Week 8: Dalton vs Ravens
Andy Dalton had his worst game of the season last week completing only 47.4% of his passes and having his offense shut out. He has really not looked like the quarterback from 2013. The good news is he will be home this week against a familiar foe.
The Ravens come to Cincy and Dalton had a very good game in the first meeting back in Week 1. He threw for 301 yards and a touchdown in the Bengals' win. It might be hard to repeat that performance against Baltimore who ranks 5th in aFPA to quarterbacks. The way the Bengals have been playing, Dalton is not a good play nor has been in recent weeks. Keep him on the bench for Week 9.
Week 7: Dalton vs Colts
It was a game which produced season-highs in every category for Andy Dalton, but that is not hard to do when you play five full quarters. Last week, we saw a lot of points on the scoreboard for Cincinnati and Carolina and that could be the case this week when the Bengals visit Indianapolis.
Dalton seems to tease his owners sometime, but we are not seeing the results we saw in 2013 on a consistent basis. He might have some trouble this week in a tough matchup with the Colts who are ranked 10th in aFPA to quarterbacks this season. That stat along with Dalton's average numbers this year keep him on the bench in fantasy land for Week 7.
Week 6: Dalton vs. Panthers
Andy Dalton has averaged around 23 pass attempts since Week 1 and is where the Bengals want him. That will limit his passing yardage, but he did throw multi-touchdowns (2) for the first time this season. Didn't help Cincy as they lost for the first time this season.
Dalton's numbers are definitely down from last season, and it might be a struggle this week to start getting back to that form. His best receiver A.J. Green is probably out and even though the Carolina pass defense is a good matchup, Dalton is a QB2 player for Week 6. Keep him on the bench.
Week 3: Dalton vs Titans
Andy Dalton had another good outing last week however his numbers were down from Week 1. He only threw 23 passes and his best receiver, A.J. Green, was hurt. Dalton has not thrown a pick this year, but he has only thrown two touchdowns.
The Bengals face a Titans pass defense that is pretty good. Most of Dalton's value for Week 3 will be decided by A.J. Green's status. Since Green wont likely be 100%, we don't see Dalton as a QB1 for Week 3.
Sit him against Tennessee if possible. If you have don't have a better option, and Green does play, you might get by with Dalton for this week.
Week 2: Dalton vs Falcons
Andy Dalton had a strong Week 1 performance throwing for 301 yards. He did only find the end zone once, but everyone must be encouraged that he picked up where he left off last season. Dalton's has the weapons and makes most of the plays which is why he is a solid fantasy player at this point of his career.
And it should get even better this week against Atlanta. The Falcons pass defense was lit up last week by Drew Brees and company. Dalton should be able to equate his numbers from last week and hopefully find the end zone a little more.
Because of the matchup and the fact he is at home, Dalton should be in your starting lineup this week as a low-end QB1. He will be a QB1 throughout the season based on matchups and Week 2 is one of those weeks.
Week 1: Dalton vs. Ravens
Andy Dalton had a great regular season last year and after signing a big contract extension, expectations are even higher. The knock on him has been the playoff failures, but that isn't a worry for fantasy owners.
His Week 1 matchup is not a good one when he faces rival Baltimore. Dalton has only thrown for 6 TDs in his career against the Ravens and he has 11 interceptions. Last year, he looked bad in the annual regular season meetings including a four interception performance in the regular season finale (although the Bengals did win).
The game is in Baltimore which doesn't fare well for Dalton in Week 1. There are just a lot of better options for QBs considering Dalton's past history against the Ravens. He is low-end QB2 at best in all league formats. Sit him.
Fantasy Upside
Andy Dalton's numbers were his best yet last season. He was a top 5 fantasy quarterback and was rewarded this off-season with a new contract. Dalton isn't flashy, but he gets the job done. His touchdown total was third in the NFL, only behind Peyton Manning and Drew Brees. He was fourth in average points per start and added six rushing touchdowns to increase his value. And he has a great receiving corp that includes A.J. Green which will make any quarterback look good. Dalton has made strides every year since he started as a rookie so it appears he has solidified his status as the leader in Cincinnati.
Fantasy Downside
Although Dalton has been criticized for his playoff record, that really doesn't affect many fantasy teams. However, some think Dalton is more of a result of Green than his talent. He did throw 20 interceptions last season which was the most of any of the top ranked quarterbacks. There are still some questions marks regarding his long ball accuracy. He also has a new offensive coordinator in Hue Jackson who tends to run the ball more than his predecessor Jay Gruden.
Bottom Line
Dalton's numbers say fantasy stud, but numbers can be deceiving at times. Even with the progress since his rookie season, Dalton has holes in his game. The new coordinator is sure to affect his numbers in 2014, especially early in the season with the growing pains that usually happen when there is that kind of change. Dalton is ranked 17th by 4for4 with an ADP of 132. Dalton won't be a starter, but he can be a great backup. If you take your No. 1 in the mid rounds, Dalton would be a good insurance policy in the later rounds.
