Bengals | Giovani Bernard to play key role

Source: Footballguys.com

Cincinnati Bengals RB Giovani Bernard is expected to play a key role in the team's offense this year, and he said he's excited to share the backfield with RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis. 'I think it's more so a complementary kind of thing,' Bernard said. 'I think we are both going to help each other out. I definitely had a chance to talk to him, and he's the leader of that pack, he's the leader of the guys. I'm going to be following his footsteps, so I'm going to do whatever I can to help him. He's going to help me.'

Jermaine Gresham - Two-TE sets now in Cincy's arsenal

Source: The Huddle

Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden indicated the team could use two-tight end sets more often this season with TEs Jermaine Gresham and Tyler Eifert. Gruden said the team will still be using three-receiver sets like they did last season.
Huddle Up: Gresham (Cincy) and Eifert (Notre Dame) combined for 114 catches, 1,422 yards and 9 TDs in 2012 and gives Guden & Co. another offensive dimension to go along with the 3-WR sets and run-heavy looks utilizing BenJarvus Green-Ellis and/or second-round rookie Giovani Bernard.

Giovani Bernard - BJGE expected to lead Bengals' RBBC

Source: The Huddle

Cincinnati Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis is expected to see the most carries this season. It would also be a surprise if both RBs Bernard Scott and Giovani Bernard made the team.
Huddle Up: The Bengals need a change-of-pace option to BJGE, and Scott has been unable to fill that role so it would make sense that Bernard will be Cincy's RB2--and an intriguing PPR/performance league fantasy option as well.

Bengals | Running back chatter

Source: Footballguys.com

Cincinnati Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis is expected to see the most carries this season. It would also be a surprise if both RBs Bernard Scott and Giovani Bernard made the team.

Giovani Bernard - Two rookies up for Bengals' 3rd-down RB role

Source: The Huddle

Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said RBs Giovani Bernard and Rex Burkhead will be candidates for the third-down running back role because both are good in the passing game.
Huddle Up: Bernard had 92 catches for 852 yards and 6 TDs in 2 seasons at North Carolina, while Burkhead snared 60 passes for 507 yards and 5 TDs in 4 seasons at Nebraska. Pass protection always is an issue with rookie backs, but either is more polished, pass-catching option than Cincy starter BenJarvus Green-Ellis who has 48 receptions in 5 pro seasons.

Green-Ellis to play more snaps than Bernard? - BenJarvus Green-Ellis | CIN

Source: Rotoworld Football

The Cincinnati Enquirer's Joe Reedy predicts that BenJarvus Green-Ellis will play the most snaps in the Bengals' backfield this season.

Bengals RB Giovani Bernard will be used in committee

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden went on record stating that rookie running back Giovani Bernard would not be used an every-down option. Gruden described the former UNC standout as quot;a unique back with the skill set that doesn't have to be a 25-carry guy. He can be a 10 to 15 carry guy, catch eight balls, whatever it is, to help us out and make us more diverse." Bernard is expected to split time with BenJarvus Green-Ellis and to a more limited extent, fellow rookie back Rex Burkhead from Nebraska. FANTASY ANALYSIS: The Bengals successfully gave themselves more weapons out of the backfield. Gruden did add that Bernard has "three-down" tolls which suggests he is confident he has a complete game. Fantasy owners should

2013 Rookie Dynasty Drafts – RB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Jayne Kamin-Oncea / USA TODAY Sports

We don’t have a deep class of running backs this year, with starter upside. It’s probably a good idea to pass on running backs in the middle rounds of your draft if you should miss out on the first eight backs on this list.

Giovani Bernard, CIN (1st Round) -

Bernard had a hard upbringing as his mom passed away when he was a kid and he even lived with another family for a time, while his Dad went off to look for work.

I love this kid and his pass receiving skills will make him a start in PPR leagues. For now, he will have to play second fiddle to BenJarvus Green-Ellis, but expect the North Carolina star to take over the

The Roto Arcade Fantasy Football Mock, RDs 5-6

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

When Mr. Irrelevant, Justice Cunningham, had his name called Saturday, the fantasy football mock season officially got underway. To kick off Yahoo!'s festivities, we'll mock two rounds per day Tuesday-Friday (12-teams, PPR scoring, w/one FLEX) to help you get educated on which players will be valued/undervalued when the bulk of the draft season begins in August. Please declare a winner and/or express your general disdain for our 'stupidity' in the comments section below.

