By releasing Cedric Benson, the Chicago Bears backfield is left with little experience and lots of question marks. The favorite, according to Chicago newspapers, appears to be this year’s second round pick out of Tulane, Matt Forte. His senior season was his breakout campaign as he rushed for over 2,100 yards, scored 23 touchdowns, and was named the MVP of the Senior Bowl. However, can the 44th selection replace Benson?

Matt Forte on the rise in Chicago?

The good news for fantasy owners is that, worst-case-scenario, Forte should get the touches near the goal-line. Bears management will hard-pressed to make fans forget about that 4th overall pick they spent on Benson and will give Forte chances to be successful. At 6’ 1” and over 220 pounds, Forte is a far bigger back than his presumptive competition in Adrian Peterson and Garrett Wolfe. And while many rookie running backs get pulled in obvious passing downs, many scouts regarded Forte’s blocking and receiving skills so highly that some projected him as a full-time fullback, reducing his liability on obvious passing downs and increasing his potential touches.

While Forte has the tools to be a success in Chicago, the most likely situation to start the season is a thunder and lightning approach with Forte splitting time with either Adrian Peterson or Garrett Wolfe. However, the Bears will be running often enough that even if Forte doesn’t win the job by the start of the season, he should be the primary benefactor of Benson’s release by the time fantasy playoffs begin.