Andy Dalton improved upon his rookie numbers in his second season, but the Bengals quarterback will likely only be a high quality backup for fantasy teams this season. Dalton will need a pass catcher other than A.J. Green to step up this season, so opposing defenses can not just look to stop Green. If Jermaine Gresham or Mohamed Sanu can step up, Dalton could have value as a lower end QB 1.
Josh Johnson will battle John Skelton for the Bengals' backup quarterback job this season. Johnson has no value in fantasy leagues, and even if Dalton were to go down with an injury, Johnson probably would not be worth adding.
Giovani Bernard could make a fantasy impact as a rookie out of the Bengals backfield. Bernard was the 37th overall pick in this year's NFL draft, and will start the season as the backup to BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Bernard will see the field on third downs, and to spell Green-Ellis throughout the game, in fact, we're hearing the carries may be split 50/50. I would not be surprised to see Bernard thrust into a more vital role as the season moves along, as he brings more explosiveness to the field than Green-Ellis. There's little doubt after seeing how elusive Bernard is on the field, he can be a solid RB1 in the league. We're projecting him to outproduce Green-Ellis in PPR formats this year and likely be a hot name for fantasy players come playoff time.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis will likely enter the season as the Bengals' starting running back. Green-Ellis will have to hold off second round draft pick Giovani Bernard, who will likely cut into his carries throughout the season. Green-Ellis struggled at times last season, and if he does not get off to a good start to the season, could be the Bengal's backup before long.
Rookie running back Rex Burkhead is not likely to carry much fantasy value this season. Burkhead is behind Green-Ellis and Bernard on the depth chart, and is likely to play mostly on special teams this season. Dynasty league players in deep leagues can stash Bernard for the future as a deep sleeper.
Cedric Peerman will be the Bengals' fourth option out of the backfield this season. Peerman will make the team based on his special teams ability, but would need multiple injuries to running backs ahead of him on the depth chart to make a fantasy impact this season.
