Matt Forte became a four-letter word in fantasy football last season when he failed to meet expectations. His meteoric rise and fall might remind some of Britney Spears. So much so, I expect Forte to marry a backup dancer from Fresno, Calif. and shave his head.

Fantasy enthusiasts, you might imagine, are staying away from Forte like he is beach-front property on the Gulf of Mexico. However, his name did get up a few times during my lengthy fantasy chat on Tuesday.

What can we expect from Forte this season?

Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that Forte is splitting reps with Chester Taylor right now. But Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune has noted that Forte has looked great so far in camp, with an explosive first step.

What does all of this mean? Well, Forte will not live up to the lofty expectations many of us had for him last season. How could he? I named one of my fantasy teams, “Forte Ounces to Freedom.”

However, since becoming a fantasy punchline like fantasy football’s equivalent to Nickelback, his value will be much lower than it should be this season, even with Taylor in the mold. Enthusiasts should make a bid for Forte in the middle rounds, as a low-end No. 2 back, or a flex starter, especially in PPR leagues.

– Adam Rank

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