The Cincinnati Bengals have spent most of training camp talking up rookie running back Jeremy Hill, to the point where he could be in a timeshare with Giovani Bernard. The Bengals' official website expects Bernard and Hill to get about 200 touches each this season.
Jeremy Hill to split carries with Giovani Bernard, looking like viable fantasy option
The Bengals seem set on Bernard sharing playing time with the rookie Hill. We break down the fantasy implications.
Norm Hall
In short, Hill could play the same role BenJarvus Green-Ellis did last season as a goal-line, power back complement to Bernard's shifty style. Bernard split time with Green-Ellis in his rookie year, getting 170 carries and 56 receptions for a total of 216 touches. Green-Ellis ended up with 242 touches (220 carries and 22 receptions).
Fantasy impact: Of course, Bernard was the far more electric player out of that tandem, recording 1,209 total yards and eight touchdowns. Green-Ellis is on the roster bubble, but Hill is ready to step right into his role and provides far fresher legs than the veteran, who looked near the end of the line last year.
With new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson establishing a run-heavy offense, both backs should get plenty of play and be reliable fantasy options. Bernard is a slight risk with his second-round ADP if he isn’t going to play every down, but he still provides RB2 upside. Hill has good value as a potential touchdown vulture. Draft both players with confidence.
