Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow couldn't lead his team to a win over the Patriots on Sunday. Tee Higgins (hamstring) wasn't available, and Ja'Marr Chase (illness, hold-in) was cleared shortly before opening kick. As a result, the signal-caller struggled, throwing for only 164 yards off 21-for-29 passing. He added four carries for 15 yards. Without question, Burrow will need Higgins and Chase on the field for the Bengals Week 2 meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs. If Higgins remains out and Chase doesn't get a new contract, fantasy managers may want to strongly consider keeping Burrow out of the starting lineup.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) is officially inactive for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday versus the New England Patriots. Higgins injured his hamstring in practice on Thursday and was listed as doubtful on Friday's final Week 1 injury report, so fantasy managers should have already moved him to their benches for the week. The good news for Cincy is that WR1 Ja'Marr Chase is active on Sunday after holding in for all of training camp and the preseason. Chase is expected to be on a pitch count, meaning receivers Andrei Iosivas and Trenton Irwin and tight end Mike Gesicki could be more involved than usual in the season opener with Higgins also out. Higgins, who was a big fantasy disappointment last year, is not off to a good start in 2024, and it remains to be seen if he'll be available for a Week 2 showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (illness) is officially active in Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday against the New England Patriots. Chase's availability for the season opener had been in question all week, mainly because he hadn't resolved a contract dispute with the team. Then Chase came down with an illness late in the week. Even though the two sides haven't worked out a long-term contract extension, Chase will suit up to begin the regular season, which is good news for the Bengals, who will be without receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring). Although Chase is expected to be on somewhat of a pitch count after not practicing much at all during training camp, fantasy managers that took him in the first round of drafts need to keep him in their starting lineups

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (illness), who is listed as questionable to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday due to an illness and because of lengthy contract standoff with the team that has yet to be resolved, was seen warming up on the field before the game against the New England Patriots. Chase's availability all week has been up in the air, but the 24-year-old was feeling better on Saturday night and appears to be on the right side of questionable with inactives coming out shortly. Especially with Tee Higgins (hamstring) doubtful to play, the Bengals' receiving corps would be extra thin if Chase chose to sit out as well. Chase was limited in two practices this week before practicing in full on Friday. He could have his reps limited in Week 1 if he's active, but fantasy managers need to keep the All-Pro pass-catcher in their starting lineups if he's good to go.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Trenton Irwin could be in line for a heavier workload during Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots. Fellow wideout Ja'Marr Chase (illness) is trending in the right direction, but is still uncertain for the season opener. If he sits, Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas would move up the depth chart. Also, Irwin could be in line to be the third starter considering he was competing for the WR3 role in camp. His value hinges on the status of Chase, which might not be known until closer to game time. Irwin could be a desperation play in deep leagues if Chase does end up sitting out.