I am new to the GoingFor2.com community. I cannot wait to contribute and grow the website. For my first article, I wanted to discuss a question regarding one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks.
Injuries are always a concern with every NFL superstar. When Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, Joe Burrow, was carted off the practice field, everyone was worried one of the NFL’s biggest stars had either suffered a major knee or Achilles injury – ending his season. If Burrow’s season ended, Cincinnati’s franchise quarterback and one of fantasy football’s favorite options would be lost. Luckily, Burrow only suffered a calf injury.
While Burrow’s calf injury looked more serious, a normal calf recovery should give him time to play Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns. A franchise quarterback having an injury during Training Camp is a concern with drafts happening in August. Burrow underwent an appendectomy last July before starting Week 1.
In every fantasy season, the tight end is a position where Kansas City Chiefs star, Travis Kelce, is the top option. If someone takes Kelce or needs a bye-week replacement, a one-week filler can win that week.
In both of the last two seasons, the Bengals have been a good place for value-tight ends. In 2021, C.J. Uzomah caught a career-high 49 passes for 493 yards. He also started the 2021 playoffs with 13 receptions before a knee injury limited Uzomah’s effectiveness in the Bengals’ final two playoff games. Last year, Burrow connected 52 times with Hayden Hurst.
This season, Irv Smith is the main tight end target for one of the NFL’s most prolific offenses. In three seasons with the Vikings, Smith’s career-high in catches was 36 in his 2019 rookie campaign. Smith’s best value could be in best-ball, where an average Underdog or DraftKings ADP around 150-160 makes him a great value tight end.
Drafting players with an injury or on the PUP is often a risk many drafters will not take. Before the injury, Burrow was a popular third- or fourth-round option in best-ball drafts. Since the calf injury, Burrow’s ADP has dropped to the late fourth round.
For someone still dreaming of a Bengals best-ball stack, Burrow’s value actually creates a potential winning best-ball lineup easier. Instead of drafting Burrow in the third round, drafters can take one or both Ja’Marr Chase or Tee Higgins before choosing another running back or receiver and Burrow as their top quarterback. Adding Tyler Boyd or Smith on a Burrow-led offense could make best-ball drafters happy to select him.
While Burrow will not play a second consecutive preseason without any snaps, the Bengals should have their star QB healthy when the regular season starts. If Burrow plays all 17 games, Cincinnati will have one of football’s most exciting offenses this upcoming football season.
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