Fantasy Scouting Report: Cincinnati Bengals

Cutting through the clutter, Cincy Jungle on the Bengals.

Carson Palmer – In his past eight starts, Palmer hasn’t thrown for over 300 yards passing and he’s recorded multiple scores in only three of those games. If you time travel further back to Palmer’s last 14 starts, he’s thrown for over 300 yards once with multiple touchdown passes in five; ironically, he’s been shutout in five games. Even though the Bengals have beaten Baltimore in three of his past four starts, Palmer is averaging less than a touchdown per game. If you have a better option, take it. Palmer will just win the football game, not the fantasy football leaderboard.

Cedric Benson – Dating back to December 12, 2008, Cedric Benson has led the NFL with 649 yards rushing on 147 attempts. During that six game stretch, Benson has recorded only three rushing touchdowns; two of them coming through the first four games this season. Aside from his 141-yard rushing performance against the Green bay Packers, Benson is averaging roughly 18 carries for 75 yards rushing. Futhermore, the Baltimore Ravens haven’t given up a 100-yard rusher for 39 straight games – longest active streak in the NFL.

Chad Ochocinco – The date is December 5, 2004. This is the last time that Chad Ochocinco recorded 100 yards or more receiving against the Baltimore Ravens. Eight games have passed and he’s only scored twice since. But it’s not like he’s struggled. He’s recorded more than 80 yards receiving in four of those games and even topped 90 yards twice. Still, it would seem unlikely that Chad breaks out against Baltimore, considering that Chad has recorded eight receptions for 78 yards in his past two games combined.

Bengals defense – Since the Bengals only recorded two sacks against the Cleveland Browns, they’ve fallen to fourth in the NFL with 12 quarterback sacks. Johnathan Joseph recorded his second interception of the season and Robert Geathers returned a fumble 75 yards for a touchdown last week. While the Bengals are impressively strong, they’re still not opportunistic with turnovers.

Cincy Jungle has all the goods on the rejuvenated Bengals.