As the 2023 fantasy football season draws near, fantasy managers are eagerly analyzing player performances, team strategies, and draft rankings. Among the more intriguing teams to watch this year is the Cincinnati Bengals, a franchise that has been steadily building momentum under the guidance of their dynamic quarterback and talented roster. With a potent offense teeming with promising young stars, the Bengals have become a captivating option for fantasy managers seeking game-changing players. In this comprehensive fantasy football preview, we will delve into notable off-season acquisitions and each fantasy-relevant position to help you navigate the virtual gridiron and maximize your success in the 2023 season. Get ready to uncover some secrets in this 2023 Cincinnati Bengals fantasy football preview.
Cincinnati Bengals Fantasy Football Preview
Key Subtractions and Additions
The NFL is an ever-evolving landscape. Lucky for those who can’t get enough football, the last couple of NFL off-seasons have been very busy. This off-season was no different. There are tons of new faces in new places. Let us quickly get you caught up with the more notable moves that the Buffalo Bills made thus far in 2023.
Key players lost in free agency: S- Jessie Bates (Falcons), S- Vonn Bell (Panthers), TE- Hayden Hurst (Panthers)
Notable free agency additions: OT- Orlando Brown Jr. (Chiefs), TE- Irv Smith Jr. (Vikings)
Additions via draft: DE- Myles Murphy, CB- DJ Turner, S- Jordan Battle, WR- Charlie Jones, RB- Chase Brown
Positional Previews
Quarterback
All eyes will be on Joe Burrow as he enters his fourth season in the NFL, and fantasy managers are eager to see how he will perform. Despite his rookie campaign being cut short by a devastating knee injury, Burrow showed immense promise and poise as a young quarterback. With a full offseason to prepare, expectations are high for Burrow in the 2023 season. Armed with a talented receiving corps and an improved offensive line, he has the tools to thrive in the Bengals’ dynamic offense. Fantasy managers can anticipate Burrow to continue his development and showcase his accuracy, decision-making, and ability to connect with his playmakers.
Not mentioned above, the Bengals also lost backup quarterback Brandon Allen to free agency. With that, they signed on Trevor Siemian who has experience playing under new offensive coordinator Brian Callahan. There is absolutely no quarterback controversy here. In Cincinnati, Joe Burrow sits on the throne, that much will be made obvious when he and the Bengals come to terms on a long-term deal, which should make him the highest-paid QB in the league.
It’s scary to think that after completing 68.3% of his passes for 4,475 yards, 35 TD, and a passer rating of 100.8 that there is still room for improvement in Joe’s eyes.
Running Back
The Cincinnati Bengals’ running back room presents an intriguing landscape in the 2023 season. At the forefront is the dynamic Joe Mixon, a multi-talented back who has, in the past, showcased his ability to contribute both as a rusher and a receiver. Mixon’s combination of power, agility, and elusiveness makes him a tantalizing fantasy option, capable of delivering consistent production and explosive plays. However, it’s important to note that Mixon is coming off of a down season in which he totaled only 3.9 yards per carry, which could impact his workload and overall fantasy value.
As for Trayveon Williams, he has shown flashes of potential but has primarily served as a depth option. While he may not be a reliable fantasy starter, Williams could have value as a handcuff or a late-round flyer. The same cannot be said for Chris Evans, who saw fewer and fewer opportunities on special teams as the season went on.
The addition of rookie Chase Brown adds an exciting element to the Bengals’ backfield. Brown’s college success and versatility make him an intriguing prospect for fantasy managers. While his role may start off limited, his potential for a larger workload and impact as the season progresses cannot be overlooked. In fact, thanks to his draft stock, Brown is probably the RB you want on your roster if you don’t have faith in Mixon.
It must be noted that over the last couple of seasons, the Bengals’ offense has shifted into a pass-first style. Overall, the Bengals’ running back room still provides a mix of established talent, depth, and untapped potential, offering fantasy managers a range of options and strategies to consider in their pursuit of fantasy football success.
Wide Receiver
The Cincinnati Bengals’ wide receiver corps is set to be a fantasy football goldmine in the 2023 season. Leading the charge is the electric JaMarr Chase, whose combination of speed, athleticism, and route-running prowess sets him up as a bonafide WR1. After a remarkable sophomore campaign once again exceeding 1,000 yards, Chase is poised to build upon his success and establish himself as the go-to target for quarterback Joe Burrow.
