Fantasy Football 2012: Why Owners Should Trade Matt Forte Now

I know what you're thinking. Who in their right mind would trade a running back who just put up 18 fantasy points in ESPN standard leagues? Easy. Anyone who watched the Chicago Bears play in Week 1 or who has followed Matt Forte's career.

Here are Forte's season fantasy points over the last three years. Forte was on his way to a big 2011 before being shelved with a sprained MCL in Week 12.

2008: 246 points

2009: 157 points

2010: 221 points

2011: 174 points

Forte has been as solid of a fantasy running back as anyone, but has seemed to have trouble actually getting into the end zone. Forte's career high for rushing touchdowns is 8, and that during his rookie year of 2008.

It seems that the addition of Michael Bush in 2012 will continue that trend.

It was clear in Week 1 that Bush is the man when the Bears get down on the goal line. Forte rushed for 80 yards and also hauled in 40 receiving yards. Forte did manage to get in the end zone on a six-yard touchdown run.

Bush finished the game with 42 yards and two touchdowns. Bush's presence in the Chicago backfield has to be alarming for Forte owners.

When fantasy players take a running back in the first or second round, they expect touchdowns, not just yards.

Savvy owners should take advantage of Forte's 18 point Week 1 and dangle him out there on the trade block.

If Forte can stay healthy, he will put up stellar numbers yardage wise, mainly because of his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Trading him for a back that scores more TD's but doesn't provide the yardage makes sense.

However, the touchdowns will be few and far between. Trade him while you still can.