Fantasy Football News, Advice, Stats, Projections & Draft Kit

SOURCE: AtoZ Sports - John Sheeran

Posted 3/30/2023 5:47 pm GMT

Cincinnati Bengals RB Joe Mixon is "the guy" and someone the team is "going to count on ... until that would not be the case," according to executive vice president Katie Blackburn on Thursday, March 30. "Right now, he's on the team and we are going to count on him until that wouldn't be the case. But yeah, he's the guy. ... I think he's still got a lot of production in him," Blackburn said.

Huddle Up: It is unclear at this moment if the Bengals' hesitation regarding Mixon is his off-field issues or the decline in his production in 2022, but Blackburn's quote was about as tepid of an endorsement as someone can give. To be fair, Blackburn did not exactly commit to a long-term future with Joe Burrow or Tee Higgins either. At least with Mixon, there has been enough smoke this offseason to suggest his roster status is tenuous at best. Look for the Bengals to spend an early draft pick at running back next month.

Irv Smith - TE

Posted 3/28/2023 4:03 am GMT

Free-agent TE Irv Smith (Vikings) agreed to a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, March 27, per source. The financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

SOURCE: NFL Network - Peter Schrager

Huddle Up: Now this is an intriguing signing for both sides. Smith is undoubtedly a talented pass-catcher and the high-powered Bengals offense is looking for a new No. 1 tight end after Hayden Hurst, who was a high-end TE2 in 2022, departed for the Carolina Panthers. The biggest problem for Smith has been his health, with the former second-round pick missing a total of 26 games over the past two seasons, including all of 2021. This pairing has the potential to turn Smith into a TE1 if he can stay healthy, but for now consider him a late-round TE2 with upside in re-draft leagues and a hold in dynasty formats.

Posted 3/13/2023 2:07 am GMT

Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins is a player the Bengals want to keep long term, according to director of player personnel Duke Tobin. "I envision him being a part of what we're doing going forward for a long time," Tobin said. "We want our guys, especially our guys who come in, to prove that they can help us win in a big way."

Huddle Up: If the Bengals are able to find a way to keep the trio of Joe Burrow Ja'Marr Chase and Higgins together beyond 2023, all three players should remain fantasy stalwarts. At worst, Higgins should be a WR2.

SOURCE: ESPN.com - Field Yates

Posted 3/01/2023 12:18 am GMT

Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins is not involved in any potential trade plans, according to director of player personnel Duke Tobin on Tuesday, Feb. 28. "Trading Tee Higgins is not on my mind. That's their problem. If they want a receiver, go find their own," Tobin said.

Huddle Up: Higgins is in the final year of his contract and figures to get paid handsomely, so it's a valid question. However, it seems the team is going to work to keep him around as the complement to Ja'Marr Chase, which means we can expect consistent high-end WR2 numbers.

SOURCE: The Athletic - Paul Dehner Jr.

Posted 2/28/2023 9:49 pm GMT

Updating a previous report, Cincinnati Bengals RB Joe Mixon could be released in the offseason following comments from director of player personnel Duke Tobin, who told reporters Tuesday, Feb. 28, that he did not know if Mixon would be on the roster next season.

Huddle Up: While Mixon getting released has been discussed by outsiders, this is the first time someone associated with the team has mentioned the possibility. The Bengals could rework Mixon's contract to save some money and keep him on the roster, but the $7.3 million of cap space his release would free up would go a long way in helping the team extend Tee Higgins and Joe Burrow. If he remains with the Bengals, Mixon figures to remain a low-end RB1 in fantasy. If not, he could be more of a middling RB2.

SOURCE: The Athletic - Jay Morrison

Posted 2/27/2023 12:25 am GMT

Cincinnati Bengals RB Joe Mixon could be a cap casualty this offseason, The Athletic's Jay Morrison wrote on Saturday, Feb. 25.

