The Bengals continue to be fantasy football gold with a high-flying, pass-happy offense and a mediocre defense … mediocre at least until we see how new defensive coordinator Al Golden works without the team’s best pass rusher.

For now, DE Trey Hendrickson and the team are at an impasse for a long-term deal. Hendrickson is under contract for this season but he has said he will not play under the current deal even though he signed it in good faith. Negotiations have resumed, though, and there remains hope a deal can be struck.

First round pick DE Shemar Stewart also is unsigned. Nothing new at all on that front with the rookie’s agent refusing to agree to the deal because of language most other rookie deals include. Second round pick LB Demetrius Knight Jr. also is unsigned.

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Transactions

06/10 Terminated the contract of LB Germaine Pratt. He quickly signed with Las Vegas, though everybody thought a reunion with former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo in Indianapolis was a given. Maybe the Bengals and Lou know something the armchair quarterbacks don’t.

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Drat Picks on Offense

RB Tahj Brooks is getting strong vibes as a solid backup to RB Chase Brown, who isn’t the prototypical workhouse running back. Brown was great in 2024 but many do not believe he can be a 300-touch player. So that leaves a some touches for Brooks, RB Samaje Perine, RB Zack Moss.

Draft Picks on Defense

DE Shemar Stewart and LB Demetrius Knight Jr. could earn time on defense. Stewart and his usage will depend on the Hendrickson extension. His usage would be more effective with Hendrickson than without. Knight and LB Barrett Carter are in unknown territory. The Bengals used just two linebackers in previous years but it has yet to be determined how many linebackers will be used by Golden. The thought is it could be three linebackers which leaves time on the field for players behind LB Logan Wilson.

Draft Picks on Special Teams

There is a long snapper in the mix but nothing to report here from a fantasy standpoint.

Fantasy Outlook

QB Joe Burrow is one of the best fantasy football quarterbacks in the league. Rushing upside is the only thing keeping him from being the overall top quarterback. If he stays healthy, though, he will post dominant numbers.

RB Chase Brown was a top 12 running back last season and should get the opportunity again this coming season. Behind him RB Tahj Brooks, RB Samaje Perine, RB Zack Moss will have their moments but it isn’t likely any of them would be anything other than an injury-related handcuff to Brown.

WR Ja’Marr Chase and WR Tee Higgins are locks – Chase as the top wideout and Higgins as a top 12 finisher. WR Andrei Iosivas is the presumed third wide receiver option on the team but WR Jermaine Burton has been getting big buzz this offseason and how he has turned things around in his non-football life and is heading in the right direction with the team and could contribute in a big way. Burton has more talent than Iosivas so only time will tell if Burton can overtake Iosivas as the third wideout. Iosivas has gotten bigger and stronger. It could be both Burton and Iosivas play in 11 personnel and get just enough looks to be fantasy frustrating. But both could be one injury away from relevance. Beyond these four, none of the wideouts are fantasy worthy.

TE Mike Gesicki is likely the third target option for Burrow and Co. He posted solid numbers last season but only in PPR leagues. He wasn’t a touchdown maker in 2024. From a value standpoint he is probably a good shot at tight end if you do not get one of the top five or six studs.

PK Evan McPherson has the potential to be the top fantasy kicker in the league but his 2024 was miserable. I wouldn’t overpay for him but a waiver grab could pay big dividends.

The Bengals defense is an unknown. Hendrickson joining the fray would make this a worthy unit. Without Hendrickson it really is hard to tell about this defense. Golden and his coaches will showcase their alignments and personnel in the preseason so keep an eye on those games, more for scheme than personnel.

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