Fantasy football owners shouldn’t give up on playing Cincinnati Bengals players yet.
Storm clouds on the horizon are never comforting. They foretell an ominous near future, projecting dread and fear. But behind those clouds routinely is a crack in that blanket of doom, a ray of sunshine that promises a brighter, more comfortable tomorrow.
The question the Madman has asked themself is this: Is the Bengals’ offense in the middle of the storm, or are the clouds about to break? Cincinnati rebuilt its offensive line in the offseason, bringing back just one starter from the 2021 unit that gave up 55 sacks — third-most in the league, and not including the seven suffered in its Super Bowl loss. So far, it hasn’t worked great. The Bengals have allowed 13 sacks through two games. Let’s put that in perspective by comparing it to last season’s subpar unit. The 55 the woeful 2021 line gave up averaged 3.2 per game. The 2022 Bengals line has given up 6.5 per game the first two weeks, which is on pace for 110.5 for the season. That is nearly double last year’s worst O-line . Yet, two weeks is not a full season, and it is foolhardy to use such data to project across an entire season. What looks normal today might look different come January. The NFL has a way of doing that, flipping logic on its head — from season-to-season, week-to-week or even game-to-game. What does that mean for Bengals players who might be on your fantasy roster? Well, it means for the time being, lower expectations, but don’t bail out. One major factor in an offensive line’s effectiveness is continuity. Given more time to play together, the new line should naturally start playing better together — unity, synergy, familiarity, whatever you want to call it — a principle that holds true for almost any position but particularly the O-line.A hint of that turnaround could start this week, or at least seem like it. Though the Bengals have given up 6.5 sacks per game, the Jets have registered just 1.5 per game. The best cure for faulty pass protection is a lackluster pass rush. The Jets rank in the middle of the pack in terms of defense against various important fantasy positions — QB, RB, WR. But they got to face a Jacoby Brissett-led Browns offense last week, which isn’t exactly the same caliber as the defending AFC champs. Hence, we’re not afraid of using Joe Burrow this week. Since we’re not afraid of him, we also are not afraid of using the Bengals’ top WRs — Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, even Tyler Boyd — as we normally would. Same with Joe Mixon. It seems obvious, because it should be. Don’t overthink it. In fact, we don’t see a defense that will shift our confidence until the Bengals face the Steelers again in Week 11. Now, should Cincy O-line prove worse than the Jets’ pass rush in a battle of ineptitude, perhaps we will change our tune next week. At that point, our little ray of sunshine will be overtaken by more dark clouds.We’re going to keep going to this well, thanks to a strong feeling this team is going to rake on day soon.He hasn’t done a lot yet, but against a Bills defense with a more effective secondary than the Ravens’ D the Fins faced last week, more check-down passes could be in the offing for the RB.Some will question this matchup against the No. 1 defense vs. WRs. Reminder: The Broncos have played the Seahawks and Texans — neither to be confused with proficient offenses — so we’re not buying their dominance. And Jimmy Garoppolo under center for Niners will help.Arizona has given up three touchdowns to tight ends in the first two weeks. Higbee is second behind Cooper Kupp in receptions, targets and yards for the Rams.Coming off a blockbuster six-TD game, expect a return to earth, just because that often happens. If the Dolphins do stay in the game, it will be because they keep a lid on the Bills’ O. They’re not going to win a shootout like they did last week.If Herbert plays, you can’t sit him, but tone down your expectations. The Jags can apply pressure, and sore ribs make it hard to throw. So we worry about his comfort, efficiency and possibility for aggravating the injury.He is dealing with an ankle injury, but has practiced some this week. Even if he plays, we don’t like his prospects. He has been inefficient when healthy, and now faces a team that has yet to give up a TD to a running back.We might not be worried about Aiyuk’s matchup, but Wilson’s does cause us anxiety. Beyond just being a ho-hum talent, a stiff opposition and Deebo Samuel stealing carries undermines Wilson’s upside.Site:
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