If any DFS players are looking for a high-scoring game to target, look no further than the matchup between the New England Patriots and the Cincinnati Bengals. While the Patriots enter the game as heavy favorites, both teams have weapons that are poised to have big games. There is a possibility of Joe Burrow making his grand return for this contest, but even if he doesn’t, the Bengals will still put up numbers on the scoreboard. On the other hand, the Bengals’ defense gives up tons of points to opposing offenses, so it’s a good week to be buying Patriots players.
Lock of the Game
Drake Maye
New England Patriots
AT
Cincinatti Bengals
(3-7)
Although he may not be the flashiest quarterback in the league, Drake Maye has one of the best floors out of any quarterback out there. His low for the last five games has been 222 yards. He hasn’t thrown for more than 300 yards this season, but now would be a great opportunity to do that against the Bengals’ defense. Maye has also thrown for at least one touchdown in the last six games, so there’s virtually no reason not to play him.
Start ‘Em
TreVeyon Henderson
New England Patriots
AT
Cincinnati Bengals
(3-7)
The stars are practically alligned for Henderson to pop off in this game. Rhamondre Stevenson, the usual first-string running back, was limited in practice. If he isn’t healthy enough to play, that means there will be a boatload of carries for Henderson, who is coming off of 62 yards and two touchdowns against the Jets. Given the fact that the Patriots are big favorites here, Henderson could also get plenty of carries during garbage time. There might not be a better opportunity to get points out of Henderson.
Tee Higgins
Cincinnati Bengals
VS
New England Patriots
(9-2)
Speaking of players going into good opportunities, Tee Higgins gets to play without Ja’Marr Chase. If Joe Burrow were to play, Higgins would be looking at a fat amount of targets. Even if Flacco plays another game, though, Higgins could have a big day. Against the Bears, Flacco was able to hit Higgins for 121 yards and two touchdowns. The Patriots will likely pull ahead to an early lead anyway, so the Bengals will need to throw deep, and Higgins is currently their best deep ball option.
Sit ‘Em
Chase Brown
Cincinnati Bengals
VS
New England Patriots
(9-2)
The Patriots’ defense has not been friendly to running backs this year. They’ve only given up four rushing touchdowns on the year. This is bad news for Chase Brown because the Bengals will likely be throwing to keep up with the score in this game. It’s quite possible that they feed Brown a couple of times early and then abandon the run game to focus on passing. This just isn’t a good game script for Brown to be successful.
Demario Douglas
New England Patriots
AT
Cincinnati Bengals
(3-7)
Douglas has been an explosive deep ball threat here and there, especially against the Falcons, where he had 100 yards and a touchdown. The issue for Douglas when it comes to fantasy is that, without the big touchdown play, he usually doesn’t put up enough numbers to be fantasy relevant. On top of that, there are lots of Patriots pass catchers who need the ball. It looks like Kayshon Boutte will return to play with Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and even TreVeyon Henderson, who can be used in the passing game. There is no guarantee Douglas is going to get that deep target in this game, so he can’t be started with any certainty.
Fade of the Game
Drew Sample
Cincinnati Bengals
VS
New England Patriots
(9-2)
Since Mike Gesicki is on the injured reserve, there are some opportunities for other Bengals tight ends to step up. So far, it looks like Noah Fant will take over the starting position. Drew Sample hasn’t made a catch since the Bengals game with Green Bay in Week 7, so he likely won’t be getting a lot of targets in this game.
