Fantasy Football: Matt Forte and the Chicago Bears' Best Options

The Chicago Bears have reloaded their offense with plenty of weapons, and fantasy football gurus are pegging some of the team's top players as solid options for the 2012 season.

It is not even a crazy idea to think that a Bears quarterback could be a top-five option at the position by the end of the NFL season. If Matt Forte signs his franchise-tag offer and starts the season as the Bears starting running back, Chicago has strong fantasy options at nearly every skill position.

For the past few years, the Bears defense and special teams has been a hot commodity among fantasy football players due to Devin Hester's return ability and strong defensive unit led by Brian Urlacher. For the 2012 season, however, Chicago will have several offensive players who will receive plenty of fantasy attention.

Here are the Bears' top four options for fantasy football entering 2012, in addition to the All-Pro Forte in the backfield.

5. Evan Rodriguez, TE

Last season: N/A (rookie)

2012 projection: 35 receptions, 400 yards, 4 TD; 10 carries, 50 yards, 1 TD

Outlook: The Bears' fourth-round selection of the NFL draft is an interesting addition to the offense. The Bears had Kellen Davis as its primary option at tight end, and he came up big in the red zone, leading the Bears with five touchdown catches. But Rodriguez will be an upgrade.

Rodriguez, who played fullback at Temple, brings versatility to the position, and surely offensive coordinator Mike Tice and head coach Lovie Smith will be creative in how he is utilized in Chicago's scheme. Think about how the New England Patriots use Aaron Hernandez; he gets the ball in screen situations, reverses and down the field. 

Rodriguez has the talent to be this type of player in the Bears offense. He is just another weapon for QB Jay Cutler, and he will make his impact immediately as a rookie.

4. Alshon Jeffery, WR

Last season: N/A (rookie)

2012 projection: 50 receptions, 800 yards, 5 TD

Outlook: Jeffery was the Bears' second-round draft pick, and he will immediately step in at the No. 2 receiver slot opposite of prized acquisition Brandon Marshall. Jeffery will be a strong deep threat, and his 6'4", 229-pound frame will provide matchup problems for nearly every opposing defense.

Jay Cutler has enough weapons to spread the ball around, and defenses cannot key on one player. Jeffery will see his fair share of targets, and Chicago hopes that he will make the most of them. 

Jeffery, who played three seasons at South Carolina, had his best college year as a sophomore in 2010. He had 88 catches for 1,517 yards and nine touchdowns. For his career, he averaged 16.6 yards per reception against talented SEC defenses. If his outstanding yards-per-catch numbers translate to the NFL level, Jeffery will be a star in no time.

3. Matt Forte, RB

Last season: 203 rushes, 997 yards, 3 TD; 52 receptions, 490 yards, 1 TD

Projections: 225 rushes, 1,100 yards, 4 TD; 30 receptions, 400 yards, 2 TD

Outlook: Forte's 2011 season was cut short by a knee injury, and he still led the team in rushing yards and receptions despite appearing in just 12 games. Forte was on pace to have one the best seasons in his career before suffering the injury.

Forte has had a tumultuous offseason, dealing with on-going contract negotiations with the Chicago front office that have hit a stalemate. Forte has still not agreed to the franchise tag that the Bears have offered, and Chicago added insurance with running back Michael Bush.

Still, after all that, expect Forte to suit up when the season starts in September, and expect him to perform at a Pro Bowl level. He is one of the most talented running backs in the league, and now that the Bears have added more supporting pieces on offense, Forte could have an even bigger season in 2012—if he agrees to the franchise tag and stays healthy.

2. Brandon Marshall, WR

Last season: 81 receptions, 1,214 yards, 6 TD; 1 rush, 13 yards (with Miami Dolphins)

2012 projection: 80 receptions, 1,200 yards, 8 TD

Outlook: Finally, Marshall will reconnect with his favorite QB in the Windy City. With Jay Cutler slinging the ball to the 2011 Pro Bowl MVP, don't expect one of the best receivers in the NFL to slow down any time soon.

Marshall has been one of more consistent receiving options in the league the past five seasons, posting at least 80 catches and 1,000 yards in each of those years. He may come with some issues off the field, but there is no denying his talent and his familiarity with Cutler, who had the best seasons of his career when Marshall was his top target for the Denver Broncos.

The Bears have lacked a solid No. 1 receiving option for the last decade, and new general manager Phil Emery addressed that need on the first day of free agency by trading for Marshall. With the presence of Alshon Jeffery on the opposite side of the field, opposing defenses cannot focus on just Marshall in the passing game. Marshall will continue dominating secondaries with Chicago.

1. Jay Cutler, QB

Last season: 182-for-314, 2,319 yards, 13 TD, 7 Int; 18 rushes, 55 yards; 1 TD

2012: Projection: 365-570, 4,200 yards, 25 TD, 8 Int; 25 rushes, 70 yards, 1 TD

Outlook: Cutler was having a solid season in 2011 before getting injured in Week 10, and down went the Bears' season. With the additions of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, Cutler is set for the best season of his career if he can stay healthy for the whole year.

Despite all of the criticism he receives, Cutler is still the best quarterback the Bears have had in the past 20 years. It isn't a coincidence that Chicago's peak last year correlated with Cutler's maturity and improved decision-making. 

Cutler and Marshall formed a formidable duo in Denver, and both were just blooming as NFL stars. Both players are entrenched in their primes now, and the Bears offense should reap the benefits of this exciting pair.

Cutler would be a spectacular option at quarterback for fantasy football owners in the middle rounds of drafts. Cutler has the best receiving corps he has ever had in the Windy City, and he is primed to reach elite QB status in 2012.