthy Curtis could be looking to returning to his 2007 form. The Eagles have some weapons on offense that could enable for a big season from Curtis.
What to expect in 2009…
The team made a move in the draft this past April to add some help to the passing game. With last year’s rookie sensation DeSean Jackson having a full year under his belt and incoming rookie Jeremy Maclin bringing added talent, defenses will have a tough time trying to key on Curtis. The speedster has great chemistry with McNabb and could once again surprise fantasy owners with a big 2009 campaign. (2009 predictions: 69 receptions, 1,045-yards receiving, 7 touchdowns)
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1 comment:
Jay Cutler
is going to benefit Greg Olson tremendously. They already have a good chemistry developing!
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