UPDATE: On Wednesday, Ja’Marr Chase ($7,800) arrived late to practice and did not participate. Following the practice, coach Zac Taylor indicated that Chase’s availability for Sunday is less certain than initially anticipated.
If Chase is unable to play Week 1, or is limited after missing so much practice, there could be a lot more work for Tee Higgins ($6,100). Higgins will be playing this year on the franchise tag for $21.8 million, and he would step up as the clear No. 1 WR. He only had a cameo this preseason but looked sharp, catching two of three targets for 19 yards and a touchdown from QB Joe Burrow ($6,500).
Behind Higgins, the Bengals have plenty of question marks at receiver but there could be value if players are forced to step up. Trenton Irwin ($3,900) and Andrei Iosivas ($3,000) could be elite value plays with more targets coming their way. Irwin had 25 catches for 316 yards and a touchdown while appearing every game last year, while Iosivas caught two touchdowns and posted 20.6 fantasy points in last year’s regular-season finale.
Chase’s availability and who will step up in his spot will be a key storyline to watch before kickoff of Week 1 just over a week away. –Zach Thompson
AUGUST 27: Chase has been awaiting a new contract extension from the Bengals and had missed all of training camp until he joined his team for two light practices this week. After these sessions, HC Zac Taylor told the media on Tuesday that he expects Chase to play in Week 1 against the Patriots despite the receiver missing most of camp. Chase is seeking a lucrative deal similar to the four-year, $136 million extension CeeDee Lamb just inked with the Cowboys. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Chase and the Bengals came to a similar extension agreement before the season starts.
Nonetheless, Chase will be available for Week 1 and should see huge usage as the Bengals’ No.1 option, especially with Joe Burrow back to full strength. The quarterback missed the final seven games of the season last year with a wrist injury, but in the 10 games he was active for, Chase led Cincinnati with a massive 29.9% target share, including 15 redzone targets. In those contests, the wideout generated 20.2 DraftKings points per game and 0.34 DraftKings points per snap.
Facing a New England defense that gave up the eighth least yards per pass last season isn’t the most optimal spot for Chase in Week 1, but he is underpriced for his upside at $7,800 and could be overlooked given the matchup. Furthermore, if an extension hasn’t be agreed upon by then, Chase will likely be very motivated to prove his worth in this contest and Burrow will be determined to help Chase put up big numbers.
With the star receiver expected to play vs. the Patriots, the Bengals are a nine-point favorite for this game on the DraftKings Sportsbook. — Alex Hunter
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is Hunta512) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
