Fantasy: 2019 Projections - Is Bengals' Boyd being underrated?
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With training camps approaching, theScore's Justin Boone is releasing his offensive projections for all 32 teams, including his thoughts on every fantasy-relevant player.
Projections are based on the following point values in PPR leagues:
- Passing Yards: 1 point per 25 yards
- Passing TDs: 4 points
- Interceptions: -2 points
- Rushing Yards: 1 point per 10 yards
- Rushing TDs: 6 points
- Receptions: 1 point
- Receiving Yards: 1 point per 10 yards
- Receiving TDs: 6 points
- Fumbles Lost: -2 points
- Two-point Conversions: 2 points
AFC East
NE | BUF | NYJ | MIA
NFC West
LAR | SF | SEA | ARI
AFC North
BAL | CIN | PIT | CLE
NFC South
ATL | NO | CAR | TB
| Fantasy Points | 221.32 |
|---|---|
| Attempts | 558 |
| Completions | 347 |
| Pass Yards | 3923 |
| Pass TDs | 21 |
| INTs | 14 |
| Carries | 26 |
| Rush Yards | 104 |
| Rush TDs | 0 |
| Fumbles Lost | 2 |
| 2PT | 1 |
As mentioned when we discussed quarterbacks who will exceed expectations next season, Dalton finished as a top-14 fantasy QB in five of his last eight campaigns. The results are shocking for a player who you'll never feel confident placing in your starting lineup. The arrival of new head coach Zac Taylor - a Sean McVay disciple - provides some hope that the passing attack can become more productive under an offensive-minded leader. With so many intriguing fantasy options available at the position, few managers will place their faith in Dalton, but don't be surprised if he finishes the year as a mid-range QB2.
Quarterback depth: Jeff Driskel wasn't the answer behind Dalton, so Cincinnati drafted Ryan Finley in the fourth round. The talent drop-off from Dalton to his backup may not be as notable as other starters around the league, but for fantasy purposes, there's no passer on the roster capable of carrying the offense as well as the Red Rifle.
Joe Mixon, RB| Fantasy Points | 272.8 |
|---|---|
| Carries | 264 |
| Rush Yards | 1285 |
| Rush TDs | 8 |
| Fumbles Lost | 0 |
| Targets | 61 |
| Receptions | 49 |
| Rec. Yards | 353 |
| Rec. TDs | 2 |
| 2PT | 0 |
Mixon overcame an often struggling offense in 2018 to deliver a breakout campaign. Injuries to Dalton, A.J. Green, Tyler Eifert, and several members of the offense weren't enough to contain Mixon, who racked up at least 80 yards from scrimmage in 11 of his 14 outings and ended the year with the 10th-most fantasy points among running backs. It's an area he'll be occupying for the foreseeable future.
Giovani Bernard, RB| Fantasy Points | 123.4 |
|---|---|
| Carries | 54 |
| Rush Yards | 347 |
| Rush TDs | 2 |
| Fumbles Lost | 0 |
| Targets | 54 |
| Receptions | 40 |
| Rec. Yards | 307 |
| Rec. TDs | 1 |
| 2PT | 0 |
Bernard has been one of the best backup running backs in both real life and fantasy as he rarely misses a beat when he's thrust into action. Paul Dehner of The Athletic recently suggested Bernard could have a bigger role with 11-13 touches per week alongside Mixon. If that came to fruition, Bernard would be a borderline flex play in addition to a top-tier handcuff.
Running back depth: With Bernard's contract up after this campaign, the Bengals proactively drafted a pair of rookie backs to replace him in 2020 - Rodney Anderson and Trayveon Williams. Anderson is the more skilled of the two, but his long list of collegiate injuries might prevent him from reaching his apex, which at one point appeared to be elite. Therefore, Williams has a better chance of making an impact should an opportunity arise this season.
A.J. Green, WR| Fantasy Points | 246.6 |
|---|---|
| Targets | 143 |
| Receptions | 81 |
| Rec. Yards | 1176 |
| Rec. TDs | 8 |
| Carries | 0 |
| Rush Yards | 0 |
| Rush TDs | 0 |
| Fumbles Lost | 1 |
| 2PT | 1 |
Green is also entering a contract year, only he'll be doing so coming off season-ending toe surgery that's kept him sidelined for most of the offseason program. All signs point to Green being ready for Week 1, but toe and foot injuries can be problematic for receivers, who rely on quickness and need to make sharp direction changes while running routes. We're operating under the belief that Green will be healthy and resume his status as a low-end WR1. His recovery needs to be monitored into training camp, though.
Tyler Boyd, WR| Fantasy Points | 201 |
|---|---|
| Targets | 112 |
| Receptions | 77 |
| Rec. Yards | 993 |
| Rec. TDs | 4 |
| Carries | 1 |
| Rush Yards | 7 |
| Rush TDs | 0 |
| Fumbles Lost | 0 |
| 2PT | 0 |
Boyd could be among the most underrated fantasy assets, having just amassed 76 receptions, 1,028 yards, and seven touchdowns during a breakout season. Anyone who thinks he'll be hurt by Green's return to the lineup wasn't watching him dust defenders on a weekly basis in 2018. Boyd was on pace for 98 receptions and 1,240 yards during the first half of the year when Green was in the lineup. His numbers actually dipped with Green sidelined. Boyd will be moving up into the 20s in my next rankings update.
John Ross, WR| Fantasy Points | 75.1 |
|---|---|
| Targets | 56 |
| Receptions | 24 |
| Rec. Yards | 362 |
| Rec. TDs | 2 |
| Carries | 5 |
| Rush Yards | 29 |
| Rush TDs | 0 |
| Fumbles Lost | 0 |
| 2PT | 0 |
Ross isn't worth fantasy consideration entering the season, but we've kept him in the article because this might his last shot to prove he can be a regular contributor on the Bengals' offense. If Ross can't rehabilitate his value under this new coaching staff, then his time in Cincinnati will likely be over.
Receiver depth: Cody Core, Alex Erickson, Josh Malone, and Auden Tate have all been named as potential fantasy waiver wire pickups when Green and others have missed time, but as of yet we haven't seen anyone from that group emerge. Depending what happens with Ross this season, they may get another chance.
Tyler Eifert, TE| Fantasy Points | 83.6 |
|---|---|
| Targets | 43 |
| Receptions | 31 |
| Rec. Yards | 348 |
| Rec. TDs | 3 |
| Carries | 0 |
| Rush Yards | 0 |
| Rush TDs | 0 |
| Fumbles Lost | 0 |
| 2PT | 0 |
Eifert is an incredibly difficult player to forecast due to his injury history. Since his 13-touchdown season in 2015, the veteran tight end has only suited up for 14 of a possible 48 contests. This projection is built around a very generous 10-game outlook, which in itself would be a win for Eifert. Unless you're playing in a TE premium league, you'd do best to stay away from this situation entirely.
Tight end depth: Uzomah didn't exactly capitalize on his opportunity to fill in for Eifert and, at times, an injured Tyler Kroft. After topping 50 yards just once on the year, Uzomah proved himself to be more of a bye-week fill-in or DFS swing. Whether Eifert is healthy or not, the Bengals' tight end depth chart isn't worth getting involved with.
2019 Fantasy ProjectionsAFC East
NE | BUF | NYJ | MIA
NFC West
LAR | SF | SEA | ARI
AFC North
BAL | CIN | PIT | CLE
NFC South
ATL | NO | CAR | TB
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