Description: Bengals second round draft choice Giovani Bernard (No. 37 overall) was seen catching a steady stream of passes out of the backfield at the team's OTA.
Insight: Bernard should be Cincinnati's change-of-pass and third-down back and get between 8-10 touches a game behind starter BenJarvus Green-Ellis.
Description: The Cincinnati Bengals grabbed the best tight end in the 2013 draft in Tyler Eifert despite the presence of Jermaine Gresham on their roster.
Insight: Eifert has excellent size at 6-foot-5 and plays like a big receiver. He's particularly adept at winning jump-ball situations. He should be valuable in the red zone, but his overall fantasy value will be limited as the third or fourth option for quarterback Andy Dalton.
Description: Former NFL Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison has inked a two-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. SOURCE: Cincinnati Enquirer
Insight: Harrison spent the first nine years of his career with Pittsburgh but the Steelers cut him to save money back in March. He'll return to Heinz Field on December 15th for Sunday Night Football.
Description: Former Cardinals QB John Skelton was claimed off waivers by Cincinnati. SOURCE: Joe Reedy, Cincinnati Enquirer
Insight: Skelton produced two touchdowns and nine interceptions as a part time starter for Arizona last season. He won't have any fantasy value in 2013.
Description: Cincinnati used its franchise tag on defensive end Michael Johnson.
Insight: The former Georgia Tech standout was terrific last season, compiling 52 tackles en route to a career-high 11.5 sacks. Johnson hasn't missed a game since the Bengals drafted him in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Description: Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton struggled in Saturday's loss to Houston. He finished the afternoon with just 127 yards on 14-of-30 passing.
Insight: Dalton also threw an interception. In two career playoff games, Dalton has thrown zero touchdowns and four interceptions for a QB rating of 48.6. Both of those games were against the Texans.
Description: Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis racked up 63 yards on 11 carries Saturday in a loss to Houston.
Insight: Green-Ellis missed last week's regular season finale against Baltimore after tweaking his hamstring in warmups. The injury didn't seem to affect the Law Firm's play on Saturday as Green-Ellis averaged a very respectable 5.7 yards per carry.
Description: Cincinnati halfback BenJarvus Green-Ellis (hamstring) was a limited participant for both Wednesday and Thursday's practices, but a full participant on Friday and should be ready to go in Saturday's AFC Wild Card Playoff against Houston.
Insight: Green-Ellis put together an excellent second half of the season, rushing for 557 yards over his final six games. The Texans ranked seventh against the run yielding just 97.5 ypg. so the going is likely to be tough.
Description: Cincinnati halfback BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who tweaked his hamstring during warmups for Week 17, was a limited participant for both Wednesday and Thursday's practices, but should be ready to go in Saturday's AFC Wild Card Playoff against Houston.
Insight: Green-Ellis put together an excellent second half of the season, rushing for 557 yards over his final six games. The Texans ranked seventh against the run yielding just 97.5 ypg. so the going is likely to be tough.
Description: Cincinnati halfback BenJarvus Green-Ellis tweaked his hamstring during warmups and didn't play last Sunday against the Ravens, but practiced on Wednesday and should be ready to go in Saturday's AFC Wild Card Playoff against Houston.
Insight: Green-Ellis put together an excellent second half of the season, rushing for 557 yards over his final six games. The Texans ranked seventh against the run yielding just 97.5 ypg. so the going is likel to be tough.
Description: Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton is done for the day. Bruce Gradkowski has taken over as Cincinnati prepares for the playoffs.
Insight: Dalton had 78 yards and a touchdown Sunday, at least getting something for fantasy owners who left him in the lineup even though the Bengals had nothing to play for. He'll finish a strong sophomore campaign with 3,669 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, 16 interceptions and four rushing touchdowns.
Description: Cincinnati halfback BenJarvus Green-Ellis tweaked his hamstring during warmups and won't play Sunday against the Ravens.
Insight: If the Bengals hadn't already clinched a playoff berth, Green-Ellis would probably be out there. But with Cincy's fate as the AFC's sixth seed already sealed, the Bengals can afford to rest him this week. Backup Brian Leonard should see most of the carries Sunday against Baltimore.
