Team Profile
Cincinnati Bengals
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12% 10thOff DVOA
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33.8% 5thPassing DVOA
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-14.6% 27thRushing DVOA
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7.1% 26thDef DVOA
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13.4% 22ndDef Passing DVOA
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0.2% 23rdDef Rushing DVOA
2024 Team Stats
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Points For27.1 5th
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Points Against26.3 26th
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Yards Per Game345.0 12th
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Yards Allowed Per Game348.0 23rd
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow completed five of seven passes for 51 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The star quarterback (and the primary offense as a whole) only played the first drive of the game, but they took advantage of their limited playing time by putting seven points on the board. For Burrow, injuries have been a major storyline throughout his young career. He missed six games as a rookie and seven last year, creating significant problems for the Bengals and fantasy managers alike. The wrist injury he suffered late in 2023 seems to have healed, but Cincinnati will likely continue to exercise caution with their franchise quarterback as Week 1 approaches. Once the season kicks off, Burrow will rank as a strong QB1 option for as long as he can stay healthy.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins hauled in two of his three targets for 19 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unsurprisingly, Higgins ran with the primary offense led by Joe Burrow, which only played the first drive of the game. It was a successful possession, too, as Burrow linked up with many of his favorite starters, including Higgins for the score. The 25-year-old receiver is ready to put this offseason's contract drama behind him. He'll play under the franchise tag in 2024, continuing to operate as the No. 2 option behind Ja'Marr Chase in Cincinnati. Higgins often performs at his best when Chase is on the field. He's a solid WR2 option in fantasy football this year.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton converted four targets into three catches for 82 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Burton has generated plenty of hype during his first training camp, so it was a bit of a surprise that he didn't enter the game until the third quarter and wasn't targeted until the fourth. Nevertheless, he made the most of his time on the field, leading the Bengals in receiving yards and also hauling in a 37-yard touchdown pass. A third-round pick out of Alabama, Burton continues to compete for the No. 3 receiver role with Trenton Irwin and Andre Iosivas. He's an appealing dynasty option, but it's a bit premature to pursue him in most redraft leagues.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaiah Williams caught all four of his targets for a total of 35 yards during Thursday's preseason loss against the New York Giants. Undrafted out of Illinois, Williams is now firmly in the mix for a depth role after a solid showing in Week 1 of the preseason. He showcased considerable quickness and change of direction skills in the loss, even earning a shoutout from head coach Dan Campbell following the game. Williams has less than one month (and two more games) to show the coaching staff why he's worthy of a coveted 53-man roster spot.
Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher had some glowing words about the two-headed backfield of Zack Moss and Chase Brown after practice on Wednesday, saying he's "super pleased with both." Pitcher complemented Moss being a consummate pro and being where he needs to be on every single play, regardless of what has been asked of him. As for Brown, Pitcher said, "Chase is the young, budding talent that we all expected him to be, who adds an explosive element to our rushing attack, and catching the ball out of the backfield." Both backs are worthy of high-end RB3 status in fantasy, with Moss perhaps having the early-season edge. Brown has been a fast riser in training camp and could surpass the veteran Moss during the season. We may see one or both during the Bengals' opening preseason matchup at home against the Buccaneers on Saturday night.