Cincinnati Bengals: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em for Week 1 vs. Vikings

With training camp, the preseason, and cut downs behind us, we can now focus on the more pressing questions at hand. Who do I start in fantasy this week? Fear not, for I bring my 30 years of experience to answer (some) of those questions, at least in terms of the Cincinnati Bengals and their weekly opponent, in the case of week 1 that would be the Minnesota Vikings.

There is a lot to like about this matchup in terms of fantasy. However, there are many questions still without answers. How will the Bengals’ revamped defense hold up? Will Zac Taylor balance the play calling? How will Chase handle his first action as a pro?

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All will be revealed in due time, but since lineups must be set before then, I will attempt to inform, enlighten and guide your Week 1 lineup.  A shootout could definitely be in the works for Week 1, the first home opener of the Joe Burrow era, and fantasy points should be plentiful. Let’s go get them! For sake of clarity, all predictions are based on a 12-team, half-point PPR format.

Start ‘Em – Tee Higgins, WR

Tee Higgins had a massive first year as a Bengal. All the former Clemson Tiger did was grab 67 balls for 908 yards and six touchdowns. Had he not gotten dinged in the last game of the season, Higgins could’ve certainly threatened 1,000 yards as a rookie. Not too shabby for a guy that wasn’t generally regarded as one of the top receivers coming out in 2020.

Throw in the fact that a good portion of this was played sans one Joe Burrow, and that makes his rookie campaign even more impressive. With the addition of Ja’Marr Chase as well as the presence of Tyler Boyd, one must wonder if Higgins will continue to ascend as related to fantasy football.

Uh, heck yes.

Higgins showed instant chemistry with Burrow and an ability to run routes and find separation usually seen two or three years in.

Against the Vikings in what could well be one of the highest-scoring games on the slate, you definitely want a part of both offenses, and Higgins is a good place to start. Despite drawing an aging but still elite Patrick Peterson Sunday, Higgins should see enough daylight to produce. Expect 8-10 targets with a very good chance for a score.

Prediction: 6 rec, 87 yards, TD