Cincinnati Bengals DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (right wrist) is listed on the injury report but was a full participant in practice on Wednesday. As anticipated, Burrow showed no limitations during Cincinnati's session, indicating his wrist injury is likely fully healed after an entire offseason of recovery. Burrow has faced various injuries throughout his career, including a torn ACL in his rookie season, which limited him to just ten games, and a calf strain that affected him last season before a wrist ligament tear ended his year early. If Ja'Marr Chase is active for Week 1, fantasy managers can confidently start Burrow in Cincinnati's season opener against the New England Patriots.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (rest) was officially listed as limited on Wednesday in the team's first official practice of the 2024 season. Before Wednesday, the All-Pro wideout had taken part in only two closed practices during the offseason amid negotiations over a long-term contract extension with the team. Chase's return to practice doesn't guarantee anything in regards to his playing status in Week 1 on Sunday against the New England Patriots or beyond, but it's an encouraging step and opens the door for him to play a full season whether he reaches an extension or not. The Bengals staff has plans in place to execute a game plan on Sunday with or without Chase. The 24-year-old is a must-start in redraft leagues if he's active, but a bigger concern is his physical conditioning and the possibility of a soft-tissue injury if he plays.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was spotted in uniform walking into Wednesday's practice as his high-profile contract extension discussions continue. The multi-time Pro Bowler has been at the team facility but not participating in practices while he searches for a new deal. According to reports, Chase was part of the team meeting to prepare for the New England Patriots. These are important steps toward his availability on Sunday, but it's worth monitoring Chase's involvement during practice today and the rest of the week. Chase is a must-start WR1 for fantasy football if he's active on Sunday.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase could need to practice on Wednesday in order to play on Sunday, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Chase is still without a new deal as of Wednesday morning, and Wednesday is a big day in the contract negotiations in relation to Chase's availability for Week 1, according to Russini's report. Chase is a long-time Bengal and has a long-standing connection with quarterback Joe Burrow, so he could get by with less practice time than others, but Russini believes a Wednesday practice could be a key sign whether or not Chase will be on the field for the Bengals against the Patriots on Sunday. Chase is a must-start as a WR1 in fantasy any time he is on the field.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown is listed as the team's primary kick returner heading into the 2024 season. This update coincides with the news that Brown ranks second on the running back depth chart behind Zack Moss. As it stands, Brown may have a slightly smaller role than many managers anticipated; we may see the two of them receive more of a defined starter and backup workload rather than a true 50/50 split. This means that Brown will still get involved out of the backfield, but he's likely headed for fewer opportunities than Moss while also playing a role on special teams. As a result, Brown is difficult to trust in fantasy lineups for Week 1 against the Patriots. He ranks outside the top 36 running backs while Moss is a low-end RB2.