Power back Michael Bush has agreed to join the Chicago Bears.
While we thought Bush was holding out for a chance to compete to start, like in say Cincinnati, Bush has agreed to join Matt Forte’s backfield in a move that will mitigate both of their fantasy values.
Furthermore Forte lost most, if not all, of his leverage in contract talks as Bush is fully capable of handling a feature back load week in and week out, and even at his size is a solid receiver out of the backfield.
This is a good signing for the Bears who have seriously strengthened their backfield rotation.
Fantasy Impact:
Michael Bush – Bush was signed to be the number two back but may see over 30 percent of the snaps which would severely cut into Matt Forte’s fantasy value next season. Bush may also be handed the starting role if Forte decides he wishes to holdout of training camp due to the lack of progress in contract talks. Bush is no more than a bench player with RB3 upside if Forte gets hurt or holds out.
Matt Forte – Matt Forte takes a big hit here with the Bears bringing in a competent every-down back to compete for snaps. Forte was always a lock RB1 but now has a visible RB2 floor. We cannot see him falling out of the top-25 unless he decides to hold out and help Bush’s offensive role grow early on in the season. Both Forte and Bush will benefit from the addition of Brandon Marshall to the offense and will see less stacked boxes.
Jay Cutler – Jay Cutler is now ensured that he will have a starting calibre running back in the backfield regardless of what happens with Matt Forte. Having two reliable backs does not affect his fantasy value but allows fantasy owners to breathe easier knowing that not even a Forte holdout will ruin Cutler’s bounce-back 2012 campaign.
Brandon Marshall/Earl Bennett/Johnny Knox – This move does not affect any of the receivers values as Bush is a bigger, stronger, slower version of Matt Forte.
Darren McFadden – D-Mac now has the Raiders backfield virtually to himself. If it stays that way is doubtful considering his injury history but we doubt they add someone as capable as Bush. D-Mac will remain a week in, week out RB1 but no longer has the looming threat of losing major carries and goal line carries to Michael Bush which could help skyrocket his per game value.
