Bengals Fantasy Projection - Week 3

Here is the third installment of our projected fantasy production from Bengals players. All pertinent fantasy contributors will be covered and at the end of each projection a recommendation will be given assessing whether or not that player should make it into your starting lineup.

• 5/5 = Must Start
• 4/5 = Good Start
• 3/5 = Solid Start
• 2/5 = Weak Start
• 1/5 = Wasted Start

Andy Dalton: Dalton should be able to move the ball on the 49ers defense, however he will be without Jordan Shipley and quite possibly Jerome Simpson for the game. Through two games, he has shown the ability to minimize turnovers and get the ball in the end-zone and I expect more of the same this week. Dalton is looking at around 230 yards passing with a couple of touchdowns and perhaps one interception.  Grade: 3/5

A.J. Green: Green had a great game last week and is definitely Dalton's favorite target. The 49ers secondary has given up a ton of points to receivers in fantasy football this year and I think Green has another big game this week. I would expect six receptions for close to 100 yards and a touchdown. Grade: 4/5 

Jerome Simpson: Simpson is listed as questionable on the teams injury report with a "non-injury related" designation. Joe Reedy believes that Simpson will not play this week and I tend to agree. If he is on your team, start looking at replacements with Andre Caldwell being the logical choice. Grade: 1/5

Andre Caldwell: Caldwell will be looking at an expanded role this week with Shipley's injury and Simpson's likely absence. He has not gotten much of an opportunity to play this year but has made some plays for this team in the past. He has a good matchup against a weak 49ers secondary and could benefit from extra attention paid to Green. I see Caldwell pulling in four receptions for 45 yards.   Grade: 2.5/5

Cedric Benson: Benson had a poor game last week and will have a hard time getting going this week again. The 49ers play the run pretty well and combined with a suspect pass defense, the Bengals may be looking to move the ball through the air in this contest. Benson is looking at around 70 yards rushing.  Grade: 3/5

Jermaine Gresham: Gresham had a quiet week last week but will be counted on to contribute in the passing game as the Bengals will likely be down two receivers. He, along with Green, will continue to be red-zone threats in the passing game. Gresham is looking at five receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown. Grade: 3.5/5

Mike Nugent: Nugent has been very effective for the Bengals this year and has had a decent amount of opportunities to score this year. The most important thing is that he converts when given the opportunity. He remains a solid play this week. Grade: 3/5

Bengals Defense: The Bengals defense was a little inconsistant last week against the Broncos who were without their number one receiver or running back. The 49ers will be without Braylon Edwards and Michael Crabtree looks to be limited. They do have some weapons on offense though with RB Frank Gore and TE Vernon Davis.  Grade: 3/5

Individual Defensive Players (IDP)

SB Nation has ranked the top IDP prospects for Week Three with three Bengals make the list.

• LB Rey Maualuga (36th) 3/5
• LB Thomas Howard (35th) 3/5
• DB Reggie Nelson (22nd) 3.5/5