Matt Forte owners were worried there for a moment. Sidelined for four games due to injury, Forte's backup Jeremy Langford exploded onto the fantasy football scene with four touchdowns during his absence. The rookie proved to be a similarly effective pass-catching option which rightfully had Forte owners scared that their golden goose would see a decrease in workload. However, that was not the case this past weekend as Forte easily outworked every other Chicago Bears running back.
"Still the lead back in Chicago, Matt Forte racked up 123 yards and one touchdown on 26 touches against the 49ers on Sunday," ESPN Fantasy Football Insider Mike Clay wrote. "Forte played 42 snaps, which was well ahead of Jeremy Langford's total (27). Langford posted 68 yards on 14 touches. Ka'Deem Carey vulture five carries and one touchdown on Sunday, but he played only six snaps. He's not a serious threat to Forte or Langford. With Washington on the docket this week, Forte will be a fringe RB1 and Langford a flex option."
Langford is nowhere near the runner that Forte is which should keep the veteran firmly in the driver's seat. On the season, the rookie has 102 carries for 357 yards (3.5 YPC) and six touchdowns. Forte, while slowing down a bit at 29, has carried the ball 172 times for 676 yards (3.9 YPC) and three scores. Both have proven to be capable options out of the backfield.
As Clay mentioned, the Redskins present an advantageous opportunity for both RBs. Washington's defense ranks 25th in rushing yards allowed per game (124.2) and 29th in yards per carry (4.6). Though they have been stingy near the goal line (just six rushing touchdowns allowed) they do surrender a whopping 5.5 receptions to opposing backs per game.
All told, Forte is in line for a big day and, as Clay mentioned, Langford is worth consideration at the flex. Happy hunting.