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Giovani Bernard and BenJarvus Green-Ellis could split touches evenly ‘sooner than later,’ fantasy owners can buy low on the rookie

The Bengals offensive coordinator indicated that the amount of carries in Cincinnati could be tilting in favor of Giovani Bernard. We break down the fantasy implications.

Andy Lyons

Bengals Offensive Coordinator Jay Gruden told Bengals.com that a 50-50 timeshare between BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Giovani Bernard can be expected "sooner than later."

More: For more on the Bengals, check out Cincy Jungle

Green-Ellis has been the Bengals featured back in the season's early goings, but after Bernard scored two touchdowns in just nine touches in Week Two, the hand of the coaches may be forced. Bernard showed tremendous burst and elusiveness between the tackles in his limited opportunities, and posted a gaudy 4.8 yards per carry average in the team's win over the Steelers.

Fantasy Spin: Though Green-Ellis has nearly three times the amount of touches than Bernard thus far (38-14), there isn’t much evidence to suggest that ratio is justifiable. Bernard has been the more explosive back that has provided the offense with a visible spark each time he is on the field. As a result, Gruden’s words represent the first step in a process that will likely end with Bernard getting the lion’s share of touches by season’s end. Green-Ellis is a sell-high candidate at this point while Bernard is a buy-low.

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