UPDATE: Ja’Marr Chase ($7,800) will be active today despite not reaching a contract agreement with the Cincinnati Bengals.
This is fantastic news for Chase, Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense. However, as discussed in a previous update, the 24-year-old may still be limited in playing time. With Tee Higgins ($6,100) out, Chase should see plenty of targets, while slot receiver Andre Iosivas ($3,000) makes for an interesting low-salary play.
– Matt De Lima
UPDATE: After practice on Friday, star WR Ja’Marr Chase ($7,800) said he is considering playing in Week 1 even if he doesn’t get the new contract he has been seeking with his “hold-in” this preseason. He said he would be a “game-time decision” but also indicated that he would be limited if he does decide to play.
The Bengals listed Chase as questionable due to “rest” on their official injury report.
Since there’s no injury involved, it’s hard to know how limited Chase could be. He’s been able to practice this week and seems to be healthy, but he could still be ramping up to full speed. The situation was further complicated by the new injury to his fellow WR Tee Higgins.
If either, or both, are limited or out, it would have a huge impact on the Bengals’ target distribution. Wide receivers Trent Irwin ($3,900), Andre Iosivas ($3,000), Jermaine Burton ($3,000) and TE Mike Gesicki ($3,000) could all get more work against the Patriots’ porous pass defense.
Despite the questions at receiver, the Bengals are still eight-point favorites against the Patriots on Sunday. – Zach Thompson
SEPTEMBER 5: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that QB Joe Burrow ($6,500) said that Ja’Marr Chase ($7,800) is ready to go. Rapoport then said that Chase is expected to play on Sunday, despite not receiving the new contract he’s been asking for. There has been movement in the negotiations, though.
Having Chase would be a boon for the Bengals’ offense, as he is Joe Burrow’s bona fide number one option. Burrow peppered him with 145 targets last season. That said, it may take some time to get back up to speed. Tee Higgins ($6,100) and Andrei Iosivas ($3,000) would lose targets if Chase is back. Chase is currently the fourth-highest priced wide receiver on DraftKings for the Week 1 main slate. – Stan Son
SEPTEMBER 4: With Week 1 just days away, Ja’Marr Chase is one of the last remaining contract holdouts, but he was on the practice field and in uniform for the Bengals on Wednesday, which could indicate he’s trending toward being available on Sunday.
Chase has been with the team but has not practiced throughout the preseason. Coach Zac Taylor has been non-commital about his availability in Week 1, but his participation in practice definitely is a step in the right direction. The wideout was officially listed as limited for Wednesday’s session.
Chase and the Bengals open the season at home in a soft matchup against the Patriots. On DraftKings Sportsbook, they are eight-point favorites and the point total is over/under 41.
In Week 1, Chase will cost $7,800 in DFS contests, including the NFL $4M Fantasy Football Millionaire [$1M to 1st]. If he is limited or takes the first week off, there would be more value potential from Trenton Irwin ($3,900) and Andrei Iosivas ($3,000) behind Tee Higgins ($6,100), who would step in as the top target for Joe Burrow ($6,500).
Getting Chase on the field and up to speed will be a top priority for the Bengals, who have a win total set at 10.5 with the over at -125. They are co-favorites, with the Ravens, at +145 to win the AFC North and are +1300 to win the Super Bowl, the fifth-shortest odds of any team as the season gets underway. – Zach Thompson
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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