The Cincinnati Bengals did not get off to the start of the 2024 NFL season that they desired. After entering as a popular survivor pool pick and eight-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, the Bengals lost outright by a score of 16-10 to the New England Patriots.
Cincinnati will look to bounce back against the back-to-back reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs. The Bengals enter as six-point underdogs and +220 on the moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook.
In addition to the financial disputes that wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have been in the midst of, the Bengals wide receiver group is also dealing with injuries. Higgins has a unique case as he told reporters he was feeling “amazing” leading up to the opening matchup only to be a late scratch before Week 1.
Higgins explained himself this week saying that the hamstring tweak he suffered late in the week was worse than expected. The 25-year-old has dealt with hamstring injuries in the past and missed five games because of this last year. Higgins is playing on the franchise tag this season and seeking an extension. While this cannot be negotiated during the year, it would be in his best interest to be on the field.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor told the media that Higgins is “doubtful” when speaking to the press at practice ahead of this week. While he has not officially been ruled out yet, the expectation is this will occur before game time.
Andrei Iosivas to Pick Up Higgins Production
The show must go on with or without Tee Higgins for the Bengals. Cincinnati will be looking directly at their offense for improvement this week after scoring just 10 points in the opening week.
One player that will see increased opportunity, especially in Higgins’ absence, is Andrei Iosivas.
After spending three seasons at Princeton University, in which he tallied 125 receptions for 1909 yards and 16 touchdowns, Iosivas was drafted by the Bengals in the 6th round of the 2023 draft. The 6-foot-3 pass-catcher did not play a major role in his rookie season. He tallied just 15 receptions for 116 yards and four touchdowns. Last season Iosivas had an average offensive snap percentage of 25.9%.
Following the late scratch to Higgins, Iosivas was on the field for 100% of the offensive snaps in Week 1, logging all 51 plays. He caught three of his six targets for 26 yards in the first game of the season.
While the numbers have not popped yet, Iosivas is a prime breakout candidate. The Ivy League product is set to see expanded opportunity and the Bengals’ offense will take strides forward this week. Joe Burrow did not have a strong performance in the opening game, completing 21 of his 29 pass attempts for just 164 yards and failing to throw a touchdown.
There are still lingering concerns about the wrist injury that ended Burrow’s season last year, but the LSU product has shut down those talking points at every given opportunity. While the results have not been up to expectations, there has not been anything noticeable within his throwing ability regarding the injury. Burrow will need to perform better against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs who can put up points in a hurry.
However, from Iosivas’ perspective, this should only create more receiving opportunities. Expect the Bengals to be playing from behind in the matchup and need to continue to produce if they are leading.
The 24-year-old holds a DFS price on DraftKings of just $3,800. His reception prop on DraftKings Sportsbook sits at 3.5 with the over favored at -145 odds. Iosivas also holds an over/under for receiving yards of 39.5 and he has +210 odds for an anytime touchdown.
Keep your eyes on the injury report leading up to kickoff, but Andrei Iosivas should be considered for deeper fantasy football leagues, in DFS lineups, and to take advantage of his props. Expect Iosivas to surprise some people and be the biggest beneficiary of Higgins’ absence.
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