Cincinnati Bengals DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will look to keep his team's postseason hopes alive by earning a win against Pittsburgh in Week 13. Burrow has arguably been the best quarterback in the NFL during the 2024-25 campaign and is currently tied with Lamar Jackson for a league-leading 27 touchdown throws. Without question, the former LSU Tiger isn't the problem for Cincinnati's underwhelming record. Instead, the Bengals' defense has struggled. While Burrow has been more productive versus other teams over the years, he's a must-start for Sunday's meeting with a formidable Steelers' defense.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Charlie Jones (groin) and left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (fibula) both remained limited in practice on Thursday. Jones has missed three consecutive weeks and has just one catch for five yards during eight games this season. Brown has also missed three games in a row. He has a decent chance to play in Week 13, but if he's inactive, Cody Ford would likely step up as the Bengals' starting left tackle.

Coming out of their Week 12 bye, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said the team is looking for a way to manage running back Chris Brown's workload in the backfield. "We've gotta find ways to manage it. I think circumstances has led to what he's gotten the last two weeks. I'd like for Chase to touch the ball as much as possible he's got the potential to be explosive on every single play. At the same time, you do need another back in there to help manage that workload. We'll try to get other guys mixed in there to give him a little bit more of a break," Taylor said. Zack Moss (neck) is out for the year, which has led to Brown seeing almost all of the backfield touches in recent weeks as trade acquisition Khalil Herbert learns the offense. Brown has had 20-plus touches in two of the last three games. While he could see more help moving forward, he'll remain a must-start for fantasy managers.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine took his lone carry for 13 yards and caught both of his targets for an additional 12 yards in the team's 30-27 win over the Carolina Panthers. He also racked up 104 yards on three kick returns with a long gain of 56. Despite logging 32% of Kansas City's snaps, Perine was held to only three touches out of the backfield, even though he was effective on his sole rush attempt. Backfield mate Kareem Hunt dominated backfield touches yet again, out-touching the 29-year-old 19-to-3, while Carson Steele registered three opportunities (one rush). With running back Isiah Pacheco (fibula) due back in short order, the journeyman RB will likely garner even less fantasy value than he does now. The Chiefs will line up against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders next Friday in Week 13.

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson went 3-for-3 on extra points but just 2-for-4 on field goals during Sunday's Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Both of his misses occurred in the fourth quarter and would have given Cincinnati an important lead. Instead, he missed the uprights wide left both times, preserving a tie that would eventually be broken by the Chargers in the final minute. McPherson's made field goals came from 26 and 27 yards out while he missed from 48 and 51 yards. The 25-year-old has ranked outside the top 15 fantasy kickers for most of this season and should continue to be avoided in most leagues when the Bengals return from their Week 12 bye.