2019 Bold Predictions – The Red Rifle (#fantasyfootball)

Ok, it’s not so much a bold prediction to say that Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Andy Dalton will throw for more than 3,000 yards this year but to say that he will throw for 4,000+ yards in the 2019 NFL season is what I consider a bold prediction based on how many are avoiding him in the fantasy world.

This is not as bold of a prediction as some would imagine as many do not realize Andy has eclipsed the 4000 yard mark tossing the rock twice before and as recent as 2016 but many fantasy owners are shunning away from him because of the unwarranted negative publicity he has received from the local and national media which is more a result of the team he plays for than his actual production in my opinion.

With his main weapons in the receiving game (A.J. Green, Tyler Eiffert, etc.) being injured more often than not, he has had to rely on the Tyler Boyd’s and C.J. Uzomah’s to pick up the slack but they have not proven to be injury-proof themselves. Dalton’s 2018 season ended with him suffering an injury himself after tearing ligaments in his thumb during the Bengals 11th game of the season so that has hurt his stock as well.

And then there is John Ross who the Bengals selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Rookie Draft and has struggled with injuries of his own after missing the first regular-season game of his career due to a knee injury, fumbling in his second game and missing games later in the season due to knee and shoulder injuries along with healthy scratches.

Ross didn’t do much last season to redeem himself so 2019 is a make or break year for him as he must look in the mirror to find the answer. Hopefully, he finds a way to get back on track and help his offense score points.

The Bengals just spent their first two picks on offense in the 2019 NFL Rookie Draft with selecting OT Jonah Williams at 1.11 and TE Drew Sample at 2.20 so they are committed to helping the offense. Yes, it is worth noting that they spent a fourth-round pick on rookie Ryan Finley but he is not a threat to Dalton in the near future but rather a prospect they are hoping to groom to be Andy’s replacement in the future and hopefully a capable backup if Andy should get injured again.

If Andy responds to new Head Coaches offense the way some expect, he could be a nice addition to a fantasy team. I expect him to throw for 4,000+ yards and 30+ TD’s. Call me crazy! Yes, that’s a bit dependent on the health of his receivers but that’s the case with any Quarterback.

What are your thoughts on the Red Rifle? Is he even in your scope or are you tracking him through the offseason before committing? I can tell you that he is in my sights but not until the later rounds of seasonal drafts as I feel many are overlooking the opportunity to roster a consistent Quarterback towards the end of seasonal league drafts. In Dynasty Leagues, I already roster him in most but would look to acquire him as a backup if I didn’t roster him already.

If A.J. Green and crew can stay healthy, I fully expect Dalton to be a top 10 Quarterback.  That is a great value considering where he is being drafted in fantasy leagues today!.

Welcome to the first of my BOLD  predictions!

ATTN Dynasty Commissioners: Do you want to do something cool for your league? How about a 1-hour live show dedicated to YOUR league? Team-by-team breakdowns, rankings, and more. For details and to book a show, visit: GoingFor2.com/plp.