So the preseason is over. Cuts are underway.

Where do the Bengals stand?

Well, this is a mostly set roster. There really should not be any big surprises in my mind.

But we will take a look at what is ahead for Cincinnati from a fantasy football perspective.

Quarterback: Joe Burrow is set but we really don't yet know if he will be a go come Week 1. We think so. But we don't know so.

That means the backup is a valuable part of the equation. I would say it is unlikely the Bengals pick up another quarterback. If they do, Burrow could be out longer than one week.

If not, I think QB Jake Browning is going to get the nod over QB Trevor Siemian as Burrow's primary backup. Could they keep 3 on the roster? Sure. Maybe even add a quarterback to the practice squad.

I'd get Browning if available whether you have Burrow or not. Injury away guys are huge in fantasy football and Burrow's backup would be huge.

If Burrow is healthy, either Browning or Siemian is an easy cut.

Running back: RB Joe Mixon is the top dog. Much like quarterback, his backup is worth a roster spot because if something happens to Mixon there will be points to be had from whoever is lineup up by Burrow.

I would say the Bengals will keep RB Chris Evans, RB Chase Brown and, if healthy, RB Trayveon Williams. Could they add a free agent? Sure but that's not really their style. Plus I think there's plenty of good among the trio behind Mixon.

Wide receiver: This may be the strongest unit in all of football. WR Ja'Marr Chase, WR Tee Higgins and WR Tyler Boyd are set for this season. 

WR Andre Iosivas has been impressive in the preseason and will make the team. WR Charlie Jones is another rookie who should stick. Both have good upside and while they may not have a fantasy impact on a weekly basis this year, next year could be huge for them. Higgins and Boyd could both be gone and the two rookies could slide in to that 2-3 role.

Others to keep an eye on are Trenton Irwin, Stanley Morgan and Trent Taylor. Probably just two make the team but none are likely impact players. Special teams are key for the wideouts beyond the top three.

Tight end: The starter will be TE Irv Smith Jr. with Drew Sample the likely top backup or second tight end in a two-tight set. Beyond that I don't have a good feel for who is three. Maybe that player is not even on the team. 

TE Tanner Hudson, TE Devin Asiasi, TE Mitchell Wilcox are candidates but none would be relevant even if Smith was to miss time.

Special teams: PK Evan McPherson is the man. Get him if you can. Big year in store.

On defense, the usual suspects like DE Trey Hendrickson, DE Sam Hubbard DT D.J. Reader, DT B.J. Hill and DL Zach Carter are good to go along with rookie DE Myles Murphy, who could be a sleeper as an edge rusher.

The linebackers are strong with LB Logan Wilson and LB Germaine Pratt the big dogs and worthy starters.

In the secondary, DB Cam Taylor-Britt, DB Chidobe Awuzie, DB Dax Hill, DB NIck Scott, DB Tycen Anderson and rookie DB Jordan Battle are the top players.

With some key pieces from the last few years gone, the secondary might get picked up a little bit more than it has in the past.

For fantasy football, that's a good thing. Whether an runner or receiver or defender, volume is king. The more times they throw at Awuzie the more chances he has for interceptions.

As a unit, though, the Bengals might not be as attractive as in the past. Never a great unit but a solid start most years. Not this one though. I'd stay away from the unit but there are individuals worthy on defense.

Overall, this is a strong team that will contend for the Super Bowl again in the stacked American Football Conference.

End.