FanDuel Studs to Target in Week 13

Matt Forte

FanDuel Salary: $7,600
numberFire Projected Points: 13.58

Recommending Matt Forte as a cash game option is too risky given that it's only his second game back from an MCL sprain and due to his 55/45 time share with Jeremy Langford in Week 12. But if everything falls into place, he could be an outrageously valuable tournament option in Week 13.

First, it was pretty much expected that Forte would be eased back in when returning from his injury. We don't know the level at which the Bears' coaching staff plans to increase Forte's workload in Week 13. But if they're inclined to get Forte something close to 70% of touches as opposed to the 55% he received in Week 12, Forte’s price could be too good to ignore given that most of your tournament competition will be scared to death to roster him.

The cards are lining up for this game to be very run-centric for the Bears as well. Facing the 28th-ranked 49ers run defense at home, the Bears enter the game as 6.5-point favorites with an over/under sitting at 42.5. It's just good process to target running backs in relatively low scoring affairs at home with large point spreads in their team's favor. Again, Forte's situation fits the bill here, and with the spread being so large, even if Langford takes up a higher share of snaps than those of us rostering Forte would like, he could still meet or exceed value given the projected game script.

While rostering Forte this weekend won't be for the faint of heart, embracing the volatility and sprinkling him in a few of your tournament lineups could end up paying huge dividends if the coaching staff wants to use him at near bell cow status now that he's back and healthy.