As we inch closer to the start of the regular season -- and to fantasy draft parties -- we're breaking down the fantasy projections this week of the Cincinnati Bengals' top players. We continue with the receiver position, and a look at how a lack of roster depth behind A.J. Green could lead him to a big fantasy year in 2016.
A.J. Green
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 1,339 yards, 9 TDs
Over or under: You actually have to like the yards and touchdown projections ESPN's fantasy team has projected for Green this season. If he hits the 1,339-yard receiving mark, he will have had the second-most productive season of his career in that statistical category. With a revolving door of mostly young talent behind him, Green could be relied upon heavily, meaning such production isn't out of question. The nine touchdowns are likely accurate, too, given the fact he's averaged nine touchdowns a season since he was drafted in 2011. Don't be afraid to take the over on touchdowns because of Cincinnati's anticipated over-reliance on Green, but don't be afraid to settle for a push there, too.
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 436 yards, 3 TDs
Over or under: When you consider the ways the Bengals could use Boyd, these projections may be too low. At this rate, it would appear Boyd will be the No. 3 receiver in the rotation, but they clearly want to get him involved both in the short- and deep-passing games. They also like using him in the slot, on the outside, and in ways that can pick up his rushing yards on reverses and receiver pitches. Heck, he may even throw a touchdown pass as they place him in a role previously occupied by Mohamed Sanu. Speaking of Sanu, as the Bengals' No. 3 receiver last season, he had only 394 yards and no touchdowns. That might be why Boyd's projections would seem to fit an offense that has largely gone unchanged despite the change at offensive coordinator, where former quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese was promoted in January. Before this season is all said and done, don't be surprised when Boyd becomes the Bengals' second-most productive receiver behind Green. Take the over on both stats.
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 503 yards, 3 TDs
Over or under: Since we evaluated Sanu's numbers in the previous section, let's break down Marvin Jones' 2015 output as Cincinnati's No. 2 receiver behind Green. Jones had a career high 816 yards receiving and four touchdowns. Don't expect LaFell to post similar numbers this season. The fantasy projection appears fairly accurate in this case given the way the Bengals will be spreading the ball around to as many pass-catchers as possible. Also, Boyd could become one of Cincinnati's most productive receivers not named Green. With two-tight end sets expected to be en vogue for the Bengals, and with the possibility that the running backs get even more involved as both rushers and pass-catchers, LaFell's chances may not be enough for him to post numbers like Jones did a year ago. Perhaps the touchdown projection is a little low, but the yards are probably right on target.
Who else could see time: Although Brandon Tate has only caught 20 passes the past three seasons, he could be used quite regularly this year as Cincinnati tries to keep opposing defenses guessing. Green probably will draw his share of double-teams this year, which means the Bengals need other reliable options. Tate could be an unexpected one.
