Team Profile
Cincinnati Bengals
-
12% 10thOff DVOA
-
33.8% 5thPassing DVOA
-
-14.6% 27thRushing DVOA
-
7.1% 26thDef DVOA
-
13.4% 22ndDef Passing DVOA
-
0.2% 23rdDef Rushing DVOA
2024 Team Stats
-
Points For27.1 5th
-
Points Against26.3 26th
-
Yards Per Game345.0 12th
-
Yards Allowed Per Game348.0 23rd
The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. writes that it's inevitable that Cincinnati Bengals running backs Chase Brown and Zack Moss will play a significant role in 2024, with their total touches ending up in a 50-50 split. However, it's unclear if the split will be situational with Moss handling third-down and two-minute situations, or if it will be more of a drive-by-drive breakdown. Head coach Zac Taylor isn't necessarily looking to fill situational roles; he's more concerned about disguising play-calling tendencies. In the end, the rotation between Brown and Moss will likely evolve throughout the year, but as of now, it sounds like both RBs will be doing a bit of everything. Brown is quicker and more elusive in space, while Moss is more of a banger between the tackles. Both figure to have their fantasy value capped as RB3/flex plays in fantasy, with most of Moss' value potentially coming as a short-yardage, goal-line option.
Cincinnati Bengals rookie third-round wide receiver Jermaine Burton's talent jumps off the page, but off-the-field concerns regarding his coachability pushed him down the draft board in April. The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. writes that Burton's scouting report has proven to be true so far; the Bengals have run into issues getting him on board and up to professional standards. He has not been in the vicinity of where he needs to be as a pro so far and even admitted himself that he needs to make strides to crack any rotation in a receiver group already entrenched in their roles. The 23-year-old often ran the wrong routes in practice and preseason games this summer, and the Bengals won't make him active on game day in the regular season if they don't think he's preparing himself in meetings and practice. The bottom line is that Burton's dynasty/keeper stock is dropping quickly.
The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. writes that it's time to buy stock in Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas heading into the 2024 regular season. Iosivas showed an improved understanding of the position this offseason and could be the most interesting new piece of the team's offensive puzzle in 2024 after catching 15 passes for 116 yards and four touchdowns last year. Iosivas solidified himself as the WR3 in Cincy behind Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this summer by excelling out of the slot. The 24-year-old's 4.43 speed makes him a unique weapon on both the interior and on the outside. Dehner says he'll be shocked if Iosivas's snap count in the Week 1 opener against the Patriots falls below 70 percent. Expectations are soaring for Iosivas in 2024, so fantasy managers in deeper leagues may want to consider stashing him for extra receiver depth.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (right wrist) is listed on the injury report but was a full participant in practice on Wednesday. As anticipated, Burrow showed no limitations during Cincinnati's session, indicating his wrist injury is likely fully healed after an entire offseason of recovery. Burrow has faced various injuries throughout his career, including a torn ACL in his rookie season, which limited him to just ten games, and a calf strain that affected him last season before a wrist ligament tear ended his year early. If Ja'Marr Chase is active for Week 1, fantasy managers can confidently start Burrow in Cincinnati's season opener against the New England Patriots.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (rest) was officially listed as limited on Wednesday in the team's first official practice of the 2024 season. Before Wednesday, the All-Pro wideout had taken part in only two closed practices during the offseason amid negotiations over a long-term contract extension with the team. Chase's return to practice doesn't guarantee anything in regards to his playing status in Week 1 on Sunday against the New England Patriots or beyond, but it's an encouraging step and opens the door for him to play a full season whether he reaches an extension or not. The Bengals staff has plans in place to execute a game plan on Sunday with or without Chase. The 24-year-old is a must-start in redraft leagues if he's active, but a bigger concern is his physical conditioning and the possibility of a soft-tissue injury if he plays.