Description: Bengals place-kicker Josh Brown will continue kicking for injured Mike Nugent.
Insight: Brown kicked for the Rams in 2011-12, making 21-of-28 field goals and is 8-of-9, missing only a kick from over 50 yards as a replacement for Nugent.
Description: Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis ran into a wall Sunday against the Steelers. He didn't even pick up one yard per carry, settling for 14 yards on 15 rushes in the game.
Insight: Green-Ellis has carved up inferior opponents -- Kansas City, Oakland, San Diego, Dallas, Philadelphia -- for 543 yards and three touchdowns over his last five games but a strong run defense shut him down Sunday.
Description: Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton threw for 278 yards but failed to throw a touchdown and was picked twice Sunday at Pittsburgh.
Insight: Dalton has been a disaster in his career against division rivals Pittsburgh and Baltimore, throwing for 1,514 yards, five touchdowns and nine interceptions in seven games against them. He has a TD-INT ratio of 3-5 over his last four games and shouldn't be used in Week 17 against the Ravens.
Description: Bengals receiver A.J. Green snared 10 passes on 18 targets for 116 yards but lost a fumble Sunday at Pittsburgh.
Insight: It was a 13-10 defensive struggle Sunday so Green was lucky to get away with a 100-yard game. Cincinnati's only touchdown came on an INT return by Leon Hall. Green will need five receptions in Week 17 to reach 100 for the first time in his career.
Description: Bengals receiver Andrew Hawkins snagged Andy Dalton's only touchdown of the day Sunday against Dallas. He finished with 44 yards on six receptions.
Insight: Hawkins missed two games with a knee injury before returning with 47 yards a week ago. Cincinnati's slot man has seen 16 looks over the last two games.
Description: Bengals receiver A.J. Green only had 44 yards on three catches Sunday against Dallas.
Insight: Green missed practiced this week with an illness. He's failed to reach the end zone in his last three games after getting there at least once in his previous nine. While passing games have struggled on Thursday nights, Green is too talented to bench Thursday against the Eagles.
Description: Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis ran for 89 yards on 12 carries Sunday against Dallas and has 437 over his last four games.
Insight: Green-Ellis only had 537 rushing yards in his first nine games. Fantasy owners have every reason to keep rolling with the Cincinnati running back.
Description: Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton has a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 2-3 in his last two games.
Insight: Dalton ripped off 10 touchdowns with zero turnovers in his previous three games after turning the ball over at least once in his first eight. The Bengals play again in four days against the Eagles. Dalton will be a shaky play considering how poorly QBs have performed on Thursday nights.
Description: Bengals placekicker Mike Nugent is listed as doubtful on Friday's injury report with a right calf injury.
Insight: The Bengals signed Josh Brown to be the place-kicker if Nugent can't go in Week 14. Cincinnati also plays Thursday night in Week 15, so this might stretch out to two games.
Description: Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham (hamstring) missed practice Thursday, but returned to the field on Friday.
Insight: Gresham has emerged as a reliable option for fantasy owners, averaging 53.6 yards with three touchdowns on 23 receptions over the last five games. If Green's illness keeps him out of the lineup, Gresham would be in line for a huge number of targets.
Description: Bengals receiver A.J. Green missed Friday's practice due to illness. Hopefully it's something that won't last more than 24 hours or weaken him too much.
Insight: Green is the best receiver in the league not named Calvin Johnson. He's caught 76 balls for 1,107 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Description: Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham (hamstring) missed practice Thursday after participating in a limited capacity Wednesday.
Insight: Gresham has emerged as a reliable option for fantasy owners, averaging 53.6 yards with three touchdowns on 23 receptions over the last five games. However, he's in danger of missing Sunday's game against Dallas. Orson Charles is Gresham's backup but you can look elsewhere for a replacement.
Description: The Bengals have signed kicker Josh Brown to replace the injured Mike Nugent (calf) in Week 14 against the Cowboys.
Insight: Brown kicked for the Rams in 2011-12, making 21-of-28 field goals. While Dallas has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to kickers this season, you can probably find a safer option than Brown Sunday.
