Fantasy football Week 9: Start or sit Matt Forte for TNF?
Forte is drawing more pass-catching duties, but his fantasy value remains low while in a rushing committee.
Matt Forte is sharing the backfield duties with Bilal Powell, but he is dominating the pass-catching responsibilities for the New York Jets. Splitting the snaps evenly with Powell, Forte has twice as many receptions through the last three games and double the receiving yards in two of the Jets’ last three games. Forte has five catches and 40-plus receiving yards since Week 6. He caught six passes for 45 yards Sunday. Rushing, he had a season-low four carries for 7 yards in Week 8. Forte does not have a game with double-digital carries all season.
Forte is looking at a tough Thursday night. The Bills defense is great, shutting down running backs all season and allowing the second-fewest rushing yards in the NFL so far this season. They have given up over 350 yards to pass-catching running backs. Forte has a chance to offer some production as the leading catcher out of the Jets’ backfield.
Fantasy impact: Forte is pretty much a fantasy bust and that definitely will not change Thursday night. He offers some PPR appeal as the leading pass-catching running back, but his contribution will not be that significant. With no touchdowns this season and a very low volume of touches, Forte does not offer much fantasy promise this week.