Cincinnati Bengals: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em for Week 8 vs. Jets

Sit ‘Em – Joe Mixon

Joe Mixon had a nice game against the Ravens. A NICE game. He gutted through a lingering foot injury and posted a respectable stat line of 12-59-1. It’s notable, however, that Mixon didn’t catch a single pass in a game that was pass heavy. Presumably that was due to Mixon needing to chip and block against the Ravens blitz. Either way, one or two would’ve been nice. Just saying.

A closer look at the stats shows something else. Samaje Perine, Mixon’s backup, posted a nearly similar stat line of 11-52-1. Perine also played 30 snaps to Mixon’s 34.

Now before we get all silly and start using words like “timeshare“, it’s important to note that Mixon is still a bit hobbled. Also, it’s important to note that this game script allowed Perine to pound the ball and run the clock out, while Mixon worked on his post game Instagram dance moves.

Against the Jets, in a game that should be in control from the coin toss, Mixon should get the lions share of the work until the game is in hand, but that SHOULD only be until early third quarter. In a game where the Bengals are huge favorites, with a huge AFC North tilt on the horizon, and a bye week after, expect Mixon to be working on his dance moves early while Perine and Chris Evans run out the clock.

If you have another back in a more neutral game script that could dictate 20+ touches, start him. Remember kids, in fantasy, opportunity is king.

Prediction: 12 carries, 66 yards, 0 TD