This week’s AFC showdown features two explosive offenses going punch for punch with the Bengals and Bills. Cincinnati looks revitalized with Joe Burrow returning to form, while Buffalo continues riding the up-and-down roller coaster behind Josh Allen’s elite playmaking. Expect points, volume, and fantasy fireworks.
Start ’Em
Joe Burrow — QB, Bengals
Burrow looked like vintage Burrow last week: calm, precise, and aggressive. After seeing what Flacco did in this matchup style and responding with a breakout of his own, he’s officially trustworthy again. With Higgins back, the ceiling rises even higher.
Josh Allen — QB, Bills
Buffalo will need a big game from Allen to keep pace with Cincinnati, and he thrives in high-scoring environments. Expect multiple touchdowns: through the air, on the ground, or both.
Ja’Marr Chase — WR, Bengals
Chase topped 100 yards again last week and historically performs well against the Bills secondary. With Burrow fully operational, Chase is locked in as a top-tier WR1.
James Cook — RB, Bills
Cook exploded against the Steelers, and now he faces another beatable AFC North defense. His dual-threat usage gives him a safe RB1 floor with room for another big outing.
Tee Higgins — WR, Bengals (Flex)
Higgins has cleared concussion protocol, but easing back into your lineup as a flex is the smart play. A healthy Higgins paired with a sharp Burrow could pay off immediately.
Khalil Shakir — WR, Bills (Flex)
Allen spreads the ball around, which makes predicting his WR1 tricky—but Shakir has been the steadiest option. He’s the most bankable flex play among Buffalo’s pass catchers.
Sleeper: Keon Coleman — WR, Bills
Coleman is inching out of the doghouse and just hauled in a red-zone touchdown. If Buffalo is serious about giving him more meaningful snaps, he could emerge as their preferred end-zone option down the stretch.
Bills WR Keon Coleman Is Struggling And Has Six Weeks To Avoid The CFL – Alejandro Avila via Outkick
Sit ’Em
Dawson Knox — TE, Bills
The usage isn’t reliable enough. With Kincaid dominating targets at tight end and the receivers rotating heavily, Knox lacks the volume to justify a start.
Bengals Defense
Cincinnati is competitive, but they give up plenty of points, and facing Josh Allen is no time to take a chance. Avoid them in what should be one of the highest-scoring games of the week.
Final Takeaway
This matchup has all the ingredients for a fantasy shootout: two elite quarterbacks, returning stars, and defenses that can be exploited. Start your studs from both teams with confidence, trust in the passing volume, and expect lengthy drives and plenty of red-zone action. For fantasy managers chasing upside, this game might swing entire matchups.