Description: Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis powered his way to 118 rushing yards Sunday against the Chargers.
Insight: Green-Ellis has rushed for over 100 yards in three straight games. He's on pace to finish the year with 1,176 yards rushing, which would be over 100 yards higher than his previous career-high set in 2010 as a member of the New England Patriots.
Description: Bengals receiver Andrew Hawkins, who was inactive in Week 12 due to a sore knee is listed as probable for Sunday against San Diego.
Insight: He's caught 34 balls for 394 yards and three touchdowns this season, but his production has faded after a hot start as Mohamed Sanu had become the primary receiver playing opposite A.J. Green. But Sanu will miss the remainder of the season with a foot fracture.
Description: Bengals receiver Mohamed Sanu, who was becoming a big weapon for quarterback Andy Dalton, won't be one this Sunday or the remainder of the season after suffering a stress fracture in his foot at Thursday's practice.
Insight: Sanu had caught a touchdown pass in three consecutive games and will finish the season with 16 catches for 154 yards and four scores. He also threw a 73-yard touchdown pass.
Description: Bengals receiver Mohamed Sanu has become a big weapon for quarterback Andy Dalton.
Insight: Sanu, who has caught a touchdown pass in three consecutive games, will always get single coverage with A.J. Green starting on the other side and have become a viable WR3.
Description: Bengals receiver Andrew Hawkins was inactive in Week 12 due to a sore knee and is questionable for next Sunday game against San Diego.
Insight: He's caught 34 balls for 394 yards and three touchdowns this season, but his production has faded after a hot start. Mohamed Sanu has become the primary receiver playing opposite A.J. Green.
Description: Cincinnati halfback BenJarvus Green-Ellis ran for 129 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries Sunday, his second consecutive 100-yard game.
Insight: Oakland has been kind to opposing rushers this season (remember Doug Martin?), and Green-Ellis was the latest back to take advantage of that generosity. He'll have a much tougher matchup in Week 13 against San Diego.
Description: Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton has 10 touchdowns and zero turnovers over his last three games.
Insight: Dalton turned the ball over at least once in each of his first eight games but he's been on fire as of late. His success probably has something to do with playing a reeling Giants team begging for a bye week and then Kansas City and Oakland over the last three games. Hopefully you took advantage of that, because the Bengals face some tough pass defenses down the stretch.
Description: Bengals receiver Andrew Hawkins was inactive in Week 11 due to a sore knee and is doubtful for Sunday's game against Oakland.
Insight: He's caught 34 balls for 394 yards and three touchdowns this season, but his production has faded after a hot start. Mohamed Sanu has become the primary receiver playing opposite A.J. Green.
Description: Bengals receiver Andrew Hawkins was inactive in Week 11 due to a sore knee and is questionable for Sunday's game against Oakland.
Insight: Hawkins was added to the injury report late in the week so his inactive status was a bit of a surprise. He's caught 34 balls for 394 yards and three touchdowns this season, but his production has faded after a hot start.
Description: Cincinnati halfback BenJarvus Green-Ellis enjoyed his first 100-yard rushing game of the season Sunday in a win over Kansas City.
Insight: He also scored a touchdown, his fourth of the season. He certainly hasn't been as prolific for the Bengals as he was during his tenure in New England but you could definitely do a lot worse than Green-Ellis for a flex/RB2.
Description: Bengals receiver Andrew Hawkins is inactive for Week 11 due to a sore knee.
Insight: Hawkins was added to the injury report late in the week, but his inactive status is a bit of a surprise. He's caught 34 balls for 394 yards and three touchdowns this season.
Description: Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton took advantage of everything the Giants gave him Sunday, throwing for four touchdowns and 199 yards.
Insight: Dalton found A.J. Green on a blown coverage for a 56-yard touchdown early and then took advantage of several short following New York turnovers. The sophomore Dalton has been an underrated fantasy signal caller this season, throwing for 18 touchdowns in nine games.
Description: Bengals receiver Mohamed Sanu has apparently jumped ahead of Armon Binns on the Cincinnati depth chart and outperformed Week 9 starter Brandon Tate.
