Cincinnati Bengals DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said that he believes wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) is moving in a positive direction and that the extra day this week will help as the team prepares to face the Washington Commanders in Week 3 next Monday night. Higgins injured his hamstring in practice just days before the season opener and has missed the first two games of the season as a result. The 25-year-old's status for next Monday's game will depend on how much he can do in practice this week. If Higgins draws a questionable tag on the final injury report on Saturday, fantasy managers probably won't want to take any chances with him in their starting lineups. Andrei Iosivas scored two touchdowns in the Week 2 loss to the Chiefs on his two receptions, while tight end Mike Gesicki saw more involvement with Higgins out. The 0-2 Bengals could certainly use their WR2 in Higgins back sooner than later.

In the Chicago Bears' Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans, running back Khalil Herbert scored the team's only touchdown. Despite only getting two carries, Herbert made a significant impact, including a 2-yard touchdown run in the second quarter that brought the Bears within 13-10. With the Bears needing a score before halftime, they turned to Herbert, a former Virginia Tech standout, to deliver. The touchdown came on a critical third-and-goal situation, frustrating D'Andre Swift's managers, who were hoping for a score from Swift. Although Herbert isn't the primary back for the Bears, his role in the offense remains clear. Since being drafted by Chicago in 2021, Herbert has consistently contributed, and his performance solidifies his value as a handcuff for Swift owners. While he may not lead the backfield, Herbert's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities makes him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues.

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson had a productive game for fantasy managers in the Week 2 meeting against the Chiefs. After making one kick in the Week 1 loss to the Patriots, the 25-year-old had four on Sunday, including a 53-yarder in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, a missed extra-point attempt would prove costly, with the Chiefs winning the contest by one, thanks to a field goal from Harrison Butker as time expired. At any rate, McPherson is one of the best kickers in the National Football League, meaning he deserves starting consideration in all fantasy lineups when the Bengals meet the Commanders in the Week 3 Monday Night Football matchup.

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki was solid in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs. The veteran had three catches for 18 yards in Week 1 against the Pats. He also nearly had a touchdown, although it was overturned. However, Gesicki made up for that performance by amassing a game-high seven grabs for 91 yards in Week 2. Without question, nobody expects him to be a top fantasy tight end. But with Tee Higgins (hamstring) sidelined, Gesicki could remain more involved. Yet, even when Higgins returns, it appears Gesicki has caught the attention of Joe Burrow, giving him value for Week 3 against the Commanders for fantasy managers looking to fill a void at the position.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas shined in the Week 2 matchup with the Chiefs. Unfortunately, the Bengals lost a close one, courtesy of a Harrison Butker field goal as time expired. Iosivas had only three catches for 26 yards in Week 1 versus the New England Patriots. Although he had only two catches for seven yards in this one, both resulted in a trip to the end zone. With that in mind, nobody can say when Tee Higgins (hamstring) will be back. But if he's not healthy enough to return for the Week 3 clash with the Commanders, Iosivas is at least a flex option in all fantasy formats.