Fantasy Football Player Notes

Chase Brown has arguably the best situation of any RB this season. With only Samaje Perine and Tahj Brooks competing with him for touches, Brown is once again a clear workhorse RB on one of the league's most potent offenses. Coming off back to back top 12 RB finishes, Chase Brown is primed to make it three consecutive RB1 finishes in 2026. He opens the season against the Buccaneers who bolster an underrated defensive front. It may be tough sledding on the ground for Brown, however, his pass catching provides a very safe fantasy floor. My name is Ellis and I am writing the 2026 player outlooks for FantasyPros. I believe this Bengals offense could be the best in the league in 2026, and Chase Brown should be a key part of it.

Ja'Marr Chase could have a record-breaking season in 2026. I know we often say this about elite players each year; however, this year the Bengals could support the first 2,000-yard NFL receiver. I understand this is a lofty goal, but there is no denying what a healthy Joe Burrow and Chase can do. Sitting as the top WR off the board all offseason, the Bengals open their year against the Buccaneers. This is a very intriguing matchup as both offenses have impressive firepower and both defenses are looking to take a step forward from last season. The Bengals are well aware of their history of starting seasons slow. As a result, I wouldn't be surprised if Chase takes it on himself to ensure that doesn't happen again in 2026.

Over the last two seasons, Tee Higgins has been the WR13 and WR5 in fantasy points per game. Last season, with Joe Burrow under center in Weeks 14-18, Higgins had an 18.8% target share with 67.8 receiving yards per game, 2.20 yards per route run, a 25.6% first-read share, and 0.106 first downs per route run. Those are all incredibly impressive per-route metrics. For context, if Higgins had kept up that pace for an entire season with Burrow, he would have ranked 12th in receiving yards per game, 19th in yards per route run, 28th in first-read share, and 17th in first downs per route run among wideouts (minimum 200 routes). If this offense doesn't look stuck in the mud for Week 1, Higgins should get off to a nice start against a secondary that allowed the tenth-most yards per target and the 11th-most fantasy points per game to perimeter wide receivers.