The Cincinnati Bengals face a challenging season as playoff hopes dim, yet their offense remains a fantasy football hotspot.The Bengals may be falling short this season, but their high-powered offense keeps fantasy managers excited.
A Game of Yards: Bengals vs. Steelers Breakdown
Sunday’s showdown saw Pittsburgh overpower Cincinnati with a 44-38 victory. The Bengals didn’t hold back offensively, amassing 375 yards and securing 25 first downs. Yet, it wasn’t enough. Pittsburgh surged ahead, piling up 520 yards and 28 first downs. For a moment, Arthur Smith mirrored Bill Walsh’s strategic brilliance with Pittsburgh’s playbook.
Joe Burrow delivered a solid performance, throwing for 309 yards and three touchdowns, earning 23.16 fantasy points. However, the real fantasy gold lay in the skill positions:
- Ja’Marr Chase: 6 receptions, 86 yards, 1 TD (17.6 points)
- Tee Higgins: 5 receptions, 69 yards, 1 TD (15.4 points)
- Chase Brown: 100 total yards, 1 TD (17.5 points)
Burrow’s distribution was precise, with half his targets going to Chase and Higgins. Brown also saw significant action with 12 carries, contrasting Khalil Herbert’s single touch. It’s this balanced ball distribution that keeps fantasy managers on their toes.
Wilson’s Night: Steelers Dominate Fantasy Points
Russell Wilson didn’t hold back, throwing for 414 yards and three touchdowns, racking up 27.86 fantasy points. His 10.9 yards per attempt and a season-high 38 pass attempts highlighted his aggressive playstyle. Pittsburgh’s receivers spread out their targets, but key contributors included:
- George Pickens: 3 receptions, 74 yards, 1 TD (14.9 points)
- Pat Freiermuth: 6 receptions, 68 yards, 1 TD (15.8 points)
Najee Harris also made his presence felt with 22 touches for 129 yards and a touchdown. Despite the team’s loss, Wilson’s performance remains a valuable asset for fantasy leagues.
Fantasy Outlook: Bengals’ Remaining Schedule
The Bengals’ future games hold promise for fantasy enthusiasts. Their schedule includes:
- Dallas
- Tennessee
- Cleveland
- Denver
Historically, the over has hit in nine of their last twelve games, often exceeding 50 points. This trend suggests continued high-scoring games, keeping fantasy managers engaged. Here’s a quick look at upcoming matchups:
| Week | Opponent | Location | Over/Under Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Dallas | Away | Over |
| 16 | Tennessee | Away | Over |
| 17 | Cleveland | Home | Over |
| 18 | Denver | Home | Over |
Despite the Bengals not making the playoffs, their offense ensures they’re still a key player in fantasy football discussions.
Commanders’ Offensive Fireworks Continue
Washington’s offense remains a top fantasy target. Jayden Daniels led a 42-19 win over Tennessee, throwing for three touchdowns and adding a rushing TD. Daniels now tops the overall scoring leaderboard with 28.64 points in Yahoo’s default scoring system.
Key contributors for Washington include:
- Terry McLaurin: 8 receptions, 73 yards, 2 TDs (23.3 points)
- Zach Ertz: 3 receptions, 35 yards, 1 TD (11 points)
- Brian Robinson: 16 carries, 103 yards, 1 TD (17.4 points)
- Chris Rodriguez Jr.: 13 receptions, 94 yards, 1 TD
The Commanders are set to face New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Atlanta in their final games, promising more exciting opportunities for fantasy managers.
Waiver Wire Wonders: Tennessee’s Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has been a standout for Tennessee, scoring eight touchdowns in eight games. His stats:
- 20 catches
- 365 yards
- 8 TDs
With DeAndre Hopkins traded and Westbrook-Ikhine seeing over 90% of snap shares, he’s become a sleeper pick in many leagues. Managers might consider adding him as teams navigate the final bye-week challenges of the season.
The Cousins Conundrum: Falcons Struggle at QB
Kirk Cousins’ tenure with the Falcons remains questionable. After a recent 17-13 loss to the Chargers, Cousins recorded:
- 0 TDs
- 4 interceptions
- 6.3 YPA
- 40.0 QBR
His decision-making and arm strength are under scrutiny, impacting his fantasy value. Meanwhile, Ladd McConkey has emerged as a reliable target, amassing 117 yards on 12 receptions. Quentin Johnston, however, struggled with only 2 yards on 4 targets, making him a risky pick for the remainder of the season.