SEE ROUNDS 1-2 HERE

Over/Under: Just how attractive is Ivory as a Jet?

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Fantasy is a speculative game. Predict the future, and you look like a genius. Don't, and you're painfully human. Gazing into the crystal ball, here's our view on 10 intriguing over/unders entering the mock draft season.

Now ex-Saint Chris Ivory, traded from New Orleans to the New York Jets in exchange for a fourth-round pick, rushing yards this fall in the Big Apple 1,099.5

Brandon – UNDER. I like Ivory's motor, but I also like Mike Goodson, who has been productive when healthy. And Bilal Powell was at least serviceable working in tandem with Shonn Greene last season. I expect we'll see a rotation of these guys, something that Ivory should be very used to coming from New

Saved by the Bell! Pittsburgh RB, other rushers, to set rookie pace

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

When it comes to rookies conventional wisdom no longer applies. With a few notable exceptions, most first-year players, particularly quarterbacks, were once thought to be multi-year projects, the Steve McNair approach – observe, learn and wait.

But in this day and age where instant gratification is constantly sought after, time isn’t of the essence. Several players picked in April are immediately pressed into competitive situations where often times they emerge as the go-to option, evident in the rapid ascension of guys like Robert Griffin III, Doug Martin and Josh Gordon, to name a few, last year. Because nuances from the college game are commonplace

Bengals fill RB need with Giovani Bernard

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

With the 37th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, did the Cincinnati Bengals select the next Ray Rice? Time will tell. For right now, the Bengals just plan to use North Carolina RB Giovani Bernard as their change-of-pace back and go from there. FANTASY ANALYSIS: The Bengals draft a Bernard to replace another Bernard (Scott). It was assuredly time for a change. The plodding BenJarvus Green-Ellis is still projected to lead this backfield in carries next season, but it might be close as the Bengals have said that they want to get more burst out of their running game this year. Bernard brings exceptional receiving skills and quickness to Cincinnati. He will be the team's third-down RB right away and is worth monitoring in all leagues,

Bengals | Could consider Eddie Lacy

Source: Footballguys.com

The Cincinnati Bengals could consider selecting University of Alabama RB Eddie Lacy in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft if he is available. The team has been looking to add a complementary back for RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

Bengals | BenJarvus Green-Ellis unsure about new crown rule

Source: Footballguys.com

Cincinnati Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis said he is in favor of the new rule involving the crown of players' helmets but is not sure how it will be officiated. 'I'm all for the safety part of it. I just don't know how they're going to call it,' Green-Ellis said. 'They're putting a lot on the referees. That's to be played out. That's what the preseason is for and that type of stuff.' He said he does not think the rule will impact him much because he does not lead with his helmet while running.

Bengals re-sign RB Bernard Scott

Source: FFToday

Coming off knee injury in 2012

The Bengals have re-signed three players, including reserve running back Bernard Scott, who missed most of last season because of injuries. The Bengals also reached deals with slot receiver Andrew Hawkins and safety Jeromy Miles. (AP)

FF Today's Take: Scott battled hand and ankle injuries last season before going on IR in October with a knee injury. He will be in the mix for

Bengals re-sign RB Bernard Scott

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Tearing your ACL is never good for an athlete, and it's really bad timing if it occurs as you head into free agency. That's what happened with Bernard Scott, who played in just two games before tearing his left ACL in October. Maybe if he was healthy, he would have received some multi-year offers from other teams, but his market ended up being ice cold. After making one visit out of town, Scott decided to re-sign with the Bengals on Friday. It's a one-year deal. Scott has spent all of his four-year career in Cincinnati. FANTASY ANALYSIS: But the Bengals should definitely be looking for a running back early in the draft. Scott had his years where he could have broken out. He never got a major opportunity, but he really hasn't run well since

Bernard Scott - Bengals re-sign Bernard Scott

Source: The Huddle

The Cincinnati Bengals re-signed RB Bernard Scott Friday, April 12 to a one-year deal. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Huddle Up: Scott returns to offer a change of pace to BenJarvus Green-Ellis and tease fantasy owners with the prospect that maybe he'll see an uptick in carries and this time actually do something with them. Holding one's breath is not advised.

Bernard Scott re-signs with Bengals

Source: Draft Sharks

The Bengals have re-signed RB Bernard Scott to a 1-year deal.  The former 6th-round pick has largely been a disappointment through 4 NFL seasons.  He averaged 4.6 yards per carry in limited action across his first 2 campaigns.  2011 brought more playing time, but Scott managed just 3.4 yards per carry.  Then he went down with a torn ACL this past October.  Scott was medically cleared in March and should be ready for training camp.  But he's not a threat to RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis' starting job and is expected to face competition for the #2 spot from a rookie.

