Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown is emerging as one of the franchise’s most promising dynasty assets. With one year remaining on his rookie contract, Brown’s camp has been actively pursuing a contract extension since at least January. During the 2025 NFL season, Brown solidified his status as the Bengals’ lead rusher, appearing in all 17 games and commanding about 70% of the team’s rushing attempts. What sets Brown apart in dynasty formats is not only his volume on the ground but also his involvement in the passing game, especially under quarterback Joe Burrow late in the season. From Weeks 13 to 17, Brown caught 25 passes out of 26 targets and scored three receiving touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and pass-catching ability.
Despite some uneven performances early in 2025, Brown demonstrated consistent fantasy production with over 15 PPR points in every contest from Week 8 onward. His combination of steady touch volume and receiving proficiency makes him a compelling RB1 candidate and a key figure to pursue in dynasty trades or startup drafts going forward.
Other Bengals Players Impacting Fantasy and Dynasty Outlooks
Ja’Marr Chase’s Status as a Top Wide Receiver
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase continued to impress in 2025, finishing with 125 receptions, 1,412 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns across 16 games. Although his numbers didn’t quite match his elite WR1 campaign in 2024, Chase remained the fourth-best PPR wideout, extending his streak of top-12 finishes to five consecutive seasons. Much of the season saw him deal with backup quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Jake Browning, which likely capped his touchdown potential compared to the 17 scores he had in 2024.
With Joe Burrow’s health expected to improve in 2026, Chase and fellow wideout Tee Higgins should see a boost in opportunities. Chase’s elite WR1 upside remains intact in both redraft and dynasty formats, potentially offering a prime opportunity to acquire him slightly below market value before next season begins.
Samaje Perine’s Role and Fantasy Ceiling
Veteran running back Samaje Perine played 15 games with the Bengals in 2025, accumulating 469 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 101 touches. Known primarily as a reliable pass blocker, Perine served as the Bengals’ secondary running back alongside Brown. Both players are under contract through 2026, suggesting Cincinnati will maintain this depth chart approach.
Perine’s fantasy upside is limited barring an injury to Brown. Even if Brown misses time, Cincinnati might prefer adding a more dynamic rusher rather than expanding Perine’s role significantly. Over his nine-year career, Perine has consistently posted at least 400 scrimmage yards but hasn’t exceeded 700 yards since his rookie season in 2017. His fantasy relevance is likely declining as he nears the end of his playing tenure.
Tahj Brooks’ Limited Opportunity in Cincinnati
Rookie running back Tahj Brooks, a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, saw minimal offensive snaps in his first year with the Bengals. Despite playing all 16 games, the 23-year-old totaled only 54 yards from scrimmage on 17 touches. With Chase Brown entrenched as the lead back and Samaje Perine occupying the third-down role, Brooks faces a significant barrier to meaningful playing time in the near term.
The Bengals’ depth chart and contract situations suggest Brooks’ fantasy and dynasty value will decline following a quiet rookie season. Unless injuries or roster moves open up opportunities, Brooks’ role will remain marginal, and managers should temper expectations accordingly.
Joe Flacco’s Future and Role as a Bridge Quarterback
Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who started games for both the Cleveland Browns and Bengals in 2025, enters the 2026 offseason as an unrestricted free agent. At 41 years old, Flacco has no immediate plans to retire and remains a reliable option as a backup or bridge starter. His willingness to return to Cincinnati to play behind Joe Burrow could prove valuable for the Bengals, especially given Burrow’s history of injury.
Flacco delivered QB1 fantasy performances in four of his six starts with Cincinnati, including a stretch with three consecutive Top-5 finishes. His steadfast presence is worth monitoring for superflex dynasty leagues as he offers insurance in case of Burrow’s unavailability during a season.
Mike Gesicki’s Declining Dynasty Value
Tight end Mike Gesicki posted a 65-catch, 665-yard season in 2025 after signing a three-year extension with the Bengals before the year. However, injuries limited his output as he missed portions of five games and managed just two contests topping seven Half-PPR points. At 30 years old, Gesicki’s fantasy productivity has been trending downwards.
Gesicki’s contract includes a low-cost out, and he could be a candidate for offseason or training camp cuts as Cincinnati looks to incorporate younger talent. Dynasty managers should view Gesicki as a fading veteran whose best fantasy days are behind him.
Outlook on Defensive End Trey Hendrickson
The Bengals will evaluate the market for free-agent defensive end Trey Hendrickson at the NFL scouting combine in late February. Hendrickson, who played only seven games in 2025 due to hip and pelvis injuries requiring surgery, is expected to be one of the most sought-after edge rushers in free agency.
Cincinnati may opt to use the franchise tag for the second time, which would cost over $30 million, but the preferred outcome is likely to let him test the open market. Teams—including the Indianapolis Colts—are reportedly interested, with Indy’s coaching staff familiar with Hendrickson’s skill set from their time in Cincinnati. Whether via free agency or trade, Hendrickson’s departure or retention will significantly impact the Bengals’ pass rush trajectory.
Tee Higgins Continues Steady Production as WR2
Wide receiver Tee Higgins finished 2025 as the WR15 in PPR leagues, setting career highs with 59 receptions and 846 yards, along with a personal best of 11 touchdowns despite missing two games. His consistent end zone presence and increased target share in the offense highlight his importance alongside Ja’Marr Chase.
Despite some injury concerns, including two concussions late in the season, Higgins offers a high floor and ceiling, making him a reliable WR2 option in both redraft and dynasty formats for 2026 and beyond.
Potential Next Steps for Trey Hendrickson’s Career
Insiders suggest Hendrickson’s return to Cincinnati is unlikely due to salary cap realities, age, and the availability of other edge rushers through free agency and the draft. Retaining him would require the franchise tag or a costly multi-year deal, both of which appear improbable. The most realistic path is that the Bengals will let Hendrickson depart, opening opportunities for new pass rush talent to emerge.
Joe Burrow’s Firm Standing with the Bengals Despite Setbacks
The Bengals have no intention of trading Joe Burrow after a season marked by a turf toe injury that cut his 2025 campaign short to just eight starts. Burrow finished with 1,809 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and five interceptions, showing promise despite health challenges.
Cincinnati plans to build around Burrow moving forward, likely prioritizing defensive improvements to support his development. If Burrow remains healthy in 2026, he is poised for a bounce-back year as a top-tier fantasy quarterback.
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