Cincinnati Bengals DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has been in the headlines often in the lead-up to Week 1 of the regular season this Sunday against the New England Patriots, mainly because of his high-profile contract stand-off with the team. Chase said that Friday is his deadline for a long-term contract extension to be completed, but he also things a deal is within striking distance. Even if a new deal isn't reached by Friday, the All-Pro pass-catcher said he'd be willing to play in 2024. In terms of whether he'll play this weekend in the season opener, though, Chase has labeled himself a "game-time decision" and said he'd likely be limited if he does suit up. Not only does this make Chase a much more shaky WR1 in fantasy in Week 1, but it puts a dark cloud over the entire Cincy offense with wideout Tee Higgins (hamstring) also looking potentially questionable to play. We may not have a clear picture on Chase's and Higgins' availability until Sunday morning.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (holdout) told the media on Friday that he considers himself a game-time decision for Sunday and will be "limited" if he does play, according to Charlie Goldsmith of the Enquirer. Chase returned to practice on Wednesday after being held out of practice due to contract negotiations. While it is a promising sign to have seen Chase at practice over the past three days, he still considers himself a game-time call before Sunday's season opener. Fantasy managers should continue paying close attention to updates regarding the 24-year-old's status. Earlier on Friday, the No.2 receiver, Tee Higgins (hamstring), was not seen at practice. If both Chase and Higgins happen to suit up against the New England Patriots over the weekend, fantasy managers could expect both to play in a limited capacity, which may open more targets for Andrei Iosivas. However, no matter his capacity, Chase should be locked into all lineups if he plays.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was spotted at practice on Friday ahead of the team's Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots. Despite his lengthy training camp hold-in, Chase appears on track to play Sunday. However, Tee Higgins showed up on the injury report on Thursday with a hamstring injury. After being a limited participant on Thursday, Higgins wasn't out on the field at the start of Friday's practice. Going from a limited participant to a non-participant this late in the week likely means he won't play on Sunday. Jermaine Burton and Andrei Iosivas would benefit if Higgins misses Sunday's contest.

Washington Commanders kicker Cade York joined the Commanders during the last week of August in exchange for a late-round pick, making him the new starting kicker. The Commanders opened the preseason with Riley Patterson and Ramiz Ahmed on their roster, but both failed to make the final cut after they missed several attempts. Last season, York did not attempt a field goal, but in his 2022 rookie campaign, he went 24-for-32 on attempts and 35-for-37 on extra points. The 23-year-old struggled from deep as he went a poor 4-for-7 from 50 or more yards. Fantasy managers should not consider York a streaming option in the season opener, given his inconsistent performances as a professional kicker. However, if Daniels can move the Washington offense down the field through the season, York could enter streaming conversations later on.

Although there is no official resolution between the Cincinnati Bengals and star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase on a long-term contract extension, he is expected to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener this Sunday against the New England Patriots after putting in two limited practice sessions so far this week. For what it's worth, quarterback Joe Burrow said that Chase will be ready to go this weekend. The Bengals and Chase have been deep in contract negotiations for around the last month, but it remains unclear if they will be able to work something out before Sunday. The 24-year-old was a top-10 fantasy selection in drafts and should be locked into all starting lineups against the Patriots, although there is clear bust potential here for him just because of the fact that he practiced with the team only twice before this week.