The Cincinnati Bengals will travel to take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, specifically regarding WR Ja’Marr Chase.
Is Ja’Marr Chase Playing in Week 1?
Chase is not listed on the injury report this week, so barring any setbacks, he will play.
We’ll continue to monitor the Bengals’ injury report leading up to kickoff for any changes. You can also visit and bookmark our Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Should You Start or Sit Ja’Marr Chase in Week 1?
The Browns were the top pressure defense in 2024, and that, on the surface, sounds like I’m trending toward an anti-Chase case in an effort to make headlines and take the internet by storm.
Relax.
Last season, Chase, on a per-target basis, was 27.2% better than the league average receiver when Joe Burrow wasn’t feeling the heat, a rate that spiked to 38.2% when pressure was applied. When push came to shove, Cincinnati’s WR1 was more WR1-ery the better the opposing front line played, a trait we tend to see from the true alphas who have an elite connection with their signal-caller.
You spent your first pick, likely the top overall pick, on Chase this summer and should feel great about that investment as the NFL has yet to find a way to slow him down. You should be aware that not all WR1s come out of the gates on fire.
WR1 per ADP
- 2024 CeeDee Lamb: WR23 with 13.6 points
- 2023 Justin Jefferson: WR7 with 24 points
- 2022 Copper Kupp: WR2 with 31.8 points
- 2021 Davante Adams: WR53 with 10.6 points
- 2020 Michael Thomas: WR78 with 4.7 points
Chase is a machine, and even during a triple crown season, he didn’t dominate the games (97 total yards and no touchdowns through the first two weeks of 2024).
You’re playing Chase every week and not thinking twice about it. If you told me he had to get a finger amputated on Thursday, I think he’s still cracking my top-15 at the position.
2.5
That’s my cutoff. If he had over 2.5 fingers amputated, I think I’d be making drastic ranking changes. There is tremendous variance at the position and in this sport as a whole, which is why I highlighted some of the past WR1 performances. However, the “start your stars” mantra is still something that I’m doing until something tangible changes.
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Week 1 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em article.
Ja’Marr Chase’s Fantasy Points Projection in Week 1
Chase is projected to score 24.5 points in PPR formats. This includes 8 receptions for 108.9 yards and 0.9 touchdowns.
Check out the free PFSN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
Week 1 Weather Impact: Bengals at Browns
Weather could be a factor in this outdoor game with temperatures at 72 degrees Fahrenheit and winds of 12 mph. The wind may impact deep passes and field goal attempts.
