Our Cincinnati Bengals 2023 Fantasy Preview gives you the run down on the teams outlook going into the season.
Notable Offseason Moves
Additions
- Trevor Siemian (QB)
- Irv Smith Jr. (TE)
- Orlando Brown (OT)
- Cody Ford (OG)
Departures
- Samaje Perine (RB)
- Hayden Hurst (TE)
Draft Recap
The Bengals clearly think that bringing back their offense (in the main) and adding to their offensive line in free agency was the way to go. With how that offense performed last year, it’s hard to disagree. The Bengals added edge rusher Myles Murphy, along with DBs DJ Turner and Jordan Battle.
The Bengals did take some shots in the later rounds on some offensive talent, but with the strength they have at receiver especially, they could really struggle to make an impact.
Positional Previews
Notable Players- Joe Burrow
Burrow is a top QB in the NFL, shown in his leadership during tough moments on the field, and how this offense has taken a step forward with him throwing passes. The offensive line has been improved each season, with another addition of Orlando Brown this offseason. Burrow is extremely comfortable in the offense, and should have another great season for fantasy.
Notable Players- Joe Mixon
Mixon might have some off-field issues, but his on-field performances should be good this season. Last season, he got good volume but struggled at times in finishing drives. But, with Samaje Perine moving on and signing with the Broncos, Mixon should see a bump in scoring opportunities this season (provided he stays healthy and avoids any off-field issues).
Notable Players- Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins & Tyler Boyd
This receiving group might be the strongest in the NFL. Chase is an elite talent, one of the best receivers in the league. His connection with Burrow is undeniable. Combine that with this Bengals pass-happy offense, and we are talking about a WR1- maybe THE WR1 for fantasy.
Higgins getting secondary coverage is great too. He is a top-tier receiver, and has torn up defenses since his rookie season. With back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons, this is another top option who should have a comfortable WR2 for fantasy. If Chase were forced to miss time, Higgins should be a WR1. (Although that is baked into his ADP).
Boyd is the third option in the offense, and it shows in his usage. He has seen spotty usage since the emergence of Higgins and Chase in the offense. Should still be a flex option week-to-week, with some nice upside if Chase or Higgins were set to to miss time, but that path is a little bit more murky with Boyd operating out of the slot primarily.
Notable Players- Irv Smith Jr.
I might be in a camp on my own here, but Smith is a top target of mine in drafts this season. He has shown his ability with the Vikings, but has struggled to stay on the field (due to Kyle Rudolph being the starter, before injury took over). With the performances of Hayden Hurst last season, with the volume of pass attempts in the offense, he has a decent opportunity to be effective for fantasy this season.
Team Projections
NOTE: Not all players are stated out
Quarterbacks
| Name | Pass Cmp | Pass Att | Pass Yards | Pass TDs | Pass INTs | Rush Att | Rush Yards | Rush TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Joe Burrow | 425 | 615 | 5,105 | 32 | 12 | 57 | 201 | 3 |
Running Backs
| Name | Rush Att | Rush Yards | Rush TDs | Targets | Recs | Rec Yards | Rec TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Joe Mixon | 230 | 919 | 9 | 62 | 53 | 398 | 2 |
Wide Receivers
| Name | Rush Att | Rush Yards | Rush TDs | Targets | Recs | Rec Yards | Rec TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ja'Marr Chase | 8 | 30 | - | 155 | 101 | 1,414 | 10 |
Tee Higgins | - | - | - | 124 | 83 | 1,162 | 7 |
Tyler Boyd | - | - | - | 93 | 65 | 845 | 5 |
Tight Ends
| Name | Rush Att | Rush Yards | Rush TDs | Targets | Recs | Rec Yards | Rec TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Irv Smith Jr. | - | - | - | 62 | 43 | 409 | 4 |