Huddle Up: Such a move would save the Bengals nearly $7.3 million in 2023, which is a significant chunk of change when you think about the extensions Cincy might be handing out over the next few years to WRs Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, and QB Joe Burrow. Chances are Mixon stays on his current deal or a reworked one, as he's grown to be an important piece of the offense. Mixon's stock could take a hit if he's cut, as he'd likely be joining a worse offense than the elite one he'd be leaving. Assuming nothing changes, Mixon is a borderline RB1 in 2023.

SOURCE: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Posted 2/09/2023 8:11 pm GMT

Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins told NFL Media's Ian Rapoport that he plans on remaining with the team "for a while" despite recent speculation that may be traded this offseason. Higgins is scheduled to become a free agent in 2024.

Huddle Up: The Bengals' top priority heading into next season figures to be an extension for Joe Burrow, so the size of that contract figures to play a big role in the feasibility of keeping Higgins around. Higgins was unable to build on the jump he made from Year 1 to Year 2 in 2022 due mostly to injuries, but make no mistake about it: he is still one of the top complementary receivers in the league. Higgins figures to be a solid WR2 option in fantasy again next season.

SOURCE: WCPO.com - Taylor Nimmo

Posted 2/03/2023 8:06 pm GMT

Updating a previous report, Cincinnati Bengals RB Joe Mixon had the charge of aggravated menacing dismissed by a judge in Hamilton County court Friday, Feb. 3. The prosecutor asked for a dismissal to allow for further investigation. The prosecutor also noted that the charge could be refiled in the future.

Huddle Up: In short, Mixon is temporarily out of hot water pending further investigation, although that could change if further investigation supports the victim's allegations. Mixon was accused of pointing a gun at a woman in downtown Cincinnati last month and threatening to shoot her. From strictly a fantasy perspective, Mixon's dynasty value is in the tank as a soon-to-be 27-year-old back that appeared to decline on the field last year and may now have a serious off-field matter hanging over him.

Joe Burrow - QB

Posted 1/21/2023 8:20 pm GMT

The Cincinnati Bengals and QB Joe Burrow are expected to talk about a contract extension this offseason, per source on Saturday, Jan. 21.

SOURCE: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Huddle Up: Burrow still has two years left on his rookie deal once the Bengals pick up his fifth-year option this offseason. He has been everything Cincinnati could've hoped for and then some and will get paid handsomely. Burrow, who is trying to get his team past the Buffalo Bills this weekend, is a strong DFS option in a potential high-scoring affair.

Joe Burrow - QB

Posted 1/14/2023 5:24 am GMT

Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow faces the Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round, and the Ravens allowed the second-fewest touchdown passes in the NFL this season.

Huddle Up: Burrow threw two total touchdowns and finished with less than 220 yards in both meetings with Baltimore this season. This might not be the matchup to utilize Burrow in fantasy playoff contests.

Posted 1/13/2023 10:30 pm GMT

Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins (illness) practiced in full once again on Friday, Jan. 13, and carries no designation into the Wild Card Round.

Huddle Up: Part of arguably the best 1-2 punch in the NFL at wide receiver, Higgins is a solid DFS play for the Wild Card Round.

SOURCE: Sirius XM NFL Radio - Adam Caplan

Posted 1/12/2023 11:18 pm GMT

Updating a previous report, Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins (illness) fully participated in practice Thursday, Jan. 12.

Huddle Up: Higgins is on track to play this week and should see his normal workload during the game. He can be a starting option in all fantasy leagues.

Posted 1/12/2023 8:42 pm GMT

Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins (illness) returned to practice Thursday, Jan. 12.

Huddle Up: Higgins has had a bit of a rough go this season, especially against the Baltimore Ravens. In the teams' first meeting, he was limited by an ankle injury. Last week's AFC North clash saw him produce one catch on seven targets. With Ja'Marr Chase extremely likely to draw the bulk of Baltimore's attention this week, Higgins could have a decent day this time around.

Posted 1/08/2023 11:18 pm GMT

Cincinnati Bengals RB Joe Mixon rushed 11 times for just 27 yards and a touchdown in Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens, while adding five receptions for 41 yards on his five targets.

SOURCE: ESPN

Huddle Up: Mixon's stat line was concerning, although he salvaged things with the rushing score and reception total. He could have another difficult day in the AFC wild-card round, as the Bengals face the Ravens again next week. His performance here is worth remembering for postseason fantasy pools and DFS next weekend.