Alongside Chase, Tee Higgins enters his fourth season with immense upside. Standing tall at 6’4″, Higgins is a red-zone threat with exceptional contested catch ability, making him a valuable fantasy asset with significant touchdown potential. The dependable Tyler Boyd provides a reliable option in the slot, known for his consistent production and knack for finding open spaces. A down year for his standards (58-762-5) may have led the Bengals to select Charlie Jones in the 4th round.
As for rookie Charlie Jones out of Purdue, he brings intriguing potential to the table. While his role may initially be limited, his athleticism and playmaking ability could earn him opportunities as the season progresses. Especially if Boyd’s production continues to regress.
With the Bengals’ dynamic offense and Burrow’s willingness to spread the ball, this wide receiver corps promises to be a fantasy footballer’s dream. Whether it’s the explosive big plays from Chase, the red-zone prowess of Higgins, or the steady production from Boyd, investing in the Bengals’ wide receivers could prove to be a fruitful decision for fantasy managers seeking a winning edge.
Tight End
The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves facing an interesting situation at the tight end position heading into the 2023 fantasy football season. With the departure of Hayden Hurst in free agency to the Panthers, the team made a strategic move by signing Irv Smith Jr. to a one-year prove-it deal. Smith Jr., formerly with the Minnesota Vikings, possesses an intriguing blend of size, athleticism, and pass-catching ability. While injuries have limited his impact in previous seasons, a fresh start with the Bengals could provide him with an opportunity to showcase his skills and emerge as a reliable option in their dynamic offense.
Unfortunately, the Bengals missed out on the top tight end prospects in the draft, Dalton Kincaid and Michael Mayer. This may leave the team relying on Smith Jr. and potentially exploring additional options during the season. Fantasy managers should approach the Bengals’ tight end situation with caution, as it remains uncertain how the targets will be distributed among the receivers and the tight end position.
Given the current circumstances, Irv Smith Jr. stands as the Bengals’ primary tight end option. While Drew Sample should serve his usual role as a blocker. Smith Jr. carries some risk due to his injury history and the one-year deal, his upside and potential in the Bengals’ offense make him a worthwhile late-round pick or waiver wire addition. It’s essential to monitor Smith Jr.’s progress during training camp and preseason to gauge his involvement in the offense and chemistry with quarterback Joe Burrow.
In summary, the Bengals’ tight end position is a bit of a question mark heading into the 2023 fantasy football season. With the departure of Hayden Hurst, the team brought in Irv Smith Jr. on a prove-it deal, hoping he can unlock his potential and become a reliable target for Burrow. While the missed opportunity to acquire top tight end prospects in the draft is unfortunate, fantasy managers can keep an eye on Smith Jr.’s progress and consider him as a late-round option with upside. It’s crucial to stay attentive to any potential changes or additions to the Bengals’ tight end depth chart throughout the season to make informed decisions.
D/ST
The Cincinnati Bengals’ defense is undergoing significant changes heading into the 2023 fantasy football season. The loss of both safeties, Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell, poses a challenge for the team’s secondary. However, the Bengals made an effort to solidify their defensive backfield by signing Nick Scott to a contract extension. Scott’s experience and familiarity with the system should provide stability and leadership in the absence of Bates and Bell.
In the draft, the Bengals addressed their pass rush by selecting defensive end Myles Murphy in the first round. Murphy brings an impressive combination of size, athleticism, and disruptive abilities to the table. His presence on the defensive line should help generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks and provide potential fantasy value in terms of sacks and tackles for loss.
The Bengals also focused on bolstering their cornerback depth by selecting DJ Turner in the second round. Turner’s speed and ball skills make him an intriguing prospect, and he could contribute immediately in the Bengals’ secondary. His ability to break up passes and create turnovers could result in valuable fantasy points.
It’s worth noting that the Bengals also invested in special teams by drafting punter Brad Robbins. While punters don’t typically have a significant impact on fantasy football, Robbins’ ability to flip field position could indirectly benefit the defense by putting opponents in unfavorable starting positions.
Overall, the Bengals’ defense is in transition with the loss of key safeties, but they have made efforts to mitigate the impact through signings and draft selections. Fantasy managers should monitor the development of Myles Murphy and DJ Turner, as they have the potential to make an impact in terms of sacks, tackles, and interceptions. While the defense may experience some growing pains, particularly in the secondary, their focus on special teams with the addition of Brad Robbins could indirectly benefit the unit as a whole. Stay tuned for updates during training camp and the preseason to gain further insights into the Bengals’ defensive prospects for the 2023 fantasy football season.
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