Analysis

The Bengals lost a hard-fought defensive battle against last year's Super Bowl champions, resulting in several underwhelming fantasy lines Sunday. Moss was one of the victims after averaging just 2.8 yards per tote in the last-second defeat. After two weeks of unfortunate game scripts for fantasy managers, Cincinnati's new starting tailback may finally receive the amount of touches against the Commanders next Monday that Moss's hopeful draftees envisioned when selecting the upside play coming into the 2024 season.

Analysis

There was no close split in the Bengals' backfield timeshare for Week 1, as Moss outpaced Chase Brown by six carries and 33 rushing yards. The veteran offseason addition also contributed a five-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter, and he saw his opportunities capped by a surprising game script in which Cincinnati trailed throughout. Moss's rushing touches could be limited once again in Week 2, as the Bengals will travel to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the defending champion Chiefs.

Analysis

In other words, it may not be a traditional early/late-down split with one running back getting most of the carries and the other dominating targets. The Bengals may instead use both backs in a variety of situations, perhaps preferring Brown's speed for some passing downs and Moss's superior blocking for others. Moss seems to be the favorite to handle short-yardage work and a majority of the other carries between the tackles, but that doesn't mean he'll dominate early down snaps in a pass-first Cincinnati offense directed by head coach Zac Taylor and quarterback Joe Burrow. A slightly better idea about the backfield roles should emerge after Week 1, even if fluidity throughout the season is a strong possibility.

Analysis

Moss and the rest of the Bengals' starters won't suit up in the team's exhibition finale. Beyond Moss, it's unclear if No. 2 RB Chase Brown will be included among the regulars who won't dress Thursday, but if he does, Cincinnati's backfield would be composed of Trayveon Williams, Noah Cain and Elijah Collins. Moss himself is in line to be the Bengals' lead runner this season after a 2023 campaign in which he posted 986 yards from scrimmage and seven TDs on 210 touches in 14 regular-season games with the Colts.

Analysis

Moss didn't suit up for Saturday's preseason opener against the Buccaneers due to an illness, but he's now moved past the ailment and resumed running with the first-team offense at practice. The 26-year-old's next chance to log exhibition reps will come on the road at Chicago this Saturday. Chase Brown got the starting nod versus Tampa Bay with Moss sidelined but rushed only five times for 10 yards while securing his only target for no gain.

Analysis

According to coach Zac Taylor, Moss became sick Friday night, so the Bengals exercised caution with their top running back as they kicked off exhibition season. Chase Brown, Moss's primary competition for RB reps, didn't fare too well Saturday, notching five carries for 10 yards while catching his only target for no yards. Moss will aim to get healthy ahead of next Saturday's preseason contest at Chicago.

Analysis

Moss inked with Cincinnati as a free agent back in March, and though the team will certainly add some UDFAs to the mix, he has to be considered a huge winner for fantasy after the Bengals opted not to spend a single draft pick on the running back position. Coming off a breakout season with the Colts, Moss looks primed for a high-volume role considering his experience between the tackles and on third downs, while Chase Brown could act as a more explosive complement out of the backfield. Both could be intriguing fantasy sleepers in 2024 drafts.