Michael Bush’s and Matt Forte’s Updated 2013 Fantasy Outlooks After Week 3
Published by Jesse Reed on September 23, 2013
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Michael Bush has been a highly successful fantasy football vulture the past couple of seasons, but he’s an inconsistent performer from week to week. He’s stolen touchdowns from Matt Forte with regularity—including one in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A recent statement by Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman makes him an intriguing fantasy option.
On Tuesday, Trestman said, “We’ve kind of isolated and declared Michael our goal-line running back,” as noted by Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune:
With that statement, Trestman frustrated thousands of Forte owners around the world while simultaneously giving Bush owners reason to hope.
Still, Forte is still the back to own over Bush.
Forte is going to touch the ball 20 times a game, and he’s capable of making big plays in both the running game and as a receiver out of the backfield.
Bush is a short-yardage power back, and that’s the way Trestman will use him this year.
In the wild, vultures don’t control when it’s time to feast. They reap what nature provides. The life of a fantasy football vulture is no different. Bush has no control over his goal-line carries.
One week, he might score two touchdowns if Chicago goes up big and is moving the ball at will between the 20s. Another week, he might not get a single goal-line carry.
With that in mind, nobody should expect Chicago’s second-string running back to consistently score points from week to week.
If you have a team that is loaded with top-tier receivers but is lacking top running backs, then Bush could be a weekly starter.
However, if you’re like most owners and you stocked up on running backs, then Bush should stay on your bench unless you really like a matchup.
By the end of the season, Bush won’t likely have more than 400-500 yards rushing and six touchdowns. That kind of production is highly beneficial for the Bears, but it’s nothing to get excited about from a fantasy standpoint.
On the other hand, Forte is a must-start every week.
Through three games, the Bears starter has racked up 363 total yards with two touchdowns. He’s on pace for 1,936 total yards and 10.66 touchdowns this year.
Forte doesn’t need to be near the goal line to score, and he’s one of the more dynamic running backs in the league.
Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78
Read more Chicago Bears news on BleacherReport.com
