As the Cincinnati Bengals get set for the start of the preseason, the team has been generating a lot of buzz around the league.
Following a strong offseason, Cincinnati has been seen as a sleeper team in the AFC. The Bengals have missed the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, but there is real hype around this group.
And with NFL games getting started again, this means that Fantasy Football will be back as well. The Bengals have plenty of stars on the roster for players to draft, but one in particular has been getting some serious praise of late.
Chase Brown 2026 Fantasy Breakout Incoming?
That should be running back Chase Brown, who is again expected to be the starter for Cincinnati in the backfield. Brown put together a very good season for the Bengals in 2025, playing in 17 games.
The third-year running back totaled 1019 yards and six touchdowns on the ground, while catching 69 passes for 437 yards and five scores through the air. And after a strong 2025 season, Brown has been a popular name among the fantasy crowd as we head into the year.
Patrick Daugherty and Denny Carter of NBC Sports discussed where Brown could end up this year in fantasy. The Bengals running back has generally been ranked around the 10-12 range in drafts this year.
“I think it is a little too low for Chase Brown, considering, according to all accounts, to coaches, to beat writers, to the Bengals- he’s going to be one of the centerpieces of this offense along with Ja’Marr Chase,” Carter said. “Of course, Tee Higgins is still there…I think Brown going in the 10-12 range is not his ceiling at all. It’s definitely top-five, even top-3 in PPR depending on health and everything.
“Last year, one of the most dependable PPR options in the league. Was targeted heavily in the RedZone, which is very rare for a running back. All arrows pointing up for Chase Brown heading into the regular season.”
In PPR leagues, Brown averaged 16.6 points per game, putting up 282.6 for the season. If the Bengals do end up using him all over the field as planned, his numbers could jump even more.
Chase Brown’s Role in Bengals Offense
The Bengals are looking to open the offense up even more this season, woith brown at the center of it all. Cincinnati wants more of a well-rounded approach to the offense, using the ground game a little more than previous seasons.
With a healthy Joe Burrow, the Bengals attack could be very creative, opening the door for some high fantasy numbers. Brown is in line to benefit from this greatly, and he’s proven himself as a dual-threat for PPR leagues.
Of course, injuries will play a factor in his season, but the running back has played in 33 games over the last two years. Cincinnati is looking to get back to the postseason, and the offense is going to play a massive role in how this shapes out.
If Brown can put together another solid year, the Bengals will find success, and he’ll establish himself as a fantasy stud.
Bengals’ Chase Brown Given Bold 2026 Fantasy Football Prediction