Cincinnati Bengals: 6 bold predictions vs Ravens in Week 7
By Aaron Burd
Joe Mixon stays hot after a big game in Detroit
Lost in all the hype of young studs like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase is the possibility that Joe Mixon is still the Bengals’ best player on offense. With 480 rushing yards, Mixon is NFL’s fourth-leading rusher through six games. On pace for 1,615 all-purpose yards and 11 total touchdowns, Mixon is having his best season yet despite going largely unnoticed.
In the Bengals’ 34-11 win against the Detroit Lions, the veteran running back had 153 total yards and the longest touchdown of his career, taking a pass from Burrow on 4th-and-1 to the house for a 40-yard score. Against a Ravens defense that has allowed the 13th most points to fantasy running backs, Mixon could build upon his big game last week.
The Bengals and Ravens are set to play a tough, physical, run-heavy game and Mixon could be the one who sets that tone on offense. With an average of 4.3 yards per carry on the season, Mixon could run the Ravens into the ground if his offensive line lets him.
As a fantasy asset, Mixon should be viewed as a set it and forget it RB1. The Bengals are likely to give him 20+ touches, and I am projecting the star running back to have 22 carries, 95 rushing yards, 3 receptions, 20 receiving yards, and a touchdown.