Felix Jones - Felix Jones tries out with Bengals

Source: The Huddle

The Cincinnati Bengals recently tried out free-agent RB Felix Jones.
Huddle Up: Jones to Cincy actually makes a ton of sense, as he'd provide a quicker change-of-pace back to BenJarvus Green-Ellis without having to hold up to a full-time feature-back workload. Just how much fantasy value such a role might provide, however, remains to be seen.

First Down: McFabulous days ahead for McFadden, sliding Gronk and football’s Neo Gio

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Owners who invested an exorbitant pick in china doll Darren McFadden last year are still sorely regretting it. Chucking hard inflatable balls at his dome, Mike Rice-style, would be an acceptable form of cathartic release.

When not sidelined for the 10 millionth time with a lower body ailment (last year a high-ankle sprain), the disappointing rusher appeared overly timid, lacked explosiveness and was generally terrible, an ill-fit for Greg Knapp’s zone-blocking scheme. Shockingly 82 of his 216 rushing attempts (37.9 percent) went for one, zero or negative yards. His overall yards per carry average (3.3) was the lowest of his career, by a wide margin. According to

BenJarvus Green-Ellis - Bengals headed toward RB timeshare?

Source: The Huddle

Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said he believes RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis would be fine with sharing carries with a change-of-pace back. 'BenJarvus would probably welcome it,' Gruden said. 'It takes some carries off of him. Some guys want the ball every single play, but some guys like to get that rest and come out and have that change of pace guy. It would be nice. RB Cedric Peerman proved he could possibly be that guy. He had some big runs against Oakland and other teams. Maybe he'll step up in that role next year.'
Huddle Up: Peerman, who had an impressive 7.2 yards-per-carry average on 36 attempts this past season, could be the No. 2 man with the Bengals traditionally adverse to making any free-agent

Bengals | Think BenJarvus Green-Ellis would be fine with sharing

Source: Footballguys.com

Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said he believes RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis would be fine with sharing carries with a change-of-pace back. 'BenJarvus would probably welcome it,' Gruden said. 'It takes some carries off of him. Some guys want the ball every single play, but some guys like to get that rest and come out and have that change of pace guy. It would be nice. RB Cedric Peerman proved he could possibly be that guy. He had some big runs against Oakland and other teams. Maybe he'll step up in that role next year.'

Reggie Bush - Bush may be possible fit in Cincy

Source: The Huddle

Cincinnati Bengals running backs coach Hue Jackson has had success in the run game before, and this is a unit in need of upgrades. Two potential fits in free agency might be RBs Reggie Bush (Dolphins) and Chris Ivory (Saints). The latter is a restricted free agent, so the team's interest might hinge on what type of tender the team attaches to Ivory.
Huddle Up: The Bengals could use a pass-catching, explosive No. 2 back to complement the physical, between-the-tackles style of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and either back would appear to fill the bill provided they become available and come at workable price for Cincy.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis - Green-Ellis still dealing with hammy injury

Source: The Huddle

Cincinnati Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (hamstring) is still recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered in Week 17.
Huddle Up: The Law Firm had a solid, No. 2 RB season with 4 100-yard games and 6 TDs and should be more than good to go with 5 months remaining before training camp.

Bengals | BenJarvis Green-Ellis still dealing with injury

Source: Footballguys.com

Cincinnati Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (hamstring) is still recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered in Week 17.

Cincinnati Bengals seek complementary RB

Source: Draft Sharks

Bengals RB coach Jim Anderson is at the Senior Bowl this week looking for an RB to complement BenJarvus Green-Ellis. A healthy Bernard Scott might have fit that role perfectly, but Cincinnati will probably find that right after they locate Bigfoot, Nessie and Manti Te'o's girlfriend. Scott is coming off an ACL tear and headed for free agency anyway. The Bengals would certainly benefit from throwing something other than the predictable Lawfirm at defenses. The numbers BGE put up late in the year could also be hurt by ceding touches to a teammate. We'll see what Cincinnati comes up with.

Early Top 200 for the 2013 Fantasy Football Season

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by FFAdvantage

Here’s an early look at my Top 200 for the 2013 fantasy football season. There are a number of factors that will certainly be changing over the next several months so expect to see big changes. Use the comments section at the bottom of this article to tell me where you agree or disagree.