Insight: Sanu has long-term value, but he may not be able to produce fantasy-worthy results this season.
Description: Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis returned from illness to practice Friday and is active for Sunday's game against the New York Giants.
Insight: The Giants are yielding 132.7 ypg on the ground making "The Law Firm" a solid fantasy option in Week 10.
Description: Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis returned from illness to practice Friday and is expected to play Sunday against the New York Giants.
Insight: The Giants are yielding 132.7 ypg on the ground making "The Law Firm" a solid fantasy option in Week 10.
Description: After a four-game touchdown drought Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis finally returned to the end zone on Sunday.
Insight: Don't get too excited. Green-Ellis only had 56 yards on 17 carries. He still hasn't rushed for 100 yards in a game this season and is probably a flex option at best.
Description: Cincinnati tight end Jermaine Gresham produced a career-high 108 receiving yards Sunday in a loss to Denver.
Insight: Gresham caught six of the eight passes that came his way on Sunday. At his current pace, he should easily surpass his previous career-high of 596 receiving yards in one season.
Description: Cincinnati halfback BenJarvus Green-Ellis produced another medicore outing Sunday against Pittsburgh, finishing with just 69 yards on 18 carries.
Insight: Green-Ellis was a touchdown machine last year in New England, scoring 11 times on 181 carries. This year the Law Firm has just two scores on 125 touches and hasn't registered a touchdown since Week 3's win against the Redskins. Perhaps he'll show more life after the bye week. Cincinnati's next game is at home against Denver two Sundays from now.
Description: A.J. Green had a quiet night Sunday against the Steelers. The Bengals wide receiver caught just one pass for eight yards.
Insight: Green was targeted six times but thanks to the stifling defense of Pittsburgh cornerback Ike Taylor, he only came down with one of them. Luckily for fantasy owners the one catch was a touchdown, which allowed the talented 24-year-old to partially salvage what looked like a lost fantasy day.
Description: Cincinnati wideout A.J. Green went off for two touchdowns Sunday in a loss to Cleveland.
Insight: The two scores give Green six receiving touchdowns for the year. Right now Green is on pace to finish the season with an absurd 1,675 receiving yards.
Description: Sunday produced mixed results for Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton. Dalton finished the game with three touchdown passes and three interceptions for 381 yards through the air.
Insight: The 381 yards marked a season-high for Dalton, though so did his three interceptions. Dalton and the Bengals will be back at home next week to take on the Steelers.
Description: Bengals receiver A.J. Green (knee) fully participated in practice Thursday, according to Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Insight: Green is fifth in the NFL with 493 receiving yards on 36 receptions and second with four receiving TDs. Green will have his work cut out for him Sunday with Browns cornerback Joe Haden returning from suspension, but we like his chances.
Description: The loss of backup running back Bernard Scott isn't likely to change the workload for Bengals starting running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis.
Insight: Scott had a total of eight carries this season for 35 yards. Green-Ellis isn't matching the production we saw from Cedric Benson in this same offense last season and fantasy owners aren't happy. The "Law Firm" hasn't posted double-digit fantasy points since Week 2.
Description: Cincinnati halfback Bernard Scott has been placed on injured reserve with what is believed to be a torn ACL.
Insight: It's unfortunate for Scott but good for BenJarvus Green-Ellis owners. Scott looked like the better running back in rushing for 40 yards on five carries Sunday to Green-Ellis' 9 for 14 and may have presented a threat to Green-Ellis' starting job if he could have stayed healthy.
Description: Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis had a terrible fantasy day against the Dolphins in Week 5, rushing for just 14 yards on nine carries.
Insight: Bernard Scott outcarried Green-Ellis 5-to-3 and rushed for 40 yards early in the game before leaving with a knee injury. Green-Ellis may hold onto the top running back job only because Scott cannot stay healthy; he's certainly doesn't deserve the role based on his performance this season.
Description: Bengals receiver Andrew Hawkins was targeted 13 times in Week 5, as many as superstar A.J. Green, but caught only five for 47 yards.
