Jeremy Langford might be the Bears’ future, but Matt Forte’s return is looming
You see things like this happen all the time in sports. The younger, less-expensive player steps in and makes an impact. Whether it was due to the veteran sustaining an injury or losing his physicality, the veteran starts to see his career flash before his eyes.
This looks like it may be the case for Matt Forte and the Chicago Bears. The Bears drafted rookie running back, Jeremy Langford in the 2015 NFL Draft. He was an established college running back for Michigan State and had two successful seasons starting for the Spartans. Newly acquired general manager Ryan Pace liked what he saw from Langford and pulled the trigger on him in the fourth round.
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Langford started the offseason as the fourth running back on the depth chart but quickly worked his way up to third string. He showed he belonged in the NFL during his preseason performances when he rushed nine times for 80 yards in the second game and nine times for 55 yards in the final contest. Although Langford found himself behind Jacquizz Rodgers on the depth chart, everyone knew the rookie was the true handcuff to Forte.
Fast-forward to Week 8 when Matt Forte goes down with an MCL injury. Many speculated whether or not Forte would be able to return at all this year, but the veteran was lucky enough to dodge a season-ending bullet. With Forte out, in steps Langford.
Langford took advantage of a weak San Diego rushing defense in Week 9. Many believed Langford would struggle to find the same success against a tough Rams’ defense in Week 10. Not only did Langford match his Week 9 performance, he ran it over! In his two NFL starts, Langford has 145 rushing yards, 179 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He has had solid RB1 numbers and looks to build on them with Forte still questionable for Week 11.
Langford has huge, huge upside in keeper and dynasty leagues. He might hold more value than fellow rookie Melvin Gordon, who was drafted three rounds ahead of him. Langford holds less long-term value in yearly, seasonal leagues because no matter how well he does this is still Matt Forte‘s backfield. Once healthy, Forte will take over as the lead back. Forte has been one of the most productive running backs over the last eight years. He is arguably one of the best all-around backs to play the game. All that said, do not be surprised if Forte is no longer a Bear in 2016. Forte enters free agency at the end of this season. With the way Langford has looked, Forte will have to sign a very team-friendly deal to maintain his role as the Bears’ top dog.
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Langford’s fantasy outlook for the rest of this season is bleak with Forte possibly returning sooner than later. I expect his role to expand slightly once Forte returns, but it will not become a 50/50 timeshare. Forte owners should have tried to grab him or trade for him two weeks ago. If you have not done so, you will now be giving up too much as Langford is definitely a sell-high candidate going into Week 11. Langford could see himself go from an undrafted fantasy option in 2015 to a must-own candidate in 2016. We might be witnessing a passing of the torch!
Rob Schwarz, Jr. is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Rob, check out his archive and follow him on Twitter @ChiSportsnut25.
