FanProphet

Cincinnati Bengals

There is no mystery that these Cincinnati Bengals have the type of offense where each skill position player has the ability to produce big league numbers on a consistent basis.  Even though these Bengals continue to suffer from a poor defensive unit, I still look for this franchise to make a late season run at the playoffs

Carson Palmer: Coming off of a late season knee injury in ‘05′, Palmer has shown the entire NFL why the Bengals drafted him #1 overall. As Palmer continues to showcase his leadership qualities, there is no question that he has the heart and determination to become a great quarterback. Last season with Palmer posting the kind of numbers that make Hall-of-Famers look bad, I’d have to say “Palmer is the truth”. Star talent continues to surround Palmer so look for an improvement from his 2006 numbers where he surpassed 4,000 yards and threw for 28 td’s. This season Palmer is in mini-camp so don’t be surprised if Palmer leads the league in yards and touchdown passes during this 2007 campaign.

Rudi Johnson: Johnson runs hard, has the ability to break tackles, and with the exception of one missed game over the previous three seasons, Johnson is durable. With this offensive unit look for Rudi to remain “Mr. Consistent” by continuing to find his way to the endzone and breaking the occasional big play. I don’t see much improvement in his numbers from his previous seasons, however, I wouldn’t complain too much with an average of 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Chad Johnson: Whenever a guy jokingly threatens to call off an interview unless the media refers to him as ‘ocho cinco’, and the reporter does it, then you know he’s a player. He’s also a clown but Chad Johnson has a genuine love for the game, and with that type of attitude, swagger, and a healthy Carson Palmer, look for career numbers from this seven-year veteran. Don’t let him slip too far down your draft board.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh: While T.J. is a number two receiver behind Johnson, he could realistically be your number one. Similar to the Harrison/Wayne situation in Indy, look for T.J. to increase his role and responsibility as he looks to put up pro-bowl type numbers this season. Houshmandzedah boasts #1 receiver talent, expectations, and with his increased role due to the suspension of Chris Henry, I look for big numbers and more responsibility.

Shayne Graham:This team will put up big numbers and this includes points from their kicker position. After scoring a total of 115 points last season look for Graham to remain reliable and post similar type numbers.

DEFENSE: A number 2 defense at best, and that’s only because you’ll need one during your bye week. Depending on the Bengals situation this defense could show up big as they make a late season push for the playoffs.

Even though the Bengals play the 11th toughest schedule, I look for at least a ten win season where they will need this prolific offense to produce major points. While every week is important, if you don’t win in December you will have no chance of competing in your fantasy playoffs. If reality you could field at least 3 of of these Bengals players as they gear up for their late season playoff run. Weeks 12-16 (Nov 25-Dec. 23) I look for the Bengals to go 4-1 due to the fact that they will not face a single playoff contender during this stretch. Weeks 15-16 will prove most important for your fantasy playoffs where they matchup against ‘Frisco and Cleveland.