2013 Top 200

1. Adrian Peterson

2. Arian Foster

3. Calvin Johnson

4. CJ Spiller

5. Marshawn Lynch

6. Ray Rice

7. Jamaal Charles

8. Doug Martin

9. Aaron Rodgers

10. Tom Brady

11. AJ Green

12. LeSean McCoy

13. Trent Richardson

14. Drew Brees

15.

Bengals to look for a playmaker at RB

Source: FFToday

Green-Ellis to become a complimentary player

Bengals OC Jay Gruden confirmed that it will be a high priority this offseason to find a "game changer" at running back. The Bengals hopped that Bernard Scott could become this type of player, but injuries in 2012 sidelined these dreams. BenJarvus Green-Ellis will continue his role as the short-yardage back and red zone threat, but the Bengals want to add a dynamic player to take handoffs from the backfield. (

Bengals | Looking for complement at RB

Source: Footballguys.com

Cincinnati Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis had a good, but not great, season, but offensive coordinator Jay Gruden feels his team lacked a speedy 'gamebreaker' at running back. The team would like to find a speed back to complement Green-Ellis, and Gruden points to the draft. 'We do probably need some kind of pace-changer, game-changer, speed, some breakaway-type thing,' Gruden said.

Bengals want 'game changer' at running back - BenJarvus Green-Ellis | CIN

Source: Rotoworld Football

Bengals OC Jay Gruden confirmed that it will be a high priority this offseason to find a "game changer" at running back.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis active

Source: Draft Sharks

As expected, Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (hamstring) is active for today's game against the Texans.  He put in a full practice on Friday and was listed as probable.  Still, Cincy would be wise to go pass-heavy against a defense that ranks 17th against the pass and 7th against the run.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis: (Hamstring) Upgraded To Full Practice

Source: RotoWire.com NFL

BenJarvus Green-Ellis: Green-Ellis (hamstring) practiced fully Friday, the Bengals' official site reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Bengals | BenJarvus Green-Ellis probable

Source: Footballguys.com

Cincinnati Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (hamstring) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 4, and is listed as probable for the Wild Card playoff game.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis probable for Wild Card Round

Source: Draft Sharks

Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (hamstring) is probable for Saturday's Wild Card game against the Texans.  He put in a full practice on Friday, so that hammy shouldn't be an issue.  Still, it'll be tough sledding for BGE against the league's #1 RB defense.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis - Green-Ellis limited for Bengals

Source: The Huddle

Cincinnati Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (hamstring) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 3.
Huddle Up: The Bengals' leading rusher, limited for the second straight day, will be needed Saturday to give Cincy some balance against the Texans.

Bengals | BenJarvus Green-Ellis limited

Source: Footballguys.com

Cincinnati Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (hamstring) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 3.

Law Firm limited Thursday

Source: FFToday

BenJarvus Green-Ellis limited again but expected to play

Green-Ellis limited for a second straight day (hamstring); Crocker only one who did not practice (thigh). (Joe Reedy via Twitter)

FF Today's Take: Despite being limited, Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis is expected to play but won't be a RB1 on the road against the Texans. Fantasy owners in playoff leagues should look elsewhere at the running back position.

Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis goes through limited practice

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

On Tuesday, Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said that running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis quot;looks like he's going to be fine." It looks like he was telling the truth. Green-Ellis put in a limited practice on Wednesday after sitting out Tuesday's session. He was left on the bench in Week 17 after suffering a hamstring injury during pregame warmups, but it was minor. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Barring a setback, you can safely assume that Green-Ellis will be taking on his normal workload against the Texans on Saturday. BJG-E, very unexpectedly, was a fantasy stud during the second half of the season, registering four 100-yard games and averaging more than five yards per carry during a stretch from Week 11-15. But the Texans have a strong

BenJarvus Green-Ellis: Limited at Practice

Source: RotoWire.com NFL

BenJarvus Green-Ellis: Green-Ellis (hamstring) was back at practice Wednesday, Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com reports. He was officially listed as a limited practice participant Wednesday. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis a limited participant Wed.

Source: Draft Sharks

Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (hamstring) put in a limited practice Wednesday.  The team hasn't expressed much concern about the hammy that tightened up on him in pregame warmups last weekend.  Barring a setback, BGE will be available for his normal workload against the Texans on Saturday.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis a limited participant Wednesday

Source: Draft Sharks

Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (hamstring) put in a limited practice Wednesday.  The team hasn't expressed much concern about the hammy that tightened up on him in pregame warmups last weekend.  Barring a setback, BGE will be available for his normal workload against the Texans on Saturday.