Insight: Hawkins has one less target than Justin Blackmon (13-119-0), but has been much more effective (20-294-2). However, if he wants to continue to be fantasy-worthy he'll need to produce a higher catch percentage than what we saw on Sunday.
Description: Bengals receiver A.J. Green had his second straight 100-yard game Sunday against the Jaguars, catching six passes for 117 yards and a touchdown.
Insight: Green has snagged a TD pass in three straight games and has 428 yards on 27 receptions this season.
Description: Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis fumbled twice, losing one, Sunday against the Jaguars one week after fumbling for the first time in his career. Green-Ellis finished with a pedestrian 82 yards on 26 carries while Andy Dalton vultured a one-yard touchdown.
Insight: How quickly can a strength become a question mark? In two weeks, Green-Ellis has gone from one of the more sure-handed running backs in the league to someone with butter fingers. At least he's getting a ton of carries, but that will change if he doesn't hold onto the ball.
Description: For the second straight week, Bengals receiver Andrew Hawkins only caught two passes but made one count for a long touchdown.
Insight: Hawkins finished with 66 yards, with the majority coming on a 59-yard touchdown reception. The explosive Hawkins is the clear-cut No. 2 receiver on the Bengals but he's going to be hit-or-miss most weeks if he doesn't start seeing more targets.
Description: Bengals receiver A.J. Green caught a 71-yard touchdown pass on the first play from scrimmage Sunday against Washington but he didn't slack off the rest of the day. The superstar finished with nine catches for 183 yards and a score.
Insight: Green was targeted plenty in the first two weeks but he only averaged 10.7 yards per catch on 12 receptions. Sunday balanced things out for fantasy owners.
Description: For the first time in his career, BenJarvus Green-Ellis let the ball slip out of his grasp for a fumble. He finished with a lackluster 38 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries.
Insight: Green-Ellis had his worst game this season Sunday against the Redskins but at least he got in the end zone to salvage the day. The running back came into Week 3 with zero career fumbles on 549 carries and 30 catches. Of course, his first fumble ever was lost to Washington so it goes against his final fantasy line in most leagues.
Description: Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton had 328 yards and three touchdowns in Week 3, his second straight 300-yard and three-touchdown game.
Insight: Dalton's day didn't start out so well; receiver Mohamed Sanu was the one who threw a 73-yard touchdown to A.J. Green on the first play from scrimmage and Washington picked off Dalton for a touchdown on the following drive. However, he was able to rebound and put together another solid day. Washington's pass defense has now given up 10 passing touchdowns this season.
Description: Bengals receiver A.J. Green is fourth in the NFL in targets but he has just 12 catches to show for it.
Insight: Green has caught just 52.2 percent of the 23 passes thrown his way and he's only averaging 10.7 yards per catch. Still, with Green's talent he should be able to convert his heavy number of targets into big numbers so buy low.
Description: Bengals halfback BenJarvus Green-Ellis had 21 carries for 75 yards and 30 yards receiving in another workhorse day for the Cincinnati running back.
Insight: Green-Ellis is averaging 21.5 touches-per-game and 100 combined yards from scrimmage. He just needs to start finding the end zone to become a solid RB2.
Description: Bengals receiver Andrew Hawkins is one of the quickest players in the league and has helped the Bengals offense this season. After eight catches and 86 yards in the opener, he caught a stunning 50-yard touchdown pass against Cleveland.
Insight: Hawkins' explosiveness makes him a nice option opposite A.J. Green although the Bengals only used him on about half of their 66 offensive plays in Week 2. Fantasy owners would like to see more of Hawkins.
Description: Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton earned a passer rating of 128.2 in Sunday's win over the Browns.
Insight: Dalton was able to pick the Cleveland defense apart for three touchdowns and 318 passing yards. Aside from a third quarter interception, Dalton was excellent all game. Next up for Dalton and the Bengals will be the Redskins in Week 3.
Description: Cincinnati halfback Bernard Scott will not be available for Week 2's contest against the Browns. Scott is still recovering from an injured hand.
