Fantasy football: Matt Forte a risky play vs. Packers

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte has been a huge disappointment for fantasy owners this season after cashing in on a big payday this offseason. The running back will look to help the Bears grab a much-needed win against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday, but he could be risky fantasy play.

Forte is coming off a pretty strong effort in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings, rushing for 85 yards on 13 carries and also adding 34 receiving yards. However, he did not get in the end zone, which has been a theme this season. While Forte has over 1,000 total yards on the season, he has only managed four touchdowns, due in large part to backup Michael Bush getting the majority of the goal line carries. Also, in the four weeks prior to the Vikings game, Forte's highest rushing output was 66 yards. He did not score a single touchdown on the ground in those four weeks, but did get one receiving.

Against the Packers in Week 2, Forte only had 31 yards on seven carries, although he did catch four passes for 49 yards. The Packers' rush defense has been nothing to write home about since that game, coming in at No. 15 in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game. Clay Matthews will be returning from an injury to bolster Green Bay's defense.

If the Bears commit to the run, there could be some opportunities against the average Packers' rush defense. But if the Bears start slow like they have in many games this season, they may choose to abandon the run, which is what happened in Week 2. Forte is still a weapon in the passing game, but he has not been nearly as prolific as past years. Because of all this, it's hard to feel great about playing Forte this weekend.