When the Cincinnati Bengals lost Joe Burrow for their season, there were many people that thought that was the end of the team’s season. However, quarterback Jake Browning has been outstanding in his last two games, and he has helped the team stay in playoff contention in the AFC.
With the strong play of Browning, should fantasy managers trust wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd in Week 15 against the Minnesota Vikings?
Should You Start Ja’Marr Chase in Fantasy This Week?
While Chase didn’t have a big game in the win against the Indianapolis Colts last week — just three catches for 29 yards — he has already shown he is capable of a big performance with Browning under center. In the win against the Jacksonville Jaguars two weeks ago, he had 11 catches for 149 yards and one touchdown.
#Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase on comparing him to #Vikings star Justin Jefferson:
"I don't feel like we're the two best. I'm the best." 👀
Does Chase have a case for the #NFL's top wideout?
More from @ByJayMorrison: https://t.co/f7fvgHfKeR#RuleTheJungle | #SKOL pic.twitter.com/NlQ6vQhyz9
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 14, 2023
Obviously, Chase and Burrow have a connection that is as good as there is in the NFL. However, as long as you can throw a football in the general vicinity of the star wideout, he’s capable of having a big game. This is a must-win showdown for both teams involved, with both sitting at 7-6.
To win in the playoffs, you have to have your best players in your lineups. Even without Burrow, Chase has to be viewed as a starter in Week 15. Start your studs.
Should You Start Tee Higgins in Fantasy This Week?
Higgins is just now getting back to fully healthy, as he has been able to suit up the last two weeks. He had only two catches against the Colts in Week 14 but finished with 72 yards. The fact he showed he has that playmaking ability with Browning at QB is massive for fantasy managers, as many are still unsure of whether Higgins should be in fantasy lineups.
He hasn’t produced in a big way recently, but you could do far worse in your WR2 or Flex position than Higgins. This offense has scored at least 30 points in three of their last four games, including the last two with Browning.
If you have Higgins, then he should be viewed as a must-play option against a Vikings defense that’s allowing the 12th most fantasy points to opposing WRs this season.
Should You Start Boyd in Fantasy This Week?
It’s hard to go with the No. 3 receiving option on a team, and right now, that is the best-case scenario for Boyd. In reality, with Joe Mixon catching passes at the running back position, Boyd is really the No. 4 option overall in the offense.
Another issue right now for Boyd is the fact he has been unable to haul in TDs consistently. He has only two touchdowns on the season, and his last came before Halloween. Right now, there are simply more options on the Bengals offense that are capable of having a big game.
MORE: FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, PFN’s Consensus Rankings say that Chase is the player to start. He’s projected 13.6 points, and while doesn’t seem like huge production, it outperforms the consensus projections for Higgins (9.4 points) and Boyd (6.7 points).
I am going to go against the Optimizer on this, as I think this is a huge Tee Higgins week. I also think Chase has a very good game, but there’s a path for Higgins to really deliver in a big way for fantasy managers in the playoffs.
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!