Insight: With Scott out, BenJarvus Green-Ellis will have virtually no competition for carries in the Bengals' backfield. Based on his performance in Week 1 (18 carries, 91 yards, TD), the Law Firm should be a low-end RB1/top-tier RB2 in most fantasy leagues.
Description: Bengals receiver Andrew Hawkins led the team with 11 targets Monday against Baltimore. Hawkins caught eight passes for 86 yards playing opposite A.J. Green.
Insight: We wondered who would step up as the No. 2 receiver on the Bengals but it was difficult to expect that player to have much fantasy value after Green and tight end Jermaine Gresham got their targets. However, Hawkins may eclipse Gresham as the No. 2 target, and that would make him a potential WR3 in 12-team leagues. We'll have to see who quarterback Andy Dalton targets most in Week 2.
Description: According to Bengals beat writer Joe Reedy, running back Bernard Scott could be ready to return in Week 2.
Insight: Starter BenJarvus Green-Ellis played well in the opener and shouldn't be bothered by the return of Scott. He'll more than likely get the Brian Leonard workload which isn't enough to be fantasy-worthy.
Description: Bengals halfback BenJarvus Green-Ellis carried the rock 18 times for 91 yards and a touchdown Monday night in his team's 44-13 loss to the Ravens.
Insight: Green-Ellis didn't see the ball much in the second half because Cincinnati had to air it out but he still managed to put up solid numbers across the board. Green-Ellis probably won't see quite as much action once Bernard Scott returns to the lineup but for now, he's a solid RB2 option and maybe even an RB1 depending on how many teams are in your league.
Description: Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton was a Pro Bowler in 2011 but he sure didn't look like it Monday against the Ravens. He completed just 22 of his 37 pass attempts for 221 yards and an interception.
Insight: Dalton was also sacked on four occasions. It was a tough outing for the 24-year-old but remember, Baltimore's defense is one of the best in the NFL. He should perform better next week against the Browns.
Description: With backup Bernard Scott out for the season opener, Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis could see 20-25 touches against the Ravens.
Insight: Add value to Green-Ellis who will have to carry all of the workload in Scott's absence. If the "Law Firm" gets the same work Cedric Benson saw when he was the Bangals primary running back (20.3 carries per game over the past three seasons), Green-Ellis could set personal highs in attempts, rushing yards and touchdowns.
Description: According to Bengals beat writer Joe Reedy, running back Bernard Scott won't play in Week 1 while he is working his way back into game shape. He missed most of camp with a hand injury.
Insight: Add value to BenJarvus Green-Ellis who will have to carry all of the workload in Scott's absence. If the "Law Firm" gets the same work Cedric Benson saw when he was the Bangals primary running back, he could set personal highs in attempts, rushing yards and touchdowns.
Description: According to a Cincinnati Enquirer report, coach Marvin Lewis said Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (toe) would have played last week had it been a regular season game.
Insight: great news for fantasy owners. Green-Ellis is the lead back with the Bengals, taking over for Cedric Benson, who averaged 20.3 carries per game over the past three seasons, Green-Ellis has a good shot to post his second career 1,000-yard season and third straight double-digit TD season.
Description: Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (toe) has been practicing in full pads this week and is expected to be ready for the season opener.
Insight: Green-Ellis is the unquestioned lead back with the Bengals, taking over for Cedric Benson. Considering Benson averaged 20.3 carries per game over the past three seasons, Green-Ellis has a good shot to post his second career 1,000-yard season and third straight double-digit TD season.
Description: Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton left Thursday's preseason game with an injury to his throwing arm.
Insight: Dalton was sandwiched by two Colts defenders on the opening drive in the team's final exhibition game. The QB didn't need to go to the locker room, however, so this shouldn't be a serious issue.
Description: Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis sat out Thursday night's game with toe injury.
Insight: The Bengals are also without running back Bernard Scott, who will miss all of the preseason with a hand injury. We expect Green-Ellis to be ready for Week 1 and to handle the majority of the team's carries, but it is a bit concerning that he has now missed back-to-back games.
Description: Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton was just 5-for-17 for 40 yards against Green Bay in what was likely his final tuneup before the season begins.
