Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
As you begin to make your finishing touches to your fantasy football lineup this week, there are going to be some tough decisions to make. Typically every week there is a decision or two that will make or break your win-loss column, but the hard part is gauging which player(s) to go with.
This week, one guy not to overlook is Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard. As you’ve heard me say, Bernard is on his way up in fantasy rankings and also on his way to obtaining the starting position from BenJarvis Green-Ellis. It’s only a matter of time.
Historically, this week four matchup would scream for you to start any significant Bengals offensive player. I mean, it’s the Cleveland Browns after all.
But, the Browns currently rank 7th in the NFL and are only giving up 84.3 rush yards per game this year. Actually, their pass defense hasn’t been that bad at all either to be quite honest. Believe it or not, the Browns rank 12th in the league against the pass, giving up just about 215 yards per game through the air.
So, how do the Bengals attack Cleveland? Well, I think this will be a much closer game than we see from the outside looking in. Just exactly how the Bengals win this one, I’m not sure. But, what I do know is that Bernard will be a guy you probably want to sit this week.
With how Cleveland is playing up front and all-around on defense this year, Bernard — still a backup — doesn’t fare well. If you have other options, I’d go with them. But, Bernard will be splitting carries with Green-Ellis and both are going against a tough Cleveland defense. It’s somewhat of a tricky matter, but I’d keep Bernard on the bench this week.
Ryan Heckman is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmheckman, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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