Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, November 3, 2024, 1:00 ET
Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
Network: FOX
Writer: Chris Helle
Las Vegas Raiders
Quarterback
Gardner Minshew: Sit
Assuming the Raiders’ defense can’t keep up with the Bengals’ offense, Vegas may need to lean into the passing game. This doesn’t affect Minshew’s status as a simple “avoid at all costs” fantasy QB. He may be the only QB to have played over 80% of a game and yield negative fantasy points. Just no.
Running Back
Alexander Mattison: Start, RB2
Zamir White: Sit
Cincinnati’s defense has allowed the 8th most rushing yards in the league. Alexander Mattison has fully taken over this backfield, seeing between 14-23 carries in each of the last four weeks. The question mark will be if he can find the end zone, but that amount of volume in a decent matchup should provide a safe floor at your RB position. With Mattison seeing nearly all the work, there’s no meat on the bone for Zamir White.
Wide Receiver
Jakobi Meyers: FLEX Option, WR3
Tre Tucker: Sit
He may have missed two weeks, but Jakobi Meyers has seen an average of nearly 9 targets per game since Week 3. As previously mentioned in Minshew’s description, the Raiders may end up leaning on the passing game in this one. The only hope is that Minshew provides his receivers with catchable targets. But between Meyers and Brock Bowers soaking up the target share, Tre Tucker is a very risky, touchdown-dependent asset that should be left on the bench.
Tight End
Brock Bowers: Start, TE1
Bowers comes into this week as the TE2 behind only George Kittle. He should be locked in your lineup each week as his volume and efficiency have been through the roof, with no reason to doubt that will change this week.
Cincinnati Bengals
Quarterback
Joe Burrow: Start, QB1
Listed as a Buy candidate in this week’s Buy-Sell article, Burrow is primed to return to his elite caliber efficiency and scoring. He’s QB6 on the season with three weeks that he finished outside QB15. He struggled both in Week 1 and against a surprisingly stout Philly secondary, but his mobility is much improved, and he’s thrown for the 5th most passing yards and 3rd most TDs in the league. He also has Tee Higgins returning and is in a favorable matchup to make a statement win for the Bengals.
Running Back
Chase Brown: FLEX Option, RB3
Zack Moss: Sit
Things were trending as though Chase Brown was taking over the backfield until a near-perfect split last week. Nonetheless, Brown should remain the preferred back in both this offense and fantasy, as he’s been much more efficient on his touches than Zack Moss. The Bengals as a whole, though, are not a very efficient team on the ground and lean more on Burrow’s arm. Brown should be a safe FLEX play this week, but Moss is not.
Wide Receiver
Ja’marr Chase: Start, WR1
Tee Higgins: Start, WR2
Andrei Iosivas: Sit
Yes, you should start the overall WR1. In addition to Chase, Tee Higgins should also be started, as he’s seen no fewer than 6 targets in any game he’s played and outpaced Chase in targets in the four straight weeks he was fully healthy. Higgins also gets red-zone looks, which is great for his managers but doesn’t leave much for those who own Andrei Iosivas.
Tight End
Mike Gesicki: Sit
Erick All: Sit
The two TEs have been splitting snaps and targets throughout the year and seem to be alternating weeks with who’s involved more. Mike Gesicki is coming off a big week against the Eagles, though that was in the absence of Tee Higgins. Between Higgins’ return and the potential of the game script leaning more into the run, look elsewhere for your TE this week.