Insight: Dalton hasn't done much in preseason and to date none of the other Bengals receivers have stepped up to help out A.J. Green. Dalton had a fine rookie season (3,398 yards, 20 TDs, 13 INTs) and we expect improvement in Year 2, so were not worried by his lack of preseason production.
Description: The Bengals have cut ties with wide receiver Jordan Shipley.
Insight: Shipley missed most of the 2011 campaign with a torn ACL and it's clear he still hasn't fully recovered from that injury yet. Even if he does catch on with another team, Shipley will be too fragile to rely on in fantasy this season.
Description: Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham exited the team's preseason game Thursday with an apparent knee injury.
Insight: According to NFL.com, Gresham appeared to hyperextend his right knee during a 25-yard catch in the first quarter. The tight end limped on the sidelines but didn't show any signs of a serious injury. He didn't return to the game.
Description: According to the Bengals' official Twitter page, running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis will sit out the team's second preseason game. Green-Ellis is dealing with foot soreness.
Insight: The Bengals are also without running back Bernard Scott, who will miss all of the preseason with a hand injury. We expect Green-Ellis to be ready for Week 1 and to handle the majority of the team's carries. A third straight double-digit touchdown season is in reach for the "Law Firm." Consider him a RB2 in 12-team leagues.
Description: Bengals starting left guard Travelle Wharton suffered a serious, possibly season-ending, knee injury on the third play of Friday's exhibition game against the Jets, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com.
Insight: Wharton started all 16 games last season for Carolina and was expected to help anchor the Cincinnati offensive line. By itself, its not the end of the world, but more injuries could weaken the line and have an effect on the Bengals running game and pass protection for second-year quarterback Andy Dalton.
Description: According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen former Cincinnati running back Cedric Benson is on the verge of signing with the Green Bay Packers.
Insight: It wouldn't be surprising if Benson (1,067 yards, six TDs for the Bengals last season) overtakes incumbent James Starks (578 yards, one TD in 2011) for the Packers' starting running back job by the time the regular season gets underway.
Description: Cincinnati Bengals running back Bernard Scott (hand) is questionable for the Bengals first preseason game.
Insight: Barring this turning into a long-term problem, it shouldn't effect his status as the No. 2 back behind BenJarvis Green-Ellis. In three seasons Scott has yet to run for more than 112 attempts in a year while Green-Ellis has averaged 205 carries the past two years in New England. We believe Scott will get more opportunities in 2012, we don't believe it will be an even split. The "Law Firm" will still dominate the Bengals rushing statistics.
Description: Bengals wideout Brandon Tate is listed as the starter opposite A.J. Green, according to Cincinnati beat writer Joe Reedy.
Insight: Tate had a good offseason, but even if he starts he's no better than the team's No. 3 target behind Green and Jermaine Gresham. He'll have to continue to fight off Armon Binns, Jordan Shipley and rookie Mohamed Sanu.
Description: Zac Jackson of Fox Sports Ohio is expecting the Cincinnati backfield to be shared by BenJarvis Green-Ellis and Bernard Scott with Green-Ellis doing the inside work and Scott on the outside.
Insight: While we believe Scott will get more opportunities in 2012, we don't believe it will be an even split. The "Law Firm" will still dominate the Bengals rushing statistics.
Description: According to Zac Jackson of Fox Sports Ohio, the Cincinnati Bengals running game is likely to be "by committee."
Insight: In three seasons Scott has yet to run for more than 112 attempts in a year, while BenJarvis Green-Ellis has averaged 205 carries the past two years in New England. While we believe Scott will get more opportunities in 2012, we don't believe it will be an even split. The "Law Firm" will still dominate the Bengals rushing statistics.
Description: Free agent running back Cedric Benson has drawn interest from the Oakland Raiders, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Insight: Benson rushed for 1,067 yards and six touchdowns with the Bengals last season, his third straight 1,000-yard campaign. Given the fragility of Raiders running back Darren McFadden, Benson would be a valuable handcuff if he were to join Oakland. Backup running back Michael Bush, now with Chicago, rushed for 977 yards and seven TDs in 16 games with Oakland last season.
