The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2024 season may be playoff-free, but their games remain a goldmine for fantasy football enthusiasts, thanks to their potent offense and porous defense. This dynamic was on full display during their 44-38 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13. Cincinnati showcased its offensive firepower with 375 yards and 25 first downs, but their defensive lapses allowed Pittsburgh to amass 520 yards and 28 first downs. It was a high-scoring thriller reminiscent of past Bengals games.
Joe Burrow led the Bengals with 309 passing yards and three touchdowns (23.16 fantasy points), while the offensive distribution delighted fantasy managers. Key contributors included Ja’Marr Chase (6-86-1, 17.6 points), Tee Higgins (5-69-1, 15.4 points), and Chase Brown (100 total yards, 17.5 points). Burrow targeted Chase and Higgins on half of his throws, and Brown dominated the backfield with 12 carries, leaving Khalil Herbert with only one. Such a concentrated target share makes Cincinnati’s skill players valuable assets.
The Steelers exploited the Bengals’ secondary with an aggressive passing game. Russell Wilson recorded a season-high 414 yards and three touchdowns (27.86 points) while averaging 10.9 yards per attempt. Though Pittsburgh’s target tree was spread thin, George Pickens (3-74-1, 14.9 points) and Pat Freiermuth (6-68-1, 15.8 points) delivered. Najee Harris also shined with 129 total yards and a score on 22 touches.
Unfortunately for fantasy managers, the Bengals-Steelers rematch occurs in Week 18, beyond most league playoffs. However, Cincinnati’s remaining schedule—Dallas, Tennessee, Cleveland, and Denver—offers continued scoring potential, as evidenced by the “over” hitting in nine of their 12 games.
Washington’s Commanders also delivered fantasy fireworks in Week 13, trouncing Tennessee 42-19. Jayden Daniels starred with three passing touchdowns and a rushing score, leading to 28.64 fantasy points. Terry McLaurin (8-73-2, 23.3 points) and Zach Ertz (3-35-1, 11 points) provided reliable receiving options. The backfield saw Brian Robinson (16-103-1, 17.4 points) and Chris Rodriguez Jr. (13-94-1) punch in touchdowns, solidifying Washington’s offensive prowess.
On the flip side, Tennessee found solace in Nick Westbrook-Ikhine’s continued touchdown streak (3-61-2, 19.6 points), now eight scores in eight games. Meanwhile, Atlanta’s Kirk Cousins experiment continues to falter, as another dismal performance—four interceptions and a 40.0 passer rating—raises questions about his future.
