Rams vs. Bengals: Week 12 Fantasy Football Preview
November 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) and quarterback Andy Dalton (14) before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Cincinnati Bengals and St. Louis Rams will square off in Paul Brown Stadium today at 1:00PM EST. This game could have huge fantasy implications and will be a good game to watch.
We are already in week 12 of the NFL season, and it feels like the season just started yesterday. Fantasy football playoffs are on the minds of many fantasy players heading into this week. As the playoffs inch closer and closer, lets preview this weeks Bengals game, and see whom from both the Bengals and the visiting Rams can help you win your fantasy match-up.
Quarterbacks
The Red Rifle had a really good game against Arizona last week, throwing for 315 yards and two touchdowns against a very good Arizona secondary. Now Dalton must face a St. Louis defense that gives up the second fewest amount of fantasy points to quarterbacks, and have only given up nine touchdowns through the air all year. Look for Dalton to have value in 2QB leagues, but not much of an option in standard setting leagues.
The Rams have announced that Foles will get the start in Cincinnati on Sunday, but this doesn’t change hos value much, if at all. There is no reason to pick him up off waivers, unless you’re in need of a handcuff for Keenum being out. With not many offensive weapons, besides rookie running back Todd Gurley, Foles will not have a fantasy game worth stashing this week.
Running Backs
Gurley owners who drafted him back in August have seen that pick pay off for them throughout the season. Gurley is averaging around 19-21 fantasy points per game, but I don’t think he will reach those numbers against Cincinnati. The Bengals have only allowed a running back to score 20 or more fantasy points twice this season, and Gurley should’t put his name on that short list. Gurley is still a must start, but don’t expect the points he’s used to getting.
Coming into the season, a big question was, out of Bernard and Jeremy Hill, who would be a more consistent fantasy option. Bernard has emerged as that option, and is a great fantasy play against the Rams this week. With the Rams being in the top-half of the league in fantasy points to running backs, Bernard has so much more upside this week. Coming off an 146 total yardage game against Arizona, Bernard has the ability to score in the 20+ point range this week.
Hill has been having a rough 2015 season. All of his seven touchdowns have been in the red zone, and unless Hill scores a touchdown, he’s next to worthless for fantasy owners. With most of Dalton’s receiving targets going to everyone but Hill, he has no PPR value. It’s a very difficult week for owners, but I believe sitting Hill this week is the best option. The Rams have given up only six rushing touchdowns this year, and with Hill struggling, it’s very unlikely he will reach the end zone this week.
Wide Receivers
Green is coming off of a game which he hauled in four passes for 79 yards receiving. Green has been getting tough match-ups all season long, and this week won’t get any easier. The Rams give up the fourth fewest fantasy points to wide receivers, and with Green not having either a 100-yard receiving or one touchdown game since week three, it’s looking like another slow week for the Pro Bowl wide receiver.
Marvin has been having a great comeback year after missing all of 2014 with injuries. Jones is averaging 4.3 receptions per game and 60.7 yards, but has been having a tough time getting into the end zone this year. Jones has PPR value, and is a dark horse kind of start in standard leagues, but has been as consistent as any Bengals wide receiver this season.