The New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals are set to square off to open the 2024 NFL season on September 8th, 2024 in what looks to be a fun match-up. These two teams are coming off disappointing seasons. The Patriots finished 4-13, while the Bengals just missed the playoffs with a record of 9-8.
The Bengals have some things to work out with the running back position with newcomer Zack Moss and Chase Brown more than likely being a committee at least to start the new year. New England drafted a promising rookie quarterback in the draft and has elected to start veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett.
New England Patriots vs. Cincinnati Bengals DFS Start ‘Ems
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Here are a few of the players that we are leaning on heavily in this game. These players are in a good spot to put together a solid performance and have a favorable matchup.
Rhamondre Stevenson, Running back, Patriots (DraftKings: $5.9k, Fanduel: $6.2k)
Rhamondre Stevenson draws a favorable match-up to start 2024. The Cincinnati Bengals defense was one of the worst rushing defenses in the NFL in all of 2023 ranking 26th of 32 teams. Last season Stevenson played in only 12 games and finished with 156 carriers for 619 yards 4 touchdowns on the ground, and 38 receptions for 238 receiving yards.
A disappointing season after finishing 2022 with nearly 1,500 all-purpose yards. Yet the Bengals have lost their main run-stopper in D.J. Reader to the Lions and Cam Sample to a season-ending injury, the Front line for the Bengals should be susceptible enough for Rhamondre Stevenson, making him a valuable play at his price.
Tee Higgins (DraftKings: $6.1K, Fanduel: $6.8k)
Last season, Higgins finished the season with 42 receptions for 656 yards and 4 touchdowns during the 12 games he played in. Between the Patriots trading Matthew Judon to the Falcons and losing Christian Barmore (DT) and Marte Mapu (S) to IR, the Patriots’ defensive pressure and coverage may not be able to reach the quarterback, giving Higgins time to find the holes in the defense. With his low value to start the season take advantage of it and build around Higgins with other premium players.
New England Patriots vs. Cincinnati Bengals DFS Sit ‘Ems
On the flip side of things, here are a few of the players we are sitting in this one.
Demario Douglas, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots (DraftKings: $4.8k, Fanduel: $4k)
In 2023 Douglas had a lackluster season producing only 49 receptions and 561 receiving yards. While adding 8 rushing attempts for 41 yards. The Cincinnati Bengals secondary made major upgrades on the back end with free agent signings Geno Stone and Vonn Bell, with a healthy secondary going into the season expect the Bengals’ defensive backs to make it hard for the the New England receiving core. At his price
Tanner Hudson, Tight End, Cincinnati Bengals (DraftKings: $2.9k, Fanduel: $4.3k)
After coming on strong to finish the 2023 season Hudson entered the offseason expecting to have a major role in the offense going forward. However, the Bengals signed Mike Gesicki to help bolster the tight end room and add more competition to a group that hasn’t seen a lot of volume in Joe Burrow’s tenure at quarterback.
Total Apex Lock of the Game
Joe Burrow (DraftKings: $6.5k, Fanduel$8.4k)
Joe Burrow enters his fifth NFL season coming off another season-ending injury. Burrow has motivations to prove that he is still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He finished the season with only 2,309 yards passing 15 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in the 10 games in 2023.
Burrow is looking to explode into 2024 and has a more than favorable match-up at home in Paycor Stadium to open the new year. Expect Joe Burrow to play at an elite level after having completed his first training camp ever in his five-year career. He is priced favorably for his match-up.
Total Apex Fade of the Game
K.J. Osborn (DraftKings: $3.5k, Fanduel: $4.6k)
After leaving the Minnesota Vikings in the offseason Osborn found a new home in New England. K.J. Osborn is in a position to possibly be the second option on the team to start the season with Kendrick Bourne on the IR. Osborn has a tough match-up against a revamped secondary in Cincinnati. His value is low, and his ceiling is even lower. Avoid Osborn until he proves that he and Brissett have a strong connection.
Conclusion
The Bengals should win this game handily, but it is opening weekend. People always say “any given Sunday” but for New England, it won’t be this Sunday. Stacking Burrow with Higgins on opening weekend should prove beneficial with both of these guys being a good value. Their values are only going to increase.
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