2012 Team Outlook: Cincinnati
WR A.J. Green, CIN (WR - #3) - Stud (low risk)
As good as A.J. Green was in his rookie season, he possesses the talent to be even better going forward. Green has been working out with fellow stud receivers Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald this off-season, and will look to build on an impressive rookie season with Andy Dalton. The young star would benefit from the emergence of a second reliable wide receiver in the Bengals offense, but even without one Green should be a borderline top ten fantasy receiver this season.
WR Mohamed Sanu, CIN (WR - #120) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
Rookie Mohamed Sanu will have a chance to start opposite A.J. Green this season. Sanu is a possession receiver who could be the perfect compliment across from Green. The rookie's playing time this season will greatly depend on how quickly he can adapt to the NFL game, and whether he can beat out Jordan Shipley and fellow rookie Marvin Jones for targets. Sanu has the chance to be a fantasy sleeper this season, especially in point per reception leagues.
Injury Status: Injured ReserveWR Armon Binns, MIA (WR - #90) - Not Draft Worthy
Armon Binns has practiced himself into having a chance to win a role on the Bengals offense this season. Binns has been getting rave reviews after his performance at OTAs, and with the Bengals wide receiver depth chart uncertain at the moment, there is a shot that he can get himself on the field when the regular season starts. Binns is not on the fantasy radar at the moment, but if he continues to impress during training camp, he could be worth a last round flier pick.
WR Marvin Jones, CIN (WR - #125) - Dynasty Only
Rookie Marvin Jones could be a surprise starter for the Bengals in 2012. The 5th round pick will be given the opportunity to compete for snaps with fellow rookie Mohamed Sanu and Jordan Shipley. This is a situation to watch during training camp; if Jones does win a starting spot, he could be worth drafting in the later rounds of fantasy drafts.
WR Jordan Shipley, JAX - Deep-league Only
Jordan Shipley is the favorite to win the slot receiver role for the Bengals this season. Shipley was injured in week two of the 2011 season and missed the remainder of the season. The young receiver showed promise as a rookie, but with A.J. Green, Jermaine Gresham, and Mohamed Sanu in the fold, Shipley will struggle to put up the same numbers he did as a rookie. Shipley is only worth a draft pick in deeper leagues.
TE Jermaine Gresham, CIN (TE - #10) - Solid/Safe Pick
Jermaine Gresham improved in his second NFL season, but will need to make another jump to be a reliable every week fantasy starter. Gresham caught 56 passes in 2011, but only averaged 10.6 yards per reception, while adding six touchdowns. It would be nice to see more big plays out of Gresham, but for now his upside is a low end TE1 for the coming season.
