RADIO
The Cincinnati Bengals travel to Cleveland on Sunday for a matchup of two bitter division rivals. The Bengals are coming off of a nice win against the St. Louis Rams while the Cleveland Browns are still trying to recover from that heartbreaker against the Baltimore Ravens. One thing that fantasy owners will likely have their eye on is the Bengals two-headed backfield monster otherwise known as Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill. It's basically a guessing game week-to-week as to who will play better and who will get more touches.
Jeremy Hill has been a let down to fantasy owners this season. He hasn't put up the numbers that go along with a first or second round pick and he's battled Bernard to keep his spot. Bernard has flourished with his limited touches, particularly in pass catching. So who is the Bengals running back to play this week? I say it's Jeremy Hill.
Despite all of the struggles Hill has endured this season, he's had back-t0-back games in which he's looked solid. Against a very tough Arizona Cardinals defense, Hill had 13 carries for 45 yards and two touchdowns. The following week against the St. Louis Rams, Hill had 16 carries for 86 yards and one reception for 14 yards. Are those numbers amazing? Not really, but what I do see is a nice amount of touches and positive production. Hill was able to find the end zone twice which is always a great sign and he put up his highest rushing total last week against the Rams. Hill can be dangerous if the Bengals can get to the red zone often against the Browns, which shouldn't be much of a problem.
When the Browns and Bengals played earlier this season, Hill didn't have his best game. He rushed 15 times for just 52 yards. I don't think that will be the case today against the Browns who are 31st in rushing yards allowed per game, giving up nearly 136 yards per game. The Browns are so awful on the ground that Hill should have plenty of opportunities to produce, including goal line carries. I still expect Bernard to see 10-15 touches, but I expect Hill to get the goal line carries and early down work.
If you own Hill in fantasy, I think he's a solid play today against the Browns. I'm forecasting Hill will have his best game of the season and rush 20 times for 100 yards and a touchdown and catch two passes for 15 yards.