Bengals | BenJarvus Green-Ellis limited in practice

Source: Footballguys.com

Cincinnati Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (hamstring) was limited in practice Wednesday, Jan. 2.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis is back at practice - BenJarvus Green-Ellis | CIN

Source: Rotoworld Football

BenJarvus Green-Ellis (hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday.

Bengals | BenJarvus Green-Ellis practicing

Source: Footballguys.com

Cincinnati Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday, Jan. 2.

Bengals | Playoff plan will be to run the football

Source: Footballguys.com

Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said the team plans on running the football in their Wild Card playoff game, even if RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (hamstring) is out of the lineup. 'We're going to prepare to run the ball like we do every week and hopefully BenJarvus is healthy,' Gruden said. 'He's got a little twinge right now, but it looks like he's going to be fine. It will be important to us ... We have other backs also that can run the ball. We're not going to change our plan at all. It never varies. We have a good run plan going in, but Houston's a good run defense as we all know. It's going to be important to try to force the issue.'

BenJarvus Green-Ellis "fine" for Wild Card game

Source: Draft Sharks

Bengals OC Jay Gruden says RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (hamstring) should be "fine" for this weekend's Wild Card game against the Texans.  BGE didn't practice on Tuesday but did do some running off to the side.  Between the injury and meeting with the league's top RB defense, though, Green-Ellis won't be a strong fantasy play this week.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis - Bengals practice without Law Firm

Source: The Huddle

Cincinnati Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (hamstring) did not participate in practice Tuesday, Jan. 1, but did do some running on the side.
Huddle Up: Green-Ellis came up gimpy in Week 17 pre-game warmups Sunday, but the Bengals will no doubt need the services of their leading rusher (1,094 yards) if they hope to upset the host Texans in Saturday's wild-card contest.

Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis 'looks like he's going to be fine'

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

BenJarvus Green-Ellis' pregame hamstring injury from Sunday may have scared the Bengals -- and irked his fantasy owners -- but it turns out the injury was fairly minor. The Bengals held Green-Ellis out of the finale against the Ravens and he didn't practice Tuesday, but offensive coordinator Jay Gruden sounded pretty optimistic when speaking about his lead running back. Gruden said that Green-Ellis has quot;a little twinge right now, but it looks like he's going to be fine." Green-Ellis finished the regular season with 1,094 yards on 278 carries with six touchdowns. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Cedric Peerman and Brian Leonard couldn't get much accomplished against the Ravens' second-string defense on Sunday, so the Bengals definitely need BJG-E

2012 Playoff Rankings – Tavaner

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by Tavaner

The NFL Playoffs are now set after 17 grueling weeks of play! There are a ton of story lines to follow. Among the more intriguing are three rookie quarterbacks, one of whom is guaranteed to win a playoff game in their first year; a second year quarterback who took over in week ten; a Colt’s team who went from worst last year to a playoff team this year, riding an emotional high after the return of their head coach from a successful bout against leukemia; and a team that went from the favorite for a first round bye to the number three seed in a few short weeks.

These are the overall rankings for the playoffs. Some formats require you to choose from all the teams in the playoffs, others allow you to go week to week. These

2012 Wild Card Weekend – Tavaner

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by Tavaner

Quarterbacks Russell Wilson (SEA) Aaron Rodgers (GB) Robert Griffin III (WAS) Andrew Luck (IND) Joe Flacco (BAL) Andy Dalton (CIN) Matt Schaub (HOU) Christian Ponder (MIN) Running Backs Ray Rice (BAL) Adrian Peterson (MIN) Arian Foster (HOU) Marshawn Lynch (SEA) Alfred Morris (WAS) Benjarvus Green-Ellis (CIN) Vick Ballard (IND) DuJuan Harris (GB) Ben Tate (HOU) Ryan Grant (GB) Bernard Pierce (BAL) Brian Leonard (CIN) Wide Receivers Anquan Boldin (BAL) AJ Green (CIN) Andre Johnson (HOU) Greg Jennings (GB) Reggie Wayne (IND) Torrey Smith (BAL) T.Y. Hilton (IND) Jordy Nelson (GB) Sidney Rice (SEA) James Jones (GB) Pierre Garcon (WAS) Golden Tate (SEA) Marvin Jones