Plenty of NFL fans were excited when Ja’Marr Chase got drafted from LSU. Even more, fans were shocked at how great he was as a wideout for Cincinnati. Last year, Chase nearly outdid himself, though, putting up some ridiculous numbers. There are whispers that he should be the first player taken in fantasy drafts this season.
Considering both what Chase is capable of and what situation his Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in, it’s hard to think of any other player who is more desirable for a fantasy football player.
Ja’Marr Chase 2024 Stats and Fantasy Production
Chase proved that he had the biggest ceiling of any wide receiver in the league last year. He had an astonishing 264 yards in his second game against the Ravens last season. Chase put up 193 yards in the first Ravens game that went into overtime, and he dropped 177 yards against Dallas. It would take a long time to find anyone else who has had a game over 200 yards, let alone three games over 175 yards, like Chase did.
Thanks to his amazing performances, Chase put up some very impressive fantasy points as well. There was only one week where Chase didn’t get double-digit fantasy points (that week was against the Chiefs defense as well).
What’s even more shocking is that Chase averaged 24 fantasy points per game. Imagine having a player who did that on average. Guaranteed 24 points each week is production only a fool would turn down. Not too many receivers have 55 fantasy point games to their name as well.
Ja’Marr Chase 2025 Fantasy Outlook
Given the way the Cincinnati Bengals are set up this season, Chase is primed to do exactly what he did last season again.
The Bengals’ defense hasn’t really improved, which means they will have to win football games the way they usually do: by throwing a lot and outscoring teams. Joe Burrow will certainly oblige, seeing as he could finish the QB1 on the year.
The Bengals are also in a tough division, where they will need to score a lot to keep up. Those two upcoming games against the Ravens should be huge for Chase, given how their last two meetings went.
In terms of wide receivers, Fantasy Pros has Chase ranked at number one, and it’s hard to think of a better receiver to draft before him. Even Justin Jefferson, who is ranked at number 2, lost Sam Darnold, who was pretty good at getting Jefferson the ball.
In terms of all players available, though, Chase should be taken in the first round, but not necessarily the first pick. Running backs are still very valuable, and Saquon Barkley is looking like the de facto first-overall pick. That being said, Chase should be taken by the time pick four comes around.
