Cincinnati Bengals DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (illness, hold-in) remains questionable for Sunday's contest versus the New England Patriots. The wideout spent most of training camp spectating while searching for a new contract. As a result, various reports over the last month or so indicated he may not be willing to play until he gets a deal of his liking. Chase is adamant that his availability against the Patriots (and beyond) is his decision, so there's still a chance he could suit up. However, even if he's in uniform for the opener, his workload is expected to be reduced, considering his inactivity throughout camp and during recent practices. With Tee Higgins (hamstring) doubtful, Joe Burrow's fantasy outlook isn't as promising. As such, the Bengals may rely more on the running game, giving Zack Moss and Chase Brown higher fantasy ceilings. At the same time, players like Andrei Iosivas, Trenton Irwin, and Jermaine Burton will draw flex consideration. As far as Chase is concerned, he's still a must-start fantasy option if he plays, especially since he's one of the best receivers in the National Football League.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (illness, holdout) is questionable to play on Sunday against the New England Patriots. The superstar wide receiver was already questionable to play after barely practicing this week because of contract negotiations. Unfortunately, it feels like Chase is trending towards not playing in Week 1, leaving the Bengals with limited options at wide receiver. Tee Higgins (hamstring) isn't expected to play against the Patriots, meaning Andrei Iosivas and Jermaine Burton will likely get the start. Fantasy managers with quartrback Joe Burrow on their roster should consider other options in Week 1, including adding Justin Fields off the waiver wire with Russell Wilson (calf) questionable to suit up against the Atlanta Falcons. Meanwhile, Chase will be on a snap count if he plays, giving him bust potential as a high-end WR1.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas found the end zone four times as a rookie. As a result, many expect him to get more involved in the offense this season, especially with Tyler Boyd no longer on the roster. However, his level of involvement could increase even more in the Week 1 matchup with the New England Patriots. Ja'Marr Chase (not injury-related) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) aren't a lock to suit up. If that's the case, Joe Burrow (wrist) could look in Iosivas' direction more than initially anticipated, potentially giving him value as a flex option in deeper fantasy setups. But first, Chase and Higgins will officially need to be ruled out.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton (toe) scored twice in the preseason. Yet, it's logical to assume it will still take him at least a year or two before he's consistently relevant for fantasy managers. With that said, Ja'Marr Chase (not injury-related) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) may not be available for the Week 1 opener versus the New England Patriots. If that's the case, the rookie could see more snaps than anticipated, assuming he's cleared to suit up. Granted, Burton will need to compete primarily with Trenton Irwin and Andrei Iosivas for the attention of Joe Burrow. Still, fantasy managers in 12-team leagues and up should keep Burton on the back burner in the event Chase and Higgins are both ruled out.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown ran for 179 yards off 44 carries in his rookie season, adding 14 grabs for 156 yards and a touchdown. With Joe Mixon now in Houston, many anticipate the 24-year-old will be more involved than ever. Granted, Cincinnati signed Zack Moss to a two-year deal this offseason, so he'll also be on the field. However, there's a good chance both players will split carries equally out of the backfield throughout the 2024-25 campaign. With that in mind, the Bengals will begin the year with a Week 1 matchup versus the New England Patriots. But Ja'Marr Chase (not injury-related) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) may not suit up. If that's the case, Brown deserves flex consideration in every fantasy format, considering he may see more carries and targets from Joe Burrow.