The Green Bay Packers come out of their bye week looking to floor the gas pedal against a Bengals team that has made a bold move: signing Joe Flacco to stabilize their offense and salvage their season. Green Bay sits in the middle of the NFC North pack, while the Bengals are desperate to find rhythm in a struggling AFC North.
Fantasy managers should keep an eye on this matchup, as both teams feature intriguing storylines and key players who could make or break your week.
🔥 Fantasy Start Meter
| Player | Team | Matchup | Start Confidence |
| Jordan Love | GB | vs CIN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Josh Jacobs | GB | vs CIN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Romeo Doubs | GB | vs CIN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tucker Kraft 💪 | GB | vs CIN | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Packers Defense | GB | vs CIN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Matt Golden (Sleeper) | GB | vs CIN | 💪⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ja’Marr Chase | CIN | vs GB | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tee Higgins 💪 | CIN | vs GB | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Chase Brown | CIN | vs GB | 🚫⭐ |
| Bengals Defense | CIN | vs GB | 🚫⭐ |
Starts 🔥
Jordan Love – QB, Packers
Love has been a steady fantasy contributor all season, averaging solid yardage with his improved pocket awareness. Against a Bengals defense that’s been inconsistent against the pass, he’s in line for another strong fantasy outing. Pencil him in as a top-12 QB this week.
Packers RB Josh Jacobs is ‘going to wear people out’ – packers.com
Josh Jacobs – RB, Packers
Jacobs continues to find the end zone, scoring four rushing touchdowns already this season. He’s the heartbeat of this Packers offense, and with Cincinnati’s front seven struggling to contain power runners, Jacobs should see plenty of red-zone work. Expect another RB1-level performance.
Romeo Doubs – WR, Packers
Doubs has fully emerged as Love’s go-to target and deep-ball threat. His chemistry and route timing make him dangerous on play-action and vertical concepts. He’s a strong WR2 start in all formats.
Tucker Kraft 💪 – TE, Packers
Kraft has quietly been one of the most consistent young tight ends in fantasy, seeing 4+ targets per game and scoring in every other contest. He’s a strong streaming option or a confident TE1 if you’re dealing with injuries or byes.
Packers Defense – D/ST
Green Bay’s defense is in an excellent spot this week. With Joe Flacco just getting acclimated to the Bengals’ system and limited mobility in the pocket, expect multiple sacks and possible turnovers. They’re a top-8 fantasy defense play.
Sleeper 💪
Matt Golden – WR, Packers
Golden logged meaningful snaps before the bye, catching 5 passes for 58 yards. With Green Bay spreading the ball around, he could emerge as the sneaky WR3 option this week. If he finds the end zone, he’ll be one of the waiver-wire winners heading into Week 7.
Starts 🔥 (Bengals)
Ja’Marr Chase – WR, Bengals
Flacco’s arrival is a boost for Chase, who thrives on timing routes and deep balls. Expect Chase to get peppered with targets early and often, especially if the Bengals fall behind. His big-play ability keeps him a must-start WR1.
Tee Higgins 💪 – WR, Bengals
Higgins’ fantasy value is back on the map thanks to Flacco. The veteran QB’s willingness to throw contested passes fits Higgins’ strengths perfectly. He’s a strong flex with upside to post WR2 numbers.
💤 Sleeper Pick:
Andrei Iosivas – WR, Cincinnati Bengals
With Joe Flacco stepping in under center, Andrei Iosivas could be a sneaky fantasy sleeper heading into Week 6. Last week, Iosivas quietly made an impact: catching 5 of his 7 targets for 58 yards, showing dependable hands and growing trust from the quarterback position.
Sits 🚫
Chase Brown – RB, Bengals
Brown’s usage and efficiency have both been disappointing. He’s losing snaps and touches to the veteran backs on passing downs. Even in a potential shootout, Brown belongs on your bench until his role stabilizes.
Bengals Defense – D/ST
Facing a well-rested Packers offense that’s heating up, the Bengals’ defense is in a tough spot. Green Bay’s offensive balance and Love’s deep-ball accuracy make Cincinnati a risky play. Avoid this unit in all formats.
Wrap-Up
The Packers are coming out of the bye rejuvenated and ready to attack, while the Bengals hope that Joe Flacco can give them stability and spark. Expect Green Bay to start fast and Cincinnati to chase points late: creating plenty of fantasy value on both sides.
Prediction: Packers 27, Bengals 20
Fantasy MVP: Jordan Love – 3 total TDs and over 275 yards passing in a statement win.
