Matt Forte: Fantasy Owners Must Get Dynamic Bears RB into Week 14 Lineups

The merits of starting Chicago's oft-injured running back Matt Forte have been a weekly debate for fantasy owners for the vast majority of the 2012 season.

Allow me to make your decision heading into what, for most of us, is the first week of the playoffs in our respective fantasy leagues—get Forte into your starting lineup right now.

Last week, Forte carried the ball 21 times for 66 yards and added three receptions for an additional 30 yards and a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks. While those numbers are solid, of more importance is that Forte had 24 touches, while backup Michael Bush only had seven.

Forte is once again firmly entrenched as the back that will get the bulk of the playing time for the Bears entering Week 14 when they take on a Minnesota Vikings defense that is reeling.

Over their past two games, the Vikings have allowed 236 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

Minnesota has allowed more than 100 yards rushing in five of its past six games. During that streak, the team has surrendered a total of 698 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

It’s true that Forte doesn’t have a great track record of success against the Vikings.

In eight career games against his division rivals, Forte has averaged only 67.9 rushing yards per game. He’s been rather unproductive as a receiver as well, averaging less than three receptions and 20 yards per contest.

However, those were vastly different Vikings defenses than what he’ll be facing on Sunday

Forte has three career games of more than 80 yards rushing against the Vikings, and Sunday’s contest will make that four.

I see Forte carrying the ball 20 times for 85 yards and a touchdown, adding an additional 45 yards receiving on five receptions.

You can do much worse than Matt Forte as your second running back or flex option this week.

Start Forte with confidence.