Bell, Allen tied to Forte: With Bears running back Matt Forte nursing an ankle injury, both Armando Allen and Khalil Bell could be in line for major bumps in value if Forte is forced to miss Week 17 against Detroit. But the problem here is two-fold: Forte must first be out for either of them to have real value (keep in mind, he has injured his ankle twice this year and missed just one game), and then one of the two has to step up in Forte's absence. With their past usage, a Fantasy player could draw two conclusions. (Updated 12/27/12)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/22/13).
Fantasy Analysis
On one hand, Allen has gotten a lot of late-game, garbage-time play, gaining 124 yards and scoring a touchdown on 27 carries this year (seeing action in nine games), while Bell has only 64 rushing yards on 25 carries (seeing action in just three games). However, the bulk of Bell's value came in Week 16, when Bell had 13 carries for 32 yards after Forte went down with the injury. So, while one can argue that Allen appeared to be the next in line behind Forte and Michael Bush over the course of the season, his usage in Week 16 (five carries to Bell's 13) would suggest otherwise. With just one week left, a desperate owner in a very deep league may want to pick both backs up and wait to make a decision on Sunday (Bell, for what it's worth, seems to be the better bet for more carries right now). But avoiding both players, if you can, is probably the safer route in this situation. (Updated 12/27/12).
12/27/2012 23:51 Bears Game Preview vs. Lions: Analysis, prediction, TV info
This game decides Bears playoff hopes and possibly coach Lovie Smith's future, although no reputable source has gone on record saying GM Phil Emery is definitely replacing the Bears coach if they fail to get into the playoffs.
12/26/2012 18:37 Bears Notebook: Brian Urlacher, Matt Forte sit out practice
Brian Urlacher will have no more than two days of practice if he's to play Sunday, and RB Matt Forte is still nursing a sore ankle as the Bears prepare for the regular-season finale.
12/25/2012 11:49 Waiver Wire: Plenty of one-week options
Playing for something in Week 17 but find yourself scrambling for healthy options? Our Jamey Eisenberg helps you fill out that lineup and pick that sleeper DST for the final week of the season.
12/21/2012 16:23 Bears Notebook: Brian Urlacher out, Henry Melton doubtful
LB Brian Urlacher is the only player listed as out on the Bears injury report this week, and he hasn't practiced since suffering his hamstring injury against Seattle Dec. 2.
