Joe Flacco of the Cincinnati Bengals Surprising Performance and Fantasy Impact
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Joe Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals: Fantasy Revival or Short-Term Mirage?
Let’s start with a confession — nobody saw this coming.
Flacco went into Week 6 as an afterthought, a 39-year-old emergency fill-in for Cincinnati, and came out looking like 2012 Baltimore Joe again. On the road, against a good Pittsburgh Steelers front, he threw for 342 yards, 3 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. And most importantly, he did what every Bengals fan has begged for: he force-fed Jamar Chase like it was the last buffet on Earth.
Flacco’s Surprise Fantasy Explosion
No one in their right mind started Flacco last week — unless you were playing in a Superflex league or accidentally forgot to update your lineup. But those who did were rewarded handsomely.
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Stat line: 342 passing yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
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Completion rate: 69%
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Passer rating: 116.8
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Fantasy output: 27.7 points — a QB1 finish
The key was simplicity. Flacco didn’t try to be Burrow; he just read pre-snap leverage and fired slants, outs, and curls to Chase, who saw an insane 23 targets. That’s the most in an NFL game since Brandon Marshall’s 28-target eruption in 2009. Chase finished with 16 catches, 161 yards, and a touchdown, reminding everyone why he’s still the most dominant wideout in football.
Flacco’s arm strength isn’t what it was, but his timing, pocket discipline, and decision-making were perfect for Cincinnati’s short passing rhythm. For now, it works — but for how long?
Fantasy Outlook: Streamer, Not Savior
Before we crown him the comeback story of the season, remember: this was one game.
Cincinnati’s next stretch includes the New York Jets, Chicago Bears, Steelers (rematch), New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills. That’s a mixed bag of matchups — with two favorable spots followed by several landmines.
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Jets: Elite pass rush, opportunistic secondary — high risk for turnovers.
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Bears: Soft coverage and bad tackling — prime streaming week.
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Steelers & Ravens (again): Heavy blitz teams that can collapse Flacco’s pocket.
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Patriots & Bills: Beat up, but disciplined in zone coverage.
In fantasy terms:
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Start him only in Superflex or deep 2QB formats.
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Fade him in standard 1QB leagues unless you’re desperate or chasing volume.
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DFS angle: Cheap value pivot in tournaments, but matchup-dependent.
Flacco’s ceiling is matchup-based — great when he gets time to throw, dangerous when forced to move. Expect volatility, not stability.
Jamar Chase: The Real Fantasy Story
The real fantasy headline isn’t Flacco — it’s Chase finally unleashed.
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23 targets, 16 catches, 161 yards, 1 TD
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The 23 targets were more than Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, and the tight ends combined.
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Chase now leads all NFL receivers in total targets per game over the last two weeks (18.5).
For fantasy managers, this is a dream scenario. Flacco knows exactly who the alpha is — he’s not reading progressions, he’s looking for Chase immediately. That keeps Chase locked in as a top-three fantasy wideout, no matter who’s under center.
DFS Note: In Week 7 against the Jets, Chase’s projected ownership will dip due to matchup fear — making him a perfect leverage play in tournaments.
Betting Breakdown: Can Cincinnati Stay Hot?
| Market | Line / Total | Lean | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spread | Bengals -2.5 at Jets | Bengals -2.5 | Flacco’s quick-release style neutralizes pressure. Cincinnati’s short-game plan fits well vs. New York’s heavy zone. |
| Total | 42.5 | Over 42.5 | Both offenses are capable of splash plays, and the Jets’ secondary may give up short YAC-heavy drives. |
| Flacco Passing Yards Prop | 239.5 | Over 239.5 | Cincinnati’s pass rate over expectation jumped 11% with Flacco under center. |
| Chase Receptions Prop | 8.5 | Over 8.5 | Until Bowers’ law of regression hits, you keep betting the volume. |
Betting Summary: Cincinnati’s line looks soft this week, and the market still underrates Flacco’s ability to keep this team afloat. The Bengals have covered three straight spreads since the quarterback change and are 4–1 to the over in that stretch.
Final Take: Fun While It Lasts
Flacco won’t be a long-term fantasy solution, but he might be a short-term goldmine. He’s delivering volume, tempo, and a rejuvenated passing attack that finally puts the ball in the hands of Chase — early and often.
Still, let’s not rewrite history: this offense is one bad protection game away from disaster. The next time Cincinnati faces a top-tier pass rush, the flaws could resurface in a hurry.
Verdict:
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Buy short-term: Stream him vs. Chicago or New England.
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Sell long-term: The regression game is coming.
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Betting edge: Flacco props over 235.5 yards remain undervalued until sportsbooks adjust.
Final Score Prediction (Week 7):
Bengals 27, Jets 21
Cincinnati stays competitive under Flacco for now — and as long as he keeps throwing to Chase 20 times a game, fantasy managers won’t mind one bit.
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