Cincinnati Bengals DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher had some glowing words about the two-headed backfield of Zack Moss and Chase Brown after practice on Wednesday, saying he's "super pleased with both." Pitcher complemented Moss being a consummate pro and being where he needs to be on every single play, regardless of what has been asked of him. As for Brown, Pitcher said, "Chase is the young, budding talent that we all expected him to be, who adds an explosive element to our rushing attack, and catching the ball out of the backfield." Both backs are worthy of high-end RB3 status in fantasy, with Moss perhaps having the early-season edge. Brown has been a fast riser in training camp and could surpass the veteran Moss during the season. We may see one or both during the Bengals' opening preseason matchup at home against the Buccaneers on Saturday night.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has thrown just one preseason pass in his NFL career, but FOX Sports' Greg Auman expects that to change in the team's preseason opener this Saturday against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "I'm excited for it," said Burrow, who's now healthy after suffering a wrist injury last November that ended his 2023 season. "I'm excited to get these reps and have these reps to get better right now." Head coach Zac Taylor understands there are injury risks with playing starters in the preseason, but he also recognizes the advantages of giving them real time in a huddle against an opponent. If Burrow does see preseason action this weekend, it probably won't be for more than an offensive series or two. And as long as the 27-year-old former first overall pick doesn't have a setback with his surgically repaired wrist in the preseason, he will be a prime bounce-back candidate in fantasy as a midrange QB1.

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (undisclosed) is reportedly dealing with "tightness" and is considered "day-to-day," according to head coach Zac Taylor. While it's never ideal to miss time or be limited in practice, this should not be much of a concern. The veteran from Penn State has racked up 260 receptions for 2,861 yards and 20 touchdowns through his first 98 games with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. Although the Bengals selected Erick All Jr. in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft, Gesicki could begin the season as the clear TE1 for quarterback Joe Burrow as All works his way back from a torn ACL and adjusts to the NFL. That said, Gesicki likely has limited upside while competing for targets with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. He is best served as a late-round flier in traditional fantasy leagues and best-ball setups.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton returned to practice on Sunday after being out for a couple of practices last week due to an ankle injury. At the time, the team was calling it an ankle tweak and it seems like that's how it ended up playing out. The rookie receiver is expected to take over the spot left by Tyler Boyd which should translate into a steady diet of targets from Joe Burrow. There are still some unknowns surrounding Tee Higgins, so Burton's value could fluctuate through training camp. Either way, Burton has been a good value selection in dynasty formats and is ranked as the 71st receiver in Rotoballer's half-PPR draft rankings.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown continues to turn heads at training camp, with the sophomore amassing an impressive score during a recent practice. He finished his first season in the league by compiling 179 yards off 44 carries, adding 14 catches for 156 yards and a touchdown. While fantasy managers have heard this before regarding Brown's potential, he has a chance to climb the depth chart and overtake Zack Moss for touches at some point during the 2024-25 campaign. If anything, the 24-year-old should be considered for insurance purposes for those selecting Moss in fantasy drafts ahead of Week 1.