Posted 1/08/2023 8:16 pm GMT

Cincinnati Bengals WR Tyler Boyd (head) left the Week 18 game early and is being evaluated for a concussion.

SOURCE: VikingsWire - Tyler Forness

Huddle Up: Boyd could be in danger of missing the first playoff game if he is diagnosed with a concussion. Fantasy players should monitor the situation over the next few days because he can be a flex option in some leagues if he is cleared to play.

Irv Smith - TE

Posted 1/07/2023 2:27 pm GMT

The Minnesota Vikings are planning to activate TE Irv Smith (ankle) from the Reserve/Injured list Saturday, Jan. 7, so that he can be eligible to play in the team's Week 18 game versus the Chicago Bears.

Huddle Up: Smith has been sidelined since Week 8 due to a high-ankle sprain. There won't be much of a role for him in the team's offense anymore because T.J. Hockenson, who can be viewed as a TE1 in fantasy leagues, has taken over the starting job at tight end for Minnesota.

Irv Smith - TE

Posted 12/28/2022 8:44 pm GMT

Minnesota Vikings TE Irv Smith (ankle) was designated to return from injured reserve on Wednesday, Dec. 28.

SOURCE: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert

Huddle Up: Smith hasn't suited up since Week 8 thanks to his ankle issue. Even when he does come back, there won't be much of a role for him, as T.J. Hockenson is cemented as the Vikings' top tight end and is a TE1.

SOURCE: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Kelsey Conway

Posted 12/24/2022 8:11 pm GMT

Updating a previous report, Cincinnati Bengals WR Tyler Boyd (finger) has returned to the Week 16 game after missing time because of a finger injury.

Huddle Up: Boyd will see a handful of targets in the passing game and can be a flex option in some leagues when healthy.

Posted 12/23/2022 1:27 am GMT

Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 22, and is not on the injury report for Week 16.

Huddle Up: Higgins should receive a good amount of targets in the passing game this week and can be a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver in all fantasy leagues.

Posted 12/22/2022 12:55 am GMT

Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Huddle Up: Higgins is on track for his normal workload this week and should see a good amount of targets. He should be a starting option in all fantasy leagues.

Posted 12/21/2022 2:04 am GMT

Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) was limited in practice on Tuesday, Dec. 20, per the team's estimated injury report.

Huddle Up: This is the third-straight week Higgins has been listed with a hamstring issue, and it has been normal for him to start the week as limited, so there's no real concern here. The Bengals' No. 2 receiver remains a strong WR2 going into Week 16.

Posted 12/18/2022 9:06 pm GMT

Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) is officially active for the Week 15 game.

Huddle Up: Higgins should have a big part of the passing game despite being questionable for the game. He can be a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver in all fantasy leagues.

Posted 12/18/2022 8:53 pm GMT

Cincinnati Bengals WR Tyler Boyd (finger) is officially active for the Week 15 game.

Huddle Up: Boyd is a risky option because of his finger injury but should still see a decent amount of targets in the passing game. He can be at least a flex option in fantasy leagues.

Joe Burrow - QB

Posted 12/16/2022 10:41 pm GMT

Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow (elbow) fully participated in practice Friday, Dec. 16, and is not on the injury report for Week 15.

Huddle Up: Burrow probably will have all of his receivers available for the Week 15 game and will be facing a depleted Tampa Bay Buccaneers secondary. He should be a starting option in all fantasy leagues this week.

Posted 12/16/2022 10:34 pm GMT

Updating a previous report, Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) fully participated in practice Friday, Dec. 16, but is listed as questionable for Week 15.

Huddle Up: Fantasy players should check the inactive list for Higgins' official status, but he is expected to be in uniform. He is a risky option because of the injury but should still be a starting option in all fantasy leagues.

Posted 12/16/2022 10:29 pm GMT

Updating a previous report, Cincinnati Bengals WR Tyler Boyd (finger) fully participated in practice Friday, Dec. 16, but is listed as questionable for Week 15.