The Bengals will try to make the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season in 2015 (Getty).
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The Cincinnati Bengals had an interesting season in 2014, different than what fantasy owners predicted. Instead of a steady supply of Andy Dalton to A.J. Green, injuries forced the Bengals into a two-headed rushing attack. The Bengals were sixth in the NFL in total rushing yards, and Gio Bernard and Jeremy Hill combined for 16 total touchdowns.
What was interesting was how devastating the injury to Green was to the play of Andy Dalton. Dalton had his worst NFL season, throwing a career-low 19 touchdowns and losing in his first playoff game for the fourth straight season. With a healthy, balanced attack, the Bengals may be able to turn things around and get over their postseason struggles.
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Here’s our five best Bengals:
1: A.J. Green, WR
Heading into his fifth NFL season, Green has little to prove to fantasy owners. Although he battled various injuries throughout the season, Green had five games with over 100 receiving yards. Green recorded 13 games played, but had two games where he did not record a reception.
Green is healthy for 2015, but that’s not the biggest reason to get excited. It has been reported that Green will play out the final year of his contract, making this an important year for him. Players in their “contract year” have a tendency to over-perform, making Green a valuable number one receiver in an already deep class. Green may be drafted as soon as late first round.
2: Andy Dalton, QB
Andy Dalton should bounce back this year after a disappointing 2014 season (Getty).
If Dalton is going to have a career year, the balls are most certainly going to come from Dalton. He was expected to regress from his 33 touchdowns in 2013, but Dalton looked terrible at times without a healthy Green. Dalton threw just five TDs against his own division, and threw just five TDs in the fourth quarter all season.
After a season like last year, Dalton should rebound nicely and should be a low-end starting fantasy QB. Dalton hasn’t missed a game in his four year career, and will be undervalued after last season’s performance. Look for Dalton around round seven, and hope he and A.J. can get the magic going again.
3: Jeremy Hill, RB
Jeremy Hill had a fine rookie campaign, made more impressive considering he was a non-factor until midseason. Hill touched the ball in every game in 2014, but all five of his 100+ yard rushing games occurred after Week 8. Hill took the starting job from Giovani Bernard, rendering Hill down to third-down responsibilities.
Hill proved he could be an every down back, leading the NFL in yards per carry in the second half of the season. He may be part of a one-two punch, but he’s definitely the “one” and Bernard will make sure Hill is healthy enough for the full season.
4: Tyler Eifert, TE
Now the starting TE, Eifert hasn’t played a full game since 2013 (Getty).
Eifert gets a boost after the Bengals traded Jermaine Gresham to Arizona last month. Since trading Gresham, it’s clear that the Bengals are hoping Eifert becomes who they thought he’d be when they drafted him 21st overall in the 2013 Draft. Now Eifert, who has been dinged up in various ways for over a season, is in sole possession of the tight end spot.
Eifert has yet to prove himself on a consistent basis. He’s never had more than five catches in a game, and he hasn’t had that many since October 2013. Andy Dalton targeted tight ends 103 times last season, so a healthy Eifert has the potential for a big year. Eifert won’t be one of the first five tight ends taken, making him a solid late-round pick.
5: Giovani Bernard, RB
Bernard may split time in 2015, but he may still warrant on roster spot (Getty).
Bernard came into the 2014 season as a starter, and exited as a third-down back. It was clear Gio has great speed and reliable hands out of the backfield, but has struggled rushing between the tackles. While Bernard was out Weeks 8-10, Jeremy Hill rushed for 361 yards and took the starting job away. After Bernard returned from injury, he did not score a rushing touchdown for the remainder of the season.
When both backs are healthy, Jeremy Hill is now the preferred back in Cincinnati. Bernard will still be used, and will still be a viable option in PPR leagues. That being said, Bernard is a solid draft pick, as a handcuff that still has flex scoring potential.
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