Cincinnati Bengals DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

The Cincinnati Bengals are hoping that running back Chase Brown (ankle) will be able to play in a must-win game in Week 18 against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday after he sprained his ankle in last Saturday's thrilling overtime victory over the Denver Broncos to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. "Chase Brown is a special player, and I think he's got a bright, bright future in this league as one of the top backs, really in anything you ask him to do," offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said. "And so, obviously, we're hopeful that we're going to have him. And I know he's going to work really hard to be able to be out there for us." If Brown is unable to go, the Bengals have confidence that Khalil Herbert can fill the void after rushing the ball four times for 23 yards in relief of Brown in Week 17. If Brown is active, he'll be a must-start in fantasy lineups for those still playing for hardware in their leagues.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (ankle) underwent an MRI on Sunday morning and has been diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain, according to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Schultz notes that Brown is "determined to try to play in Cincinnati's must-win Week 18 game against Pittsburgh, but his availability will depend on how he progresses throughout the week." The 24-year-old picked up the injury on a red-zone rush attempt during the fourth quarter of Saturday's win over the Denver Broncos. Brown is a low-end RB1 whenever he's healthy. If he can't suit up next week, Khalil Herbert would step up as the Bengals' starter, ranking as a high-end RB3.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (ankle) was forced to exit late during Saturday's win over the Denver Broncos. He twisted his ankle and needed the help of the training staff to get off the field. Luckily, Brown appears to have avoided serious injury and has a chance to suit up for the Week 18 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's a must-win game for the Bengals, so Brown is going to do everything he can to get back on the field. If he sits, Khalil Herbert figures to see a majority of the carries in the backfield, so he's worth keeping an eye on for fantasy managers who have games in Week 18.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas caught three of his four targets for 59 yards in Saturday's win over the Broncos. While he came close to accruing his second touchdown in as many weeks, he was held out of the end zone in Week 17. With Cincinnati needing a win over Pittsburgh in Week 18, Iosivas could continue to get the attention of Joe Burrow, even more so if the Steelers defense focuses on keeping Ja'Marr Chase at bay. However, the 25-year-old has a long way to go before earning the trust of fantasy managers, despite having the best season of his young career.

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki caught 10 passes for 86 yards in Saturday's win over Denver. With the Broncos defense paying close attention to Ja'Marr Chase, the veteran got more involved. Granted, he didn't play as well as Tee Higgins, who had three touchdowns. However, fantasy managers will take what they can get from Gesicki at this point. At any rate, the Bengals will meet the Steelers in Week 18. While Gesicki will likely see more attention from fantasy managers, he's certainly not a trustworthy fantasy option.