The Cincinnati Bengals have been to the playoffs in four straight years and five of the last six. While the team has yet to win a playoff game in that time, it's still dramatically better than it has been for the Oakland Raiders, who haven't been to the playoffs or won more than eight games in a season since their 2002 Super Bowl appearance. Most would assume things will continue in that vein for Oakland this season, but they start their season Sunday against Cincinnati trying to change that.
Fantasy football advice, Week 1: Who to start/sit for Bengals vs. Raiders
What do we call this, the Carson Palmer’s Past Classic?
From a fantasy perspective, both teams enter Sunday's game largely healthy. The Bengals have no fantasy contributors on their injury report, while the only fantasy-relevant Raider on the report is wide receiver Andre Holmes, who is likely to play and doesn't offer much fantasy upside regardless.
Sunday’s game, slated for 4:25 p.m. ET, will be played in Oakland. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
BENGALS
Start 'em: The Oakland run defense should be improved this year, but it's still a far cry from good, meaning Jeremy Hill could run absolutely wild Sunday. ... A healthy A.J. Green is a must-start A.J. Green, and right now it's a healthy A.J. Green. ... The Bengals' defense is pretty strong, and the Raiders don't have the strongest offense.
Start 'em?: It's easy to be intrigued by Tyler Eifert, though he has yet to actually prove it yet. He's a reasonable start, but not a guarantee. ... The Bengals should put Mike Nugent in position to kick a lot Sunday.
Sit 'em: The only thing that has ever really been likable about Andy Dalton from a fantasy perspective is his strong No. 1 wide receiver. That's still true, and it doesn't make him a good fantasy option. ... The continued presence of Jeremy Hill makes Giovani Bernard only a handcuff, not fantasy-useful on his own. ... If something were to happen to Green, Mohamed Sanu and/or Marvin Jones make for interesting options, but we aren't there right now.
RAIDERS
Start 'em: The Raiders have given every indication they'll give Latavius Murray a big share of the carries this year, making him appealing as a low-end RB2. ... I love me some Amari Cooper. Love.
Sit 'em: Despite some stories to the contrary, I found little to like about Derek Carr's rookie season. I need to see a lot more. ... In deep PPR leagues, I could be talked into Roy Helu, but it would have to be super deep. ... There's reason to believe in Michael Crabtree for a rebound this year, but don't count on him yet. ... Mychal Rivera had a brief pop as a fantasy contributor a year ago, but the team's improved receiver group means he's unlikely to repeat that. ... Sebastian Janikowski will still be a kicker, still right on the edge of fantasy relevance, in, like, 2035. ... The Raiders' defense is improved, but still bad.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Jeremy Hill, A.J. Green, Cincinnati defense, Latavius Murray, Amari Cooper
Start if you're desperate: Tyler Eifert, Mike Nugent
Bench: Andy Dalton, Giovani Bernard, Mohamed Sanu, Marvin Jones, Derek Carr, Roy Helu, Michael Crabtree, Mychal Rivera, Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland defense
