2 Bengals training camp battles fantasy football managers must have their eye on

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

2 Bengals training camp battles fantasy football managers must have their eye on appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Fantasy football championships are often won long before Week 1 kicks off. The managers who consistently outperform the competition are usually the ones who identify opportunity before the rest of the league catches on. That’s especially true during training camp when depth charts remain fluid and breakout candidates quietly emerge. This makes the Cincinnati Bengals quite a fascinating team to monitor entering the 2026 preseason. Joe Burrow remains the centerpiece, while Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins continue to command defensive attention. Yet beneath those established stars, several position battles are quietly unfolding.

Championship aspirations​

You must be registered for see images attach

The Bengals approached the 2026 offseason needing to strengthen an already explosive roster. Instead of rebuilding, Cincinnati focused on refining the areas that prevented a deeper postseason run. The front office reinforced both sides of the line with proven veterans such as Jonathan Allen.

That philosophy has carried directly into training camp. Practices at the Kettering Health Practice Fields have featured physical, high-tempo sessions. Burrow has looked comfortable from the opening week. He has quickly re-established chemistry with his elite perimeter weapons while directing one of the league’s most polished passing attacks.

Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)

The biggest fantasy storylines, however, extend well beyond the stars. The real intrigue lies within the battles for complementary offensive roles. This is where players are competing for opportunities that could translate into meaningful fantasy football production. Two competitions deserve particularly close attention.

Battle for the third receiver​

Andrei Iosivas entered training camp as the favorite ‘third receiver’ after building trust with Burrow over the past season. Camp has complicated that projection. Colbie Young has steadily generated attention throughout padded practices. His ability to win contested catches has added an entirely different dimension to the competition.

From a fantasy football perspective, this battle is enormously significant. Burrow has repeatedly shown that he trusts receivers capable of quickly winning isolated matchups. If Iosivas secures the role, fantasy football managers could be looking at one of the safest late-round PPR selections available. Working primarily from the slot would provide consistent opportunities underneath. He would benefit from the coverage attention directed toward Cincinnati’s elite outside duo.

Young presents a different type of fantasy appeal, though. Rather than relying on volume, his upside revolves around touchdowns. His physical profile makes him an attractive target near the goal line. If Young continues earning red-zone opportunities during preseason games, he could quickly develop into one of fantasy football’s most intriguing touchdown-dependent sleepers.

The challenge for fantasy managers is determining which path Cincinnati ultimately chooses. Volume typically creates a safer weekly floor. Touchdowns, however, often determine league-winning upside.

Breakout potential​

Cincinnati’s tight end competition could also produce an even bigger fantasy football surprise. Mike Gesicki enters camp as the established veteran. His receiving ability remains well known. His versatility allows him to line up throughout the formation as both a traditional tight end and oversized slot receiver. When healthy and heavily involved, Gesicki has consistently demonstrated the ability to produce fantasy-relevant numbers.

The question revolves around playing time. Historically, Gesicki has often operated in specialized passing situations. That usage has occasionally limited both his snap share and weekly fantasy ceiling.

Erick All Jr changes that equation. Healthy entering camp, All has impressed coaches with his complete skill set. He offers legitimate value as both a blocker and pass catcher. That allows him to remain on the field regardless of down and distance.

That versatility could matter tremendously. Three-down tight ends naturally accumulate more opportunities simply because they rarely leave the field. More snaps create more routes, more targets and more chances to produce fantasy points. Within a Joe Burrow offense, those opportunities become especially valuable.

All possesses the athletic traits to capitalize. His ability to gain yards after the catch gives him a realistic pathway toward a significantly expanded offensive role. And then of course, there’s also still Drew Sample to eventually consider.

Next fantasy breakout stars​

You must be registered for see images attach

Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Fantasy football managers often focus too heavily on established stars. They tend to overlook the competitions that ultimately determine championship-winning depth. Cincinnati’s offense already boasts proven fantasy superstars in Burrow, Chase and Higgins.

The players surrounding them could ultimately decide countless fantasy matchups. Whether it’s the battle between Iosivas and Young for valuable targets behind the Bengals’ elite receivers or the intriguing competition between Gesicki and All at tight end, preseason performances will carry enormous weight.

Managers who monitor snap counts instead of highlight plays, first-team usage instead of box scores, and offensive roles instead of preseason statistics will place themselves in position to uncover hidden value before draft boards adjust.

Related: Even Bengals’ Joe Burrow has to adjust to practicing vs. Dexter Lawrence

Continue reading...