Navigating potential fantasy pitfalls is crucial for success in the upcoming 2025 season, and identifying potential busts on each team is a key part of that process. As fantasy football drafts approach, analysts are carefully evaluating rosters, and several Cincinnati Bengals players are drawing scrutiny. Fantasy managers should be aware of the potential risks associated with drafting certain Bengals too early, particularly wide receiver Tee Higgins and running back Chase Brown, whose ADPs may not reflect their projected output. This analysis aims to provide a data-driven perspective to help fantasy managers make informed decisions.
Tee Higgins: WR1 Risk
Tee Higgins is a prominent name among Bengals players flagged as potential fantasy busts for 2025. Several factors contribute to this assessment, primarily revolving around injury concerns and inconsistent production relative to his draft position. Higgins’s ADP often positions him as a WR1 or high-end WR2, but his recent performance history suggests caution.
Injury History and Consistency
One of the most significant concerns surrounding Higgins is his injury history. He has missed ten games over the past two seasons, making him a risky pick for fantasy managers seeking consistent production. According to reports, Higgins only delivered top-12 wide receiver numbers in just four of his 12 games in 2024. This lack of consistent high-end production raises questions about his ability to live up to his ADP, especially when considering the opportunity cost of drafting him over other potentially more reliable options.
Role in the Bengals’ Offense
Another factor limiting Higgins’s upside is his role as the secondary receiving option behind Ja’Marr Chase. In a concentrated passing offense, Chase is likely to command the majority of targets, which can restrict Higgins’s opportunities. As noted by FantasyPros, drafting Higgins as a WR1 carries the risk of selecting a player who may not provide the consistent high-end production expected at that draft position. His value is heavily reliant on touchdowns and big plays, which can be unpredictable on a week-to-week basis.
Chase Brown: Running Back Concerns
Chase Brown is another Bengals player generating cautionary buzz in the fantasy football community. While some analysts are optimistic about his potential as a lead running back, others point to significant concerns that could limit his fantasy upside in 2025.
Offensive Line Weakness
A major red flag for Brown is the Bengals’ offensive line, which has been described as “really bad.” A poor offensive line can severely hinder a running back’s efficiency, limiting their ability to find running lanes and break tackles. This is particularly concerning for Brown, who may struggle to produce consistent yardage if the offensive line fails to improve. According to Pro Football Network, a struggling offensive line can negate even the most talented running back’s potential.
Limited Passing Game Role
Another factor capping Brown’s fantasy upside is his limited role in the passing game. One fantasy model indicated that Brown’s target share in 2024 was less than 10%, suggesting he is not heavily involved in the Bengals’ passing attack. Running backs who are not utilized as receivers typically have a lower fantasy ceiling, as they miss out on valuable receptions and receiving yards. If Brown’s role in the passing game remains limited, his fantasy value will be primarily dependent on rushing production, making him a riskier pick.
Joe Burrow: A Nuanced Perspective
While Joe Burrow is generally considered an elite fantasy quarterback, some analysts suggest a nuanced risk for the 2025 season. This perspective doesn’t necessarily label Burrow as a “bust” but highlights a potential scenario where his fantasy value could be lower than expected based on his ADP.
Defensive Improvement Impact
The key factor influencing Burrow’s fantasy outlook is the potential improvement of the Bengals’ defense. If the defense takes a significant step forward in 2025, it could lead to fewer pass attempts for Burrow. In 2024, Burrow’s high passing volume was partly a result of the team’s bottom-quartile defense, which forced him to throw frequently to keep pace. According to Establish The Run, a better defense could lead to more balanced offensive approach, reducing Burrow’s overall passing volume. While this would be a positive development for the Bengals as a team, it could negatively impact Burrow’s fantasy production.
Value Relative to ADP
The concern with Burrow is not necessarily his talent or ability, but rather his value relative to his ADP. If drafted as a top-tier quarterback based solely on his high-volume past, fantasy managers may be disappointed if his passing volume decreases due to improved defensive performance. It’s essential to consider the potential impact of the Bengals’ defensive improvements when evaluating Burrow’s fantasy value.
Navigating Bengals’ Fantasy Risks
Fantasy managers should approach the 2025 season with a clear understanding of the potential risks associated with drafting Tee Higgins, Chase Brown, and even Joe Burrow at their current ADPs. While these players possess talent and potential, various factors could limit their fantasy production. By carefully considering injury history, offensive line concerns, and potential shifts in offensive strategy, fantasy managers can make more informed decisions and avoid potential busts. Consulting resources like CBSSports.com, Footballguys, and The Sporting News can provide additional insights for draft preparation.
Ultimately, success in fantasy football hinges on identifying value and mitigating risk. While the allure of drafting a Bengals player may be strong, a thorough assessment of their potential pitfalls is crucial for building a winning team in 2025. Prudent decision-making during the draft can be the difference between a championship run and a disappointing season.
