Bengals Fantasy Projection - Week 4

Here is the fourth 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 struggled last week when and finally looked like a rookie as he threw his first two interceptions for the year. He especially struggled playing from behind, and that scenario may happen again today as the Buffalo Bills bring in a very potent offense. Dalton is looking at around 200 yards passing with one touchdown and one interception.  Grade: 2/5

A.J. Green: Green had a tough week last week but look for him to rebound. The Bills secondary is beatable and I foresee the Bengals having to throw to come from behind in this one. Expect five receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown. Grade: 3.5/5 

Jerome Simpson: Simpson will play this week. He was only targeted four times last week, which was behind Green, Caldwell, and Gresham. He also still has an unresolved disciplinary issue hanging over his head. Grade: 2/5

Andre Caldwell: Caldwell had 12 targets last week and ended up leading all Bengals receivers with six receptions for 53 yards. Dalton seemed to look his way early and often and I see similar numbers this week.   Grade: 2.5/5

Cedric Benson: Benson had a poor game last week but did gash the Bills last year. Their run defense is improved this year and the Bengals are struggling to find someone to fill in for Bobbie Williams at the right guard spot. Look for around 85 yards rushing for Benson.  Grade: 3/5

Jermaine Gresham: Gresham had eight targets last week against the San Francisco 49ers. He has not been able to score since the first week of the season but is a consistent target of Daltons. Gresham is looking at four receptions for 40 yards. Grade: 3/5

Mike Nugent: Nugent has yet to miss an opportunity but does not get that many chances to score. The Bills have also given up the least amount of fantasy points to kickers this year. Grade: 2/5

Bengals Defense: The Bills come in with the 3rd ranked offense right now. Ryan Fitzpatrick is on a roll and Fred Jackson and Steve Johnson are threats to score every time they touch the ball. This is a tough week to play the Bengals defense.  Grade: 2/5

Individual Defensive Players (IDP)

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

• LB Rey Maualuga (26th) 3/5
• DL Michael Johnson (18th) 3/5
• DB Reggie Nelson (22nd) 3.5/5