Cincinnati Bengals
A.J. Green/Marvin Jones (Wide Receivers): This is a terrible matchup for Green and Jones in what might be the most important game for fantasy owners in this championship week. Green is dealing with a back injury and was predominantly invisible last week as he only had 1 reception for 37 yards. The Broncos give up the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in the NFL so at the very most either player would be a viable flex starter. Jones will be the beneficiary of a ton of targets if Green is limited which would give a boost to his value in this matchup.
Jeremy Hill/ Giovani Bernard (Running Backs): The Broncos are the number 1 ranked defense when it comes to limiting opposing running backs production. They have given up the 12th fewest fantasy points to running backs after a couple of bad performances recently. Hill is coming off of a terrific performance in the end zone as he recorded 2 touchdowns. Both Hill and Bernard will be tough to start against what is likely their toughest matchup. Bernard may see some extended work as a passing down back if the Bengals are playing from behind.
Denver Broncos
Demaryius Thomas/Emmanuel Sanders (Wide Receivers): The Bengals are a middle of the road defense when it comes to stopping opposing wide receivers fantasy production however they are ranked third in the league when it comes to stopping wide receivers from getting into the end zone. Thomas has his first multi touchdown game of the season while Sanders had his career high in receiving yards in week 15. In a tougher matchup both players a great options when it comes to beating this Cincinnati secondary. Thomas should dominate the red zone targets.
Ronnie Hillman/C.J. Anderson (Running Backs): Both of these guys are tough options this week as they head into a difficult matchup against a defense that is ranked 8th in the league in rushing yards. The Broncos will need to throw the ball to win this game and with both running backs being a bit dinged up the Broncos could air it out in what should be a tightly contested affair. Both of these running backs are questionable starts this week and could be held to limited production.
