Cincinnati Bengals: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em for Week 7 vs. Ravens

Start ‘Em – Ja’Marr Chase

This seems like a layup, but ever watch the NBA? Occasionally between walking and posturing and launching wild three-point shots they shoot layups! Crazy isn’t it? So based on that rationale, I get a layup this week.

Ja’marr Chase hasn’t just been good, he’s been historically good. Chase is the third rookie since 1990 to have at least five catches in his first five games. He also leads the NFL in deep ball receptions. This is good. Very good.

Sunday versus the Ravens, Chase once again can build on his mythos. While this Ravens defense is good, it certainly isn’t the Ray Lewis Ravens of a decade ago. If the line can give Joe Burrow just a couple of seconds to breathe, there’s no reason to think Chase can’t separate from Baltimore’s mediocre secondary and hit at least one big play.

The ability to separate at a high level has been the strength of Chase’s game. Despite only average size and speed, Chase is a high-end route runner with elite separation skills. Expect him to once or twice shake deep, and Burrow to hit him on at least one long ball Sunday.

Prediction: 7 rec, 122 yards, 1 TD