2009 Fantasy outlooks: Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have been mired in mediocrity ever since former Steelers defensive lineman Kimo Von Oelhoffen fell into Carson Palmer's knee in the 2005 playoffs and ruined a potential Super Bowl run. They are still trying to recover as a franchise, and Palmer is again coming back from a significant injury. He hurt his elbow last season and was limited to four games. That left the Bengals in the hands of Ryan Fitzpatrick, which you can imagine is never a good thing. But with Palmer expected to make a full recovery, this team could be full of surprises.
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The Bengals upgraded their defense by drafting linebacker Rey Maualuga and bringing in defensive back Roy Williams, but this offense is what Fantasy owners care about. Cedric Benson returns as the starting running back, and while that seems like a risky play, he could emerge as a quality Fantasy option. And if Chad Ochocinco bounces back from a dismal 2008, which he should with Palmer back, this offense could shine. We'll see how it all plays out as HBO and NFL Films will chronicle the Bengals training camp in the latest version of "Hard Knocks."
Sleeper ... Carson Palmer, QB
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| Player | Draft Day value | |
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| Carson Palmer |  | |
| J.T. O'Sullivan | | |
| Jordan Palmer | ||
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| Cedric Benson | | |
| Brian Leonard | | |
| Kenny Watson | | |
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| Chad Ochocinco | | |
| Laveranues Coles | | |
| Chris Henry | | |
| Andre Caldwell | | |
| Jerome Simpson | | |
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| Chase Coffman | | |
| Ben Utecht | | |
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| Shayne Graham | | |
| Bengals DST | | |
Forget about Palmer's disastrous season last year. He injured his elbow and was limited to four games. He's healthy now and has looked good in offseason workouts. And even though he loses T.J. Houshmandzadeh, there's enough talent in this receiving corps for him to still excel. Remember, Palmer had three seasons from 2005-07 where he averaged 4,000 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He was an elite Fantasy option and should get back to that level. He would benefit if Chad Ochocinco is committed, Laveranues Coles can replace Houshmandzadeh, Chris Henry stays on the field and out of trouble and Chase Coffman gives them anything at the tight end spot, but the potential is there for all that to happen. You'll notice Palmer falling in mock drafts this summer, but he's still worth drafting as a No. 1 option because he could finish as a Top 5 Fantasy quarterback by the end of the year.
Breakout ... Cedric Benson, RB
Benson finally got the opportunity he was waiting for when the Bengals picked him up after he was waived by the Bears. He looked like the player many thought he could become when he was drafted with a first round pick out of Texas in 2005. In 12 games, Benson rushed for a career-high 747 yards and also set career highs in catches (20) and receiving yards (185). This year, he'll get a full offseason in Cincinnati and also the chance to start from Day 1. He's going to enter the year as a No. 3 Fantasy running back, but he has the potential to finish as a starting option. The Bengals don't have many options beyond Benson, and they obviously feel he can play a role in the passing game. With Palmer back under center, this offense should improve dramatically. And Benson should be in line to finish with a career season and finally break the 1,000-yard barrier.
Bust ... Laveranues Coles, WR
Coles still has value for Fantasy owners in making the move to the Bengals. Palmer is arguably the best quarterback he's ever had, and Coles doesn't have to carry the passing game with Chad Ochocinco on the field. But Coles isn't as good of a possession receiver as Houshmandzadeh. And Palmer will likely rely on the receivers he knows with Ochocinco and Chris Henry. The Bengals also gave Palmer the best receiving tight end he's ever had with rookie Chase Coffman, who could turn into a reliable target over the middle. If you draft Coles as a No. 3 Fantasy wide receiver with a middle-round selection you'll be fine. But don't overvalue Coles and think he's a No. 2 Fantasy option now that he's in Cincinnati. Last year, Coles only had two touchdowns in his final nine games and only went over 100 yards once last season. Part of that was Brett Favre falling apart, but Coles also is capable of disappearing on the field.
Training camp topics
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| Player | Touches |
| Cedric Benson | 234 |
| Chris Perry | 124 |
| T.J. Houshmandzadeh | 93 |
| Ryan Fitzpatrick | 60 |
| Chad Ochocinco | 53 |
Making sure Palmer's elbow is 100 percent is the most important aspect of training camp for the Bengals. If he's not ready come July this team is sunk. All signs point toward Palmer making a full recovery based on his offseason, and that makes him a strong Fantasy option once again. Palmer also has to adjust to life without Houshmandzadeh and incorporate Coles and Coffman into the offense. If Chad Ochocinco is ready to return to prominence and Chris Henry can make it through a full year, this passing game could be explosive again. The Bengals also need Benson to build off last year's performance.
Offensive line is a concern for the Bengals. Getting rookie Andre Smith will help, but the line needs to come together for Palmer to stay on his feet and also open holes for Benson. The defense also needs work after a poor year in 2008, but this team will only succeed if Palmer is healthy and able to make plays. Fantasy owners can count on the Bengals for several sleeper options as most people are probably tired of this team. But Palmer and Co. should be in line for rebound years now that everyone appears healthy.
Injury update ... Carson Palmer (Elbow; considered probable to start training camp) ... Chase Coffman (Foot; considered probable to start training camp)
Are you ready for the 2009 Fantasy season? If not, we're here for you. Send us an e-mail at DMFantasyFootball@cbs.com. We'll respond to as many as we can.
