Bengals at Seahawks fantasy football starts and sits

The Bengals first game will be against the Seahawks, but who cares about that? Which of the players playing in this matchup will be able to help you win your fantasy game?

This is a little hard to guess given how unpredictable Cincinnati will be on offense and defense, but going off what we’ve seen the Rams run and what the players and coaches have alluded to we can make some educated guesses.

Must start

Chris Carson, RB, Seahawks: This is based off last season slightly, but the Bengals couldn’t stop the run. Cincinnati didn’t do much to change that going into 2019. If Carson is able to get to the second level on a semi consistent basis he should have a wonderful day for fantasy owners. Not to mention Seattle will be giving him plenty of carries.

Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks: Lockett is easy Wilson’s favorite target, and the two have developed a great chemistry. It doesn’t sound like the Bengals will have William Jackson shadowing the opposing team’s top receiver, and that will be tested this week as the Seahawks will likely move Lockett around to get easy matchups.

Favorable matchups

Joe Mixon, RB, Bengals: Mixon is going to see plenty of volume, and I think the Bengals will take advantage of getting him the ball in open space by throwing it to him. The fact left tackle Cordy Glenn will be out leaves Mixon with a less than desirable offensive line in front of him. That is keeping Mixon from being a must start.

Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks: Wilson is just one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL. He shouldn’t go off for a crazy game by any means, but it is hard to shutdown talented quarterbacks in today’s NFL. A couple touchdowns should leave you feeling good about starting Wilson at the beginning of the season.

Tyler Boyd, WR, Bengals: Things get a little complicated when talking about Boyd right now. During the preseason and training camp, he was only lined up in the slot. That really hurts his value if that continues into the regular season. Boyd is still Andy Dalton’s most reliable target going into the season without A.J. Green. Boyd is probably more attractive of an option in points per reception leagues.

Good but not great

Tyler Eifert, TE, Bengals: The Seahawks lost safety Earl Thomas this offseason. He was easily one of the best safeties in the NFL, and it will be interesting to see how much the Bengals test the Seahawks ability to deal with such a mismatch during the game. Eifert also should be playing more of a slot receiver role, which means he shouldn’t be asked to stay in and help pass block.

Johns Ross and Damion Willis, WRs, Bengals: The fact we don’t know what the Bengals will be doing today leaves the possibility we see guys like Ross and Willis take advantage of a confused defense. I would say they are boom or bust flex options, but in deeper leagues that may need a replacement for Antonio Brown, you could do worse than taking a shot with one of these guys.

Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals: I’m not sure why you would need to be on the waiver wire looking for a quarterback in Week 1, but Dalton could have a very good day. If the opposing defense has no idea what you’re about to throw at them you have a chance to have a good day. Don’t go sitting guys like Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes for Dalton, though.

Seahawks Defense: Seattle may have a decent day against the Bengals, and they have become a popular streaming option. There is still a strong possibility that the Seahawks are playing on their heels all day. That isn’t great, but there is also the possibility that without Glenn that Seattle keeps the Bengals’ offense from getting off the ground.

Just sit them

D.K. Metcalf, WR, Seahawks: The rookie is off the injury list, but he spent most of the preseason recovering from a knee scope. There also won’t be a ton of opportunities through the air for the rookie. He is pretty much touchdown dependent in his debut.

Bengals Defense: There is reason for optimism that the Bengals defense can be better in 2019, but you shouldn’t take that chance for your fantasy team in Week 1 as they travel into Seattle.