If you're in a deep 12-team league, take a late-round flier on backup running back Bernard Scott. The 301 carries took a toll on Benson, and running backs coach Jim Anderson has already indicated that Scott will be in the mix. "He will play a bigger role in what we do," Anderson said. Recall his 119-yard game against Oakland in Week 11 last year. There's more where that came from if anything happens with Benson.
I mentioned earlier that Ochocinco is being picked after Felix Jones and Crabtree, and I think that's a mistake. The upgrades Cincy have made on offense benefit Ochocinco as well. We should see a bump in yards and receptions.
Palmer currently has an ADP of 112.47 and he's being picked after Donovan McNabb jersey. I'd much rather have Palmer, who has potentially his best supporting cast in his entire career. Anything less than 25 TDs would be a big letdown. If you miss out on seventh-round favorites like Kevin Kolb and Matt Ryan, wait a bit and scoop up a combo of Palmer and Joe Flacco
Benson was by far the highlight of Cincinnati's fantasy output last year, as he finally broke out for 1,251 yards rushing and six touchdowns over 13 games. The 27-year-old rusher is scheduled to meet with commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday to discuss his recent assault charge (Class-A misdemeanor), but indications are that Benson won't be suspended. He's fallen to the third round in recent mock drafts, a mighty fine value spot if this whole thing turns out to be overblown. Don't forget how beastly that O-line is.
The Skinny
The Bengals boast one of the elite cornerback tandems in the league in Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall. They combined for 141 tackles and 12 interceptions last season. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has turned this unit into one of the league's best at play-making, a boon for fantasy owners. Antwan Odom racked up eight sacks in six games before a torn Achilles' tendon cut his season short. He's on target to be a full participant in training camp, and remains someone to consider in IDP leagues. Reliable linebacker Dhani Jones should have no trouble posting 75 solo tackles and a few sacks again. Overall, even though this D/ST may be drafted outside of the Top 15, there will certainly be weeks of Top-10 productivity.
The D/ST
K - Dave Rayner/Mike Nugent
TE1 - Jermaine Gresham
WR5 - Jerome Simpson
WR4 - Jordan Shipley/Andre Caldwell
WR3 - Andre Caldwell/Jordan Shipley
WR2 - Antonio Bryant
WR1 - Chad Ochocinco
RB3 - Brian Leonard
RB2 - Bernard Scott
RB1 - Cedric Benson
QB2 - J.T. O'Sullivan
QB1 - Carson Palmer
The Depth Chart
Antonio Bryant. I don't like casting off anyone in this offense considering the upside, but Bryant's perceived value is more than his actual value. I'm sure some owners will have thoughts of his huge 2008 season when he collected 83 receptions, 1,248 yards and seven TDs. But that was when he was the main attraction with no competition for targets. There are a lot of mouths to feed on Cincy, including the biggest mouth of all, "Esteban" Ochocinco. Bryant is a good bounce-back candidate since he struggled in recovery from meniscus surgery last year in addition to Tampa Bay's poor quarterback options. However, I'd feel safer taking him as a WR4 and hoping for 800-900 yards and five TDs.
The Bust
Jermaine Gresham. Cincinnati's first-round pick gives new Palmer jersey a weapon he's sorely needed -- a big, reliable target who can bolster red-zone efficiency. An injury cost Gresham his entire 2009 season at Oklahoma, but his 2008 was something to behold (66 catches, 950 yards, 14 TDs). Expect Gresham to get involved early and rack up over 35 catches in his rookie season. Even though he won't be worth starting in shallow leagues, there will be a bunch of weeks where he could at least serve as a bye-week fill-in. With other offensive threats teams will have to respect -- Benson, Ochocinco and new receivers Antonio Bryant and speedy Jordan Shipley -- Gresham might be a sneaky bet for a handful of TDs.
The Breakout
With the stigma, though, comes fantasy bargains. No one on this team has an average draft position better than 18, and Ochocinco is being picked in the fourth round after less-proven players like Felix Jones and Michael Crabtree.
Three new Bengals jerseys players were arrested this offseason, including running back Cedric Benson being charged with misdemeanor assault for allegedly punching a bar employee in the face. For all their fantasy potential, the Bengals also scare owners away on draft day because of the perception that they are full of turmoil and/or disappointment. In 2009, it was more the latter. Chad Ochocinco had a bounce-back campaign, but barely cracked the 1,000-yard mark. Carson Palmer was serviceable as a QB2, but mixed in a bunch of dud performances. Benson was the lone star who over-delivered on expectations.
FanHouse is knocking out your fantasy football 2010 team previews one day at a time. With the new season on the horizon, we're covering all 32 potential champions.