Cincinnati Bengals DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss signed a two-year deal with the team this offseason. He's coming off the best year of his career, running for 794 yards and five touchdowns off 183 attempts, adding 27 catches for 192 yards and 2 touchdowns in 14 games with the Colts. With Joe Mixon now in Houston, the door is open for someone to take over the No. 1 spot in the backfield. Although some predict Moss will see the majority of the touches over Chase Brown, at least early in the year, his fantasy outlook isn't as clear while the likelihood of a timeshare exists. But Ja'Marr Chase (not injury-related) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) aren't a lock to suit up in Week 1. As a result, Moss could see more touches than usual. He may also see more attention on the receiving end from Joe Burrow (wrist), who could start the 2024-25 campaign without his two primary receiving options. With that said, Moss should be a starting fantasy option in nearly all formats on Sunday, especially if Higgins or Chase are out. The same would be true for Brown, who would be in line for more snaps against the Patriots.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) logged another full practice on Friday, meaning he should be good to go in Week 1 versus the Patriots. Unfortunately, the signal-caller could be without his top weapons, with Ja'Marr Chase (not injury-related) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) potentially not suiting up for the opener. Without question, Burrow is a capable fantasy quarterback. However, his outlook isn't as promising if Chase and Higgins aren't on the field. But it's a new era in New England, with Bill Belichick no longer at the helm in favor of Jerod Mayo. With the coaching change, there could be bumps in the road for the Patriots defense. Regardless, Burrow is too talented to keep on the bench on Sunday. Fantasy managers should consider him a viable starting option in all formats imaginable.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is questionable to play against the New England Patriots due to ongoing contract disputes. Speaking to reporters after practice, Chase said he'd play without his sought-after extension but he feels a deal is close. Coach Zac Taylor said "We'll see" in regards to his star receiver suiting up. Chase sat out of training camp and admitted that he'll be limited if he is active on Sunday. The Bengals' number two receiver, Tee Higgins, is listed as doubtful after tweaking his hamstring in practice. A lack of top options could spell trouble for Joe Burrow's Week 1 projections, but it will mean more opportunities for WR Andrei Iosivas and TE Mike Gesicki. Chase is still a WR1 if he's active but fantasy managers should temper expectations.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) is officially listed as doubtful for the team's season opener on Sunday. Higgins tweaked his hamstring during Thursday's practice and missed practice on Friday, despite saying he felt "amazing" on Thursday. Higgins has a lengthy history of hamstring issues and it now appears that he'll miss his first game of 2024. Fellow wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is listed as questionable due to ongoing contract disputes. Andrei Iosivas is in line for more playing time and could be the team's de-facto top wide receiver against the Patriots if Higgins and Chase don't suit up.

Updating a previous report, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) tweaked his hamstring at practice on Thursday, according to head coach Zac Taylor. The head coach said "we'll see" in terms of Higgins' availability for Week 1 on Sunday against the New England Patriots. Higgins wasn't seen at the portion of practice open to the media on Friday and he's now trending toward a questionable tag on the final injury report. With Ja'Marr Chase (holdout) claiming himself a game-time decision for the season opener, too, it's possible the Bengals could be without both of their top two receivers this weekend. Chase and Higgins should be in fantasy lineups if they are active, but their Week 1 stock is trending down. If one or both of them are inactive against the Pats, it will open the door for much bigger roles for receiver Andrei Iosivas and tight end Mike Gesicki, among others. Stay tuned.