The Cincinnati Bengals looked like the team many expected to see heading into the season with their 31-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 8. One of the reasons the team looked like a Super Bowl contender was arguably the best performance we’ve got all season from RB Joe Mixon.
Unfortunately, he popped up on the injury report this week, which could have a big impact on the Bengals’ fantasy football outlook in Week 9. Let’s take a closer look.
Latest Injury Update on Joe Mixon
In what has been a very healthy start for Mixon in his 2023 campaign, his name finally made an appearance on the injury report.
According to a recent report from Mike Petraglia, Mixon was limited for Wednesday’s practice due to a chest injury. It’s also noteworthy that Bengals HC Zac Taylor didn’t even address Mixon’s injury at his press conference, which suggests his status for Sunday isn’t in jeopardy at the moment.
Will Mixon Play This Week?
Mixon’s appearance on the practice field to start the week is certainly a very encouraging sign of his potential availability heading into their prime-time matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night.
Fantasy managers will still need to monitor Mixon’s participation in practice throughout the week, but as long as he continues to take the field for practice, it feels very likely that he will play in Week 9.
Editor’s note: Mixon will carry a questionable tag into Sunday’s matchup, but all indications are that he will play.
Analysis last updated at 2:25pm EST on Friday, November 3.
What Does This Mean for RB Trayveon Williams?
Mixon has been getting a reliable workload on a weekly basis, but unfortunately, his lack of efficiency has mirrored some of the struggles on the offensive side of the ball for the Bengals so far this season. Mixon has just two touchdowns on 131 total touches this season, which has played a big role in his RB20 ranking.
Could this offense begin generating more scoring opportunities moving into the back half of the season with QB Joe Burrow looking the healthiest he’s been all season? It’s definitely within the range of possibility.
MORE: 2023 RB Fantasy Football Rankings
Mixon has seen a minimum of 13 carries this season while going for over 55 rushing yards in all but one game this season. In addition, Mixon has caught three or more passes in five out of the seven games this year. While the consistent workload has led to a reliable fantasy floor, the ceiling has felt so low you can touch it from the first floor.
With all of that work in the running game, Mixon still hasn’t gone over 90 yards on the ground this season.
The ceiling this week is a bit tricky going up against the Bills’ defense, who have allowed an average of 20.2 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Still, they’re currently allowing the third-lowest points per game to opposing offenses.
If Mixon can’t go, RB Trayveon Williams would get a bump into the RB2 conversation. Yet, it looks like Mixon should be a top-15 play against Buffalo if he’s able to play on Sunday.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!