The Bengals enter this contest at 2-1, but their momentum came to a screeching halt after a lopsided loss to the Vikings. The Broncos, meanwhile, sit at 1-2, having dropped two close games to playoff contenders. Both defenses have shown major cracks the past two weeks, setting the stage for an unexpectedly high-scoring fantasy matchup. Let’s break down who should be in your lineup — and who belongs on the bench.
📊 Quick Start Table
Player Start Meter (1–10) Verdict
Bo Nix 8.5/10 🔥 Start
J.K. Dobbins 8/10 🔥 Start
Courtland Sutton 8/10 🔥 Start
Ja’Marr Chase 9/10 🔥 Start
Chase Brown 7.5/10 🔥 Start
Tee Higgins 6.5/10 💪 Flex
Troy Franklin 6/10 💪 Flex
Jake Browning 3/10 ❄️ Sit
RJ Harvey 2/10 ❄️
🔥 Start ’Em
- Bo Nix (QB, Broncos) – Start Meter: 8.5/10
- Projected: 265 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 20 rush yards
- Nix enters this week with five touchdowns already and faces a Bengals defense that’s been vulnerable to big passing plays. His mobility and accuracy give him a safe floor, and in a game that could feature plenty of scoring, Nix is a strong QB1 option.
- J.K. Dobbins (RB, Broncos) – Start Meter: 8/10
- Projected: 82 total yards, 1 TD, 3 receptions
- Dobbins has been a model of consistency, notching a touchdown in every game so far. He’s clearly taken control of this backfield and should see goal-line work against a Bengals defense that just got gashed by Minnesota’s ground game.
Payton Reveals Which Two RBs Will Carry the ‘Boatload’ for Broncos – Chad Jensen via SI.com
- Courtland Sutton (WR, Broncos) – Start Meter: 8/10
- Projected: 6 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD
- Sutton continues to be Nix’s favorite target, particularly in the red zone. With the Bengals’ secondary allowing explosive plays on the perimeter, Sutton has another strong chance to find the end zone.
- Ja’Marr Chase (WR, Bengals) – Start Meter: 9/10
- Projected: 7 receptions, 92 yards, 1 TD
- Even against Patrick Surtain II, Chase is too good to sit. With Burrow sidelined, the Bengals are force-feeding him touches to keep the offense afloat. The matchup isn’t easy, but Chase’s volume and talent keep him in must-start territory.
- Chase Brown (RB, Bengals) – Start Meter: 7.5/10
- Projected: 74 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 28 yards
- Brown has a favorable matchup against a Broncos front that’s given up the fourth-most yards after contact to RBs. He’s not flashy but should deliver solid RB2 numbers with volume and physical running.
💪 Flex Plays
- Tee Higgins (WR, Bengals) – Start Meter: 6.5/10
- Projected: 4 receptions, 68 yards
- Higgins was bottled up last week, but that came against a far tougher defense. With Surtain tied up on Chase, Higgins should have room to work against softer coverage. He’s a risky but worthwhile flex play.
- Troy Franklin (WR, Broncos) – Start Meter: 6/10
- Projected: 5 receptions, 61 yards
- Franklin’s breakout performance against the Colts earned him a bigger role. Now second in team target share, he’s worth flex consideration in deeper leagues, especially if the Bengals tilt coverage Sutton’s way.
❄️ Sit ’Em
Jake Browning (QB, Bengals) – Start Meter: 3/10
Projected: 198 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Browning looked overwhelmed in his first full start, and until he shows more consistency, fantasy managers can’t trust him. Leave him on the bench.
RJ Harvey (RB, Broncos) – Start Meter: 2/10
Projected: 28 rushing yards, 1 reception, 8 yards
With Dobbins firmly established as the bell cow, Harvey has little standalone value. Zero touchdowns and minimal touches make him a firm sit this week.
Wrap Up
The Bengals-Broncos matchup may not scream shootout at first glance, but with both defenses faltering, this game offers plenty of fantasy juice. Nix, Dobbins, and Sutton headline Denver’s side, while Chase and Brown carry Cincinnati’s hopes. Higgins and Franklin make intriguing flex options if you’re looking for upside. On the flip side, Browning and Harvey remain unreliable and should stay far from fantasy lineups. Expect a competitive battle with enough fireworks to keep your scoreboard busy.
