Jimmy Clausen, Matt Forte's Fantasy Outlook with Jay Cutler Ruled out for Week 3

The Chicago Bears announced Friday that quarterback Jay Cutler and top receiver Alshon Jeffery would miss Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks due to injury. It leaves Matt Forte as the team's lone reliable fantasy option for Week 3.

Facing the Seahawks already represented a tough matchup for Chicago, especially with the news Kam Chancellor ended his holdout. It's an even more uphill battle with two of the team's most important offensive assets on the sideline.

Jimmy Clausen steps into the lineup under center for Cutler. A quick glance at his numbers showcases why it's not advisable to start him or any of the Bears' pass-catching options, including receiver Eddie Royal and tight end Martellus Bennett.

The 28-year-old Notre Dame product has tallied just five touchdowns and tossed 11 interceptions in 18 career appearances. He went 14-of-23 with 121 yards and no touchdowns in relief of Cutler last week against the Arizona Cardinals.

Even though the Seahawks rank 21st against the pass so far this season, the defense's track record suggests a turnaround is likely. Seattle finished as the league's best pass defense during both the 2013 and 2014 campaigns.

So there just isn't enough upside to play Clausen or his targets.

As for Forte, the main reason he's still worth putting in the lineup is volume. The Bears' only chance of keeping the game close is if they can effectively use a run-first attack that allows them to dominate the time of possession.

Even when they do pass, it wouldn't be the least bit surprising if several plays result in checkdown throws to the veteran back. That gives him even more appeal in leagues using a PPR format.

All told, Forte is averaging a shade over 100 yards per game with nine catches through two weeks. He should be able to match or slightly exceed those numbers in Week 3 since he figures to get so heavily involved, even against a solid defense.

Everybody else from the Bears offense belongs on the bench until Cutler is healthy or Clausen proves he's more than a bottom-tier option, which is unlikely.