The Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills face off in Week 14 in a big matchup for both teams. While the Bengals try to stay alive in the playoff hunt, the Bills are looking to catch up to the New England Patriots in the AFC East.
For fantasy football managers, this game is poised to be great theater. Joe Burrow and Josh Allen will make for a great showdown, but for fantasy managers, Chase Brown is arguably the most important player in this matchup.
Brown, facing the Bills' lackluster run defense, and amid his own hot streak, is a must-start regardless of league size or format. There are very few players worth starting over Brown this week, as the Bengals running back is a must-start in Week 14.
Why Bengals' Chase Brown is a must-start in Week 14 vs. Bills
ESPN's Eric Moody highlighted just what makes Brown such a great option in Week 14 for fantasy managers: "Buffalo has allowed the third-most rushing yards per game, and since the Bengals' Week 10 bye, Brown has averaged 22.3 touches and 17.3 fantasy points."
In Full-PPR leagues, the Bills' defense is the 25th best against running backs, making for a great matchup when looking on the surface. But, beyond that is a clear sign to start Brown this week.
While Brown started slow for the Bengals, with Burrow sidelined due to injury, he's turned things around in a big way over the last few weeks.
More: AFC North standings: How Steelers, Ravens losses impact division race through Week 13
As Moody noted, since the bye, Brown is averaging 17.3 fantasy points per game. But, going back to Week 8, Brown has put up 96.7 total points with an average of 19.34 points per week.
That included matchups against a tough Patriots defense and strong units in the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers. Since the bye, Brown has had 99, 107, and 78 rushing yards. Add on his receiving work, 8, 4, and 7 targets since the bye, and Brown's one of the best fantasy assets going forward.
With a fantastic matchup against a susceptible Bills defense, Brown is a must-start for fantasy managers in all league formats and sizes. Just like how he became a huge asset late last season, Brown in 2025 is set to have a huge role in Week 14.
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