Game Info
Kickoff: Monday, September 29, 2025, 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
Network: ABC
Cincinnati Bengals
Quarterback
Jake Browning: SIT
I apologize to anybody who had to start Jake Browning last week, because WHOOOO BUDDY that was UGLY. The offense didn’t start moving until it was 41-3 in the third quarter, and even then, Browning threw an ugly, ugly pick. I’ll give him a little grace since we’ve seen him perform solid performances in the past, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bengals make a move for a quarterback.
Running Back
Chase Brown: FLEX, RB3
Samaje Perine: SIT
Tahj Brooks: SIT
Situations like the Bengals are why I avoid inefficient, volume-based running backs like Chase Brown. If the situation on offense changes and the player either gets fewer carries or, in this instance, the offense takes a drastic step back due to injury, it can get real ugly real quick. Brown did see five targets, but rushed for *checks notes* 3 yards on 10 carries. He’s not rushed for over 50 yards in any game this season, and it’s not going to get any easier. View him as a low-end borderline RB2, more along the lines of a flex.
Wide Receiver
Ja’Marr Chase: START, WR2
Tee Higgins: SIT
Andrei Iosivas: SIT
This was the nonexistent floor I was talking about when it came to the Bengals’ pass catchers with Jake Browning. There’s really not a whole lot to say other than starting any Bengals, even Ja’Marr Chase, is a gamble, and honestly, he’s the only player on the team I’d start in fantasy until we see some life out of this offense. Tee Higgins saw two targets and caught one for 15 yards, and is firmly on my bench for now, and you have to recalibrate your expectations for Chase every week. He’s an extremely volatile WR2, and that’s being generous.
Tight End
Drew Sample: SIT
Despite catching a touchdown in Week 3, Drew Sample and/or any Bengals TE is not startable in fantasy.
Defense/Special Teams
Cincinnati Bengals: SIT
I can’t in good conscience recommend starting a defense in fantasy football that’s allowing over 30 points per game.
Denver Broncos
Quarterback
Bo Nix: START, QB1
Bo Nix has been anything but consistent in his sophomore season, sandwiching a three-touchdown performance with two games with just a single touchdown. He’s in a perfect get-right spot against a crumbling Bengals team that has given up five touchdowns over the past two weeks to Trevor Lawrence and Carson Wentz. Yes, that Carson Wentz.
Running Back
J.K. Dobbins: START, RB2
RJ Harvey: SIT
Tyler Badie: SIT
J.K. Dobbins has scored in each of his first three Broncos starts and has dominated the backfield touches, handling 54.7% of the team’s rushing attempts. Rookie RJ Harvey has seen just 17.3% of rushing attempts and is unstartable until he gets more involved. Dobbins is a volume-based RB2 facing off against a Bengals defense that allows the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs.
Wide Receiver
Courtland Sutton: START, WR2
Marvin Mims Jr.: SIT
Troy Franklin: SIT
Courtland Sutton bounced back in a big way, catching six of eight targets for 118 yards and a touchdown, proving he’s still the apple of Nix’s eye. Troy Franklin caught just two passes for eight yards and still offers some upside, but is unstartable until he sees consistent usage.
Tight End
Adam Trautman: SIT
You aren’t starting any Broncos TE right now.
Defense/Special Teams
Denver Bronco: START
Arguably one of the best defenses in the league and tied with the Rams for the most sacks with 12, Denver also gets to face Browning at home.