The Cincinnati Bengals are still searching for their first win of the season as they take a trip to the Queen City to visit the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium
Though history hasn't been kind to teams who begin the season 0-3, the Bengals still have a chance to climb themselves out the hole.
From a fantasy football perspective, managers have a lot riding on the Bengals. Quarterback Joe Burrow has rounded into form with two QB1 finishes over his last two games while Ja'Marr Chase exploded for 26.8 half-PPR points in Week 3.
The backfield in Cincinnati has been a major talking point in fantasy with the split between veteran Zack Moss and second-year back Chase Brown.
With an intriguing matchup coming up against a vulnerable Panthers defense, we're diving into the start/sit advice for Moss and Brown right here.
Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Zack Moss
Moss has been a steady contributor for fantasy managers this season with two finishes inside the top 24, including one finish as a top-10 running back. While most expected a bigger split between Moss and Brown this season, it has been the veteran getting the majority of the work.
Through the first three games, Moss has a 70% running back rush share and an 11% target share. He's one of 10 running backs to record those numbers. Meanwhile, the matchup is conducive for fantasy points.
The Panthers have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game (half-PPR) to running backs this season and rank as the eighth-best matchup in adjusted fantasy points allowed, according to JJ Zachariason of Late Round Fantasy.
Moss is a strong RB2 play in most formats with a bit more upside if he finds the end zone.
Verdict: Start 'Em
Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Chase Brown
Managers who implemented the zero-RB or hero-RB approach likely targeted Brown late in their drafts hoping he would see an even split with Moss to begin the season. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened, and Brown hasn't been useful for fantasy purposes.
With that said, Brown has started to show some life over the last two weeks. Despite seeing only seven carries in Week 3, Brown led the Bengals rushing attack with 62 yards while recording three targets for the second time this season.
He's yet to hit double-digit fantasy points this season and has just a 6% target share, which is surprising considering his explosiveness as a pass-catcher.
Brown is still a solid bench asset in the event his role expands or Moss goes down with an injury. However, outside of a desperation flex play, it's difficult to trust Brown this week even in an advantageous matchup.
Verdict: Sit 'Em
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