The Bear Den: Forte a Fantasy Football Treasure

I recently saw the NFL fantasy football power rankings that NFL.com put out. I scrolled through the top ten, looking at the players that will most likely be taken in the first round of most drafts.

I stumbled across the top two players: Adrian Peterson and Matt Forte. I thought to myself for a second and said, "You know what? I'm going to take Forte if I have the first pick in my league." I advise you to do the same.

Yes Adrian Peterson (Vikings), is the best running back in the NFL, but Matt Forte is the best overall fantasy player.

Here is why.

Peterson put up 1,760 rushing yards compared to Forte's 1,238. Peterson had 10 touchdowns with Forte getting eight.

Advantage Peterson in those categories.

Forte had 63 receptions for 477 yards and four touchdowns. Peterson had only 21 receptions for 125 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Advantage Forte in those categories. Now lets break down another category that decides this matchup.

Matt Forte had only one fumble in 316 attempts. Adrian Peterson had nine fumbles in 363 attempts.

Fumbles are an important stat in fantasy football because it gives you minus points.

Forte seems to be a more versatile back than Peterson. Last year, when Orton was in trouble, he dumped it off to Forte for a nice pickup almost every time.

With the Bears adding Jay Cutler as their quarterback, Forte now becomes another target for the strong armed QB.

With the Bears lacking a true No. 1 receiver, look for Forte to be a option on a lot of plays. The Bears have shown that they will use the running back as much as possible in their offense.

I expect Forte to blow up with a monster year, and fantasy owners will drool over the stats he will get you.

So for the people who want to pick AP first, just think about it for a second. Look at the stats and realize that Forte will probably be a safer option.

Peterson will probably split some time with Chester Taylor, who will more than likely come in during some third down plays.

Another thing to look at is Forte will most likely be in for at least 95 percent of Chicago's offensive plays this year. In 2008 he was in on almost every third down play they ran.

Forte should be your pick, especially if your looking for a keeper league running back that you want for the future of your team.