Chicago Bears: Matt Forte and the Top 5 Fantasy Players on the 2011 Roster

Normally an article about Matt Forte and the rest of the Chicago Bears fantasy football prospects would be just another article during this time of the year.

But in case you haven't noticed, the NFL lockout has really put a damper on all of the fantasy football talk that should be surrounding water coolers across the nation right now.

Yet there appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel as the players and the owners continue to make significant progress towards an agreement.

So I figured why not be a little optimistic and get the ball rolling now?

Let's take a look at the top five Chicago Bears fantasy football players heading into the 2011 season.

5. Greg Olsen, Tight End

Greg Olsen racked up 41 catches for 404 yards and five touchdowns in 2010, all numbers I anticipate will be improved upon in 2011.

In the Bears second round playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks last season, he hauled in 3 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown.  

2011 Projections:  57 catches for 565 yards and eight touchdowns

4. Johnny Knox, Wide Receiver

One of the fastest players in the NFL, Johnny Knox totaled 51 receptions for 960 yards and five touchdowns in 2010.

As a result of his world class speed, Knox also averaged 18.8 yards per catch, good for fifth in the NFL.

2011 Projections:  66 catches for 1,188 yards and seven touchdowns 

3. Chicago Bears Defense/Special Teams

The Chicago Bears defense and special teams finished fourth in the NFL last season with 166 points—including three punt return touchdowns by Devin Hester.

To put those numbers into perspective, running back Fred Jackson racked up 1,142 total yards and seven touchdowns last season for 167 total points.

With a defense that gave up just 17.9 points per game in 2010 combined with the best return man in the history of the NFL, look for the Bears to finish near the top of the ranks again in 2011.

2011 Projections:  176 points (3rd overall)

2. Jay Cutler, Quarterback

Jay Cutler threw for 3,274 yards and 23 touchdowns in 15 games last season for the Bears.

Cutler's second year was significantly better than his first year in Chicago as he threw 10 less interceptions (16), set a career high for average yards per completion (7.58), and increased his quarterback rating by nearly ten points to 86.3—2 points above his career quarterback rating of 84.3.

Cutler attempted a career low 432 passes last season as the Bears focused on getting Matt Forte more touches and letting their defense win games.  Many may remember head coach Lovie Smith employing a similar strategy in 2006 en route to the Super Bowl.

I expect Cutler's numbers to take a big leap in year 2 of Mike Martz's offense as the offensive line should be markedly improved.  If the protection is there, Cutler and the Bears will be hugely successful in 2011.

2011 Projections:  4,000 yards, 30 touchdowns, 16 interceptions

1. Matt Forte, Running Back

Matt Forte's third season in the NFL saw him rush for 1,069 yards while racking up 547 yards receiving and nine touchdowns.

Forte now has 4,731 total yards and 25 touchdowns over the last three seasons, securing his place amongst the NFL's elite running backs.  

To put these numbers into perspective, consider what Pat Kirwan of NFL.com had say recently:

Matt Forte, RB, Bears

"Forte is an all-around back who lives in the shadows of greats like Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson and Michael Turner. To appreciate Forte, you really have to look at the total yardage picture and not just the rushing totals. Over the past three years, Forte has gained 4,731 total yards with 25 touchdowns. Steven Jackson has 4,783 yards and 18 touchdowns over the same period of time. Turner has 4,102 yards and 39 scores. Jamaal Charles has 3,981 yards and 17 TDs. Darren McFadden only has 3,050 yards and 15 touchdowns."

Forte among guys who deserve more credit

2011 Projections:  1,500 total yards and 10 touchdowns