AFC North Preview

[Bengalbob]

I haven't seen this posted yet . . .

http://fantasysports.yahoo.com/analysis/ne...gue=fantasy/nfl

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Cincinnati Bengals (2004 Stats: Rushing: 17th at 114.9 YPG, Passing: 17th at 220 YPG)

Marvin Lewis thinks that this is the year that the Bengals will establish themselves as a force in the AFC. They finished 10th in total offense a year ago, scoring 23.4 points per game. However, the defense ranked 21st, allowing 23.3 points per game. The Bengals addressed the need for QB pressure with the first-round selection of David Pollack. If he and second-year defensive end Robert Geathers can garner some pressure and force a few turnovers, the offense has the firepower to win games.

Running Game

The Bengals return their entire offense from last season. They have Rudi Johnson wrapped up for five years and will look to improve on their 17th-ranked rushing offense (114.9 yards per game) from a year ago. However, the jury is still out as to whether last season's first-round selection, Chris Perry, will be recovered from his hernia operation in time to contribute this season. If he's unable to go, the Bengals will turn to veteran Kenny Watson. Second-year back Quincy Wilson (son of former Chicago Bears Super Bowl champ Otis Wilson) has a shot at making the team as the third back.

Passing Game

The Bengals are in a great position with the emergence of Carson Palmer in the second half of the 2004 season and a capable backup in Jon Kitna. Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh make for a potent 1-2 combination at receiver and will be complemented by either rookie Chris Henry, third-year wideout Kelley Washington or veteran Peter Warrick. Matt Schobel and Reggie Kelly will battle for the top spot at TE. In any event, Palmer's passing rating went up nearly 30 points between his first seven and final six starts, showing that he'd made his adjustments and grown into the pro game. It could be a huge year for the Bengals offense (yes, you read correctly).

Fantasy Power List

# Rudi Johnson (Second round): After his 1,454 rushing yards in 2004 (a franchise record), the Bengals signed Johnson to a long-term deal, solidifying the core of the team for years to come. He recorded five 100-yard games and tied for eighth among running backs with 12 rushing touchdowns. Fantasy owners are expecting big things from the Bengals this season, and it all starts with Johnson.

# Chad Johnson (Third round): Johnson has topped 1,100 receiving yards in each of his three seasons as a pro and has caught 90 or more passes for two straight seasons. After a quiet first half of the season, Johnson exploded in the second half. He caught 45 passes in the final seven weeks of the season and seven of his nine touchdowns. That growth should continue this season.

# Carson Palmer (10th round): As mentioned above, Palmer grew into a bona fide fantasy starter in the second half of the season. He averaged 2.2 touchdown passes per game over his final seven games and cut down on his interceptions. With a strong supporting cast, Palmer will take the next step into becoming a fantasy starter. He's got the weapons to push toward 30 touchdown passes.

# T.J. Houshmandzadeh (11th round): Houshmandzadeh enjoyed a tremendous second half. He caught 41 passes over the final six weeks of the season with all four of his touchdowns. He's another player that the Bengals have locked up with a long-term deal and will open the season as the No. 2 receiver.

Wild Card

Chris Henry: The Bengals added the former West Virginia receiver with their third-round selection. He stands 6-foot-4 and will compete to take the No. 3 receiver role away from Kelley Washington and provides insurance if Peter Warrick is unable to return. Marvin Lewis is enamored with his work ethic and willingness to be physical in early workouts. Keep an eye on him as summer workouts begin.

[Kazkal]

Hmmmmmm I wonder if Chad could move up to first round sense Moss still the best but no longer has culpeppear to throw to him.so I think he'll downgrade some + no one even knows if TO will play.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Hmmmmmm I wonder if Chad could move up to first round sense Moss still the best but no longer has culpeppear to throw to him.so I think he'll downgrade some + no one even knows if TO will play.

In fantasy football, taking a WR in the first round is insane in nearly all cases. Usually it's going to be all running backs and the top 1 or 2 QBs.

Why?

Every team in the NFL starts one QB. That means there are 32 QBs to chose from for, on average, 12 fantasy teams. It's easy to get two starters.

Each team in NFL starts one halfback. Some use a committee, but there is always one guy (if that) worth starting on your fantasy team. Lets assume for each NFL team, one guy is worth starting. Fantasy teams start, usually, 2 running backs. This means there are 24 running backs starting every week in your league of 12. The depth here to pick from is much smaller than the depth at QB.

As for wideouts, teams in the NFL usually have a 1 2 punch, and sometimes, even the #3 wideout is worth starting. Just like in the NFL, each team in a fantasy league generally starts 3 wide receivers. Once again, it is easy to get 2 quality wideouts to start, and one spot starter or two that you can sub in based on matchups to make your #3. There are plenty of guys to chose from.

Only the running back position starts more players than generally start in the NFL each week.

[Irish Bengal]

Don't give away all the secrets to success!

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Don't give away all the secrets to success!

LOL Like that's a secret! Read any ff magazine and they will tell you that.

Besides, the key to FF isn't just the draft, it's the waiver wire and the trades.

[Spain]

Rudi could have a monster year but its more because of that O line.