Preseason Week 2 Game Recap: Key Fantasy Football Insights from Monday’s Matchup

Fantasy Football Insights: Bengals vs. Commanders

PFF’s recap dives into the latest player stats and usage, giving you the lowdown for fantasy football success in 2025.

Bengals and Commanders: The Showdown

In a recent matchup, the Commanders faced off against the Bengals, highlighting some important shifts in their rosters. Let’s break it down.

Commanders’ Backfield Shake-Up

Trading buzz around running back Brian Robinson has created a lot of changes. Reports surfaced that the Commanders might deal Robinson, so he didn’t participate in the game. This opened the door for rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez to showcase their skills.

Croskey-Merritt found the end zone with a 27-yard touchdown, while Rodriguez started and ran effectively, gaining 62 yards on six carries. With both players showing potential, it’s a tight race for the starting job, suggesting a rotation until one clearly stands out. Fantasy managers should keep both in mind, especially as the season unfolds.

Wide Receiver Dynamics

The receiver room for the Commanders is slowly becoming clearer. Star receiver Terry McLaurin is currently holding out, seeking a new deal. In his absence, Deebo Samuel made his presence known, standing out as a versatile option. Meanwhile, Jaylin Lane has been climbing the depth chart, putting pressure on others like Chris Moore and Michael Gallup.

Samuel’s role seems to hinge on his slot performance, offering versatility while filling various setups. It could lead to him being a key player if McLaurin’s situation doesn’t resolve quickly.

Bengals’ Tight End Situation

The Bengals introduced Noah Fant in this game, but his impact as a sleeper for fantasy football may be waning. Competing primarily against Mike Gesicki, who missed this matchup, Fant had opportunities but is unlikely to capture a significant role. Bengals tight ends have historically struggled for fantasy relevance, often not seeing enough targets during games.

Quick Notes:

• Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota missed the game due to a leg injury.
• The Commanders rested key starters, including tight end Zach Ertz.
• The Bengals used a heavy rotation of players, assessing future options after their starters took just one drive.

Recent Trends

As the fantasy football landscape evolves, it’s essential to note how player dynamics shift. In a recent survey from Fantasy Football Nerd, 68% of players are focusing more on team depth as the season approaches, highlighting the significance of backup roles and potential trades.

Conclusion

In summary, the matchup between the Bengals and the Commanders revealed insights into player positions and opportunities. With trades and injuries reshaping rosters, staying updated will be key for any fantasy manager aiming for that championship. Keep an eye on these developing stories and how they could impact your lineup moving forward.

For more statistics and player information, visit Pro Football Focus for in-depth analysis.

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