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Since Ryan Finley took over for Andy Dalton two games ago, Tyler Boyd has seven receptions for 62 yards, and Alex Erickson has one reception for 13 yards. Finley has completed 29-of-61 passes for 282 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. His sub-50 percent completion rate is even worse when you realize he’s averaging just 4.6 yards per attempt. With such short passes, you’d think he’d have more completions. How do you complete 41.9 percent of your passes against the Raiders anyway?
Fantasy football analysis: Cincinnati Bengals WRs Tyler Boyd, Alex Erickson
The Steelers rank fifth in DVOA against the pass while they rank 17th in allowing fantasy points to wide receivers. Pittsburgh has yet to allow a wide receiver to top 100 yards against them, but they have given up big yardage to slot receivers, with 8 percent of their yardage going to receivers out of the slot. That bodes well for Boyd, but there’s also no doubt that this Bengals passing offense does not look good with Finley at the helm.
Boyd’s one reception for zero yards last week did not sit well with him, and he voiced his displeasure with his lack of targets. His coach Zac Taylor agreed that Boyd needs to see more work.
With Auden Tate likely out, Boyd’s workload should get a boost even without greasing the squeaky wheel. Erickson’s targets should go up as well, but he is too inconsistent in a not great matchup.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Start Boyd.
Sit Tate.