In Week 3, the Cincinnati Bengals will face the Washington Commanders as part of a Monday Night Football doubleheader. Which Bengals wide receivers should be in your fantasy football team’s starting lineup? Let’s break down Cincinnati’s WR options.
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Ja’Marr Chase Fantasy Outlook
There is a fine line between worrying and making actionable changes. I remain stubborn that we are not at the latter with Chase, but we are certainly at the former. Over his last three starts with Burrow, Chase has turned 11 catches into just 21.7 fantasy points. Here are his numbers with Burrow throwing the ball in those three games compared to his statistical profile beforehand:
Last three games with Burrow:
- Receptions per route: 12.9%
- PPR fantasy points per target: 1.45
- Target share: 17.6%
- Average depth of target: 6.9 yards
Career previously with Burrow:
- Receptions per route: 16.7%
- PPR fantasy points per target: 2.04
- Target share: 25.2%
- Average depth of target: 11.1 yards
In theory, this is a buy-low opportunity. Burrow and Tee Higgins will be healthier with time, and that should increase Chase’s metrics across the board. “Theories,” however, don’t put fantasy points on the board – matchups against the Commanders do.
This is a hinge spot of sorts. A monster game and we will forgive him for the recent struggles and lock him in as a WR1 moving forward. Another underwhelming showing and the alarm will officially sound.
Tee Higgins Fantasy Outlook
We got an optimistic update in the middle of last week from Zac Taylor, as the head coach mentioned that Higgins (hamstring) was making progress. That matches up with the Bengals refusing to rule him out too far in advance in either of the first two games this season.
He’s getting close, which puts us as fantasy managers in a very interesting spot.
First is the scheduling component. Much like the A.J. Brown situation of Week 2, a banged-up MNF receiver is a pain to deal with because you have to factor in a zero-point floor.
That’s where the similarities end.
Brown is a bonafide WR1 and was involved in a game where adding a safety blanket wasn’t much of an option (maybe Darnell Mooney was available in your league, if not, it was likely Jahan Dotson on your radar). Higgins isn’t Brown, and I like the profile of the secondary options (pick a Commanders pass catcher not named McLaurin, and the Bengals have some options, including Mike Gesicki) more than what was available last week for this spot.
So you plug in Higgins, add a backup, and be on your way, right? The matchup is sublime, and we’ve seen him put up big numbers with Burrow under center.
You haven’t played fantasy sports long enough if you think it’s that easy.
This is Higgins’ fifth season since coming out of Clemson. Here are his cumulative numbers from the first game he’s played in those first four seasons:
- PPR fantasy points: 27.0 (6.8 per game)
- Receptions: nine
- Targets: 21 (42.9% catch rate)
- Receptions per route: 7.6%
That looks bad, and it doesn’t get any better when I provide context.
Tutu Atwell, 2023:
- PPR fantasy PPG: 7.0
- Catch rate: 58.2%
- Receptions per route: 9.7%
I have Higgins ranked as a player that I’m waiting on, but I wouldn’t blame you for treading lightly. If you’re fully committed to the Sunday routine of locking in for 11 straight hours, you have a slightly different option.
Why not pencil him in, roster a backup option, and see where your matchup stands as the first wave of games come to a close? With five games in the second window, the odds are decent that you have a player on your bench that is better than your Higgins MNF insurance — read and react.
Rashod Bateman and Michael Wilson play later. The Rams are filling the Puka Nacua role for at least another three games, so there’s opportunities up for grabs there. Heck, take it a step further and stash your favorite for the WR3 role in Kansas City (Sunday Night Football).
This strategy allows you to make a more informed decision. If you’re trailing, do options like this offer a higher ceiling than your MNF plan? What about a floor if you’re leading and worried about Hggins’ role/production?
This situation is a pain, but you have options at your disposal, and as the week goes on, I’m happy to offer my insights on your specific situation @KyleSoppePFN on X.