Week 8 vs Washington
A.J. Green continued his outstanding 2016 with an eight-catch, 169-yard performance against the Browns last week. It was his third game with 100+ yards receiving, and he also added his third touchdown of the season. Overall, Green continues to dominate opposing secondaries no matter what they throw at him.
Washington has had an average pass defense in 2016, which should open the door for more opportunities for Green, even if the 'Skins line up Josh Norman across from him.
Start Green in all leagues and formats as he continues to be a top-5 fantasy wide receiver week-in and week-out.
Week 7 vs Cleveland
After a semi-quiet game last week against New England that saw A.J. Green catch six passes for 88 yards, the star wideout has to be excited about Week 7 where he will face a Cleveland pass defense that is dead last in aFPA to wide receivers. Green lit up the Browns defense in Week 13 last year with 5 catches for 128 yards and a touchdown.
Green is one of the best fantasy plays of Week 7. With the Browns pass defense in shambles, he should be the biggest beneficiary. Start him as one of the top fantasy wide receivers for this weekend.
Week 6 at New England
A.J. Green was fairly quiet in Dallas with four catches for 50 yards last week. Green has his good and bad days, but is still considered a great fantasy option each week.
This will be the second time in the last three seasons that Green has faced New England. He averaged five catches and 71 yards in the two matchups. He also caught one touchdown pass. The Patriots are 9th in aFPA to passing so all of this points towards Green having an average game at best, but the game situation probably points to two scenarios: The Bengals will have to score a lot of points to keep up with the Pats or will be playing catch-up. Either way, Green should actually get double-digit targets and have a pretty productive day. Start him as a top five fantasy wide receiver for Week 6.
Week 5 at Dallas
A.J. Green had his second monster game of the season last Thursday against Miami, catching 10 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown. This is not surprising, as Green continues to be one of the elite receivers in the NFL and produces results on a constant basis.
One of the factors is Green remains the one constant target for QB Andy Dalton in the Cincy offense. Especially with Tyler Eifert still out, Green will continue to carry the load, and that's a good thing for his owners.
Start him against Dallas, who has been average in pass defense in 2016. He is a top-5 fantasy receiver play again this week.
Week 4 vs. Miami
After a frustrating game in Week 2, A.J. Green came back against a tough Denver defense and put up decent numbers with 8 catches for 77 yards. However, he did not score a touchdown for the second game in a row. His numbers are down this season, but don't expect that to continue. In fact, expect a breakout game in Week 4 against a weak Miami pass defense.
The Dolphins come to Cincinnati on a short week and they are only ranked 25th in aFPA to wide receivers. The matchup is very favorable to Green and the Bengals offense.
Start Green in all leagues and formats, as he is one of the best fantasy wide receiver plays in Week 4. He loves the spotlight of a national game, and his numbers will start to balance out after a slow start.
Week 3 vs. Denver
After a monster Week 1, A.J. Green was shut down by the Steelers last Sunday with only two receptions for 38 yards, despite QB Andy Dalton throwing 54 passes. Green was targeted eight times, but Pittsburgh did a good job of covering him.
Green will occasionally have a game like this, but it is not something to be concerned about. Even going against Denver's very good defense this Sunday, Green is always capable of having a big game. The Broncos are ranked third in aFPA to wide receivers so this is a tough matchup. It slides Green to a high-end WR2 for Week3. He should be in your lineup, but expect a performance closer to Week 2 than Week 1.
Week 2 at Pittsburgh
AJ Green was targeted 13 times last week, and even though the Jets knew he was getting the ball, they had a hard time stopping him. Green ended up with 12 catches and 180 yards and a touchdown, as well. He continues to prove he is one of the best receivers in the NFL, as he is capable at any time taking over a game.
The Steelers are up next and probably won't have anyone who can shut Green down. Since 2014, he has had some monster games against a weak Pittsburgh secondary. Expect more big numbers in Week 2. Start Green in all leagues and formats this Sunday.
Week 1 at New York Jets
Although there are some question marks with the Bengals offense this season, A.J. Green is not one of them. He has posted 1,000 receiving yard season every year he has been in the league and double digit touchdowns three of the past four seasons. As long as he is healthy, he will be productive. Green will have some new faces lining up as his WR2 and WR3. Plus Tyler Eifert will start the season inactive because of injury. The only way he isn't a top-10 receiver each week is if the new receivers are not effective to the point where Green is receiving all the attention from opposing defenses.
He will face the Jets in Week 1 who were 20th in aFPA to wide receiver. Although Darrelle Revis is on the other side of the ball he is not what he once was so expect Green to win more one-on-one battles than he did in the past.
Overall, Green is solid WR1 for Week 1. He is usually up to any challenge so it really doesn't matter who the defense is. Start him in all leagues and formats and expect big-time fantasy help on Sunday.
Fantasy Upside
A.J. Green continues to be one of the best wide receivers in football and a great fantasy asset. His numbers have been great, but actually have a chance to get better with new offensive coordinator Ken Zampese replacing Hue Jackson, who was more run-oriented. Green has put up over 1,000 receiving yards every year in the league and also has double-digit TD receptions three of the last four years. There is little doubt that he is an elite talent and will continue to flourish with Andy Dalton at QB
Fantasy Downside
Really the only negative for Green is the other wide receivers. He should command all the attention from opposing defensive coordinators which could hurt his overall numbers. Tyler Boyd was drafted and is expect to take some of the pressure away from Green. But even if he does, Green will still see double-teams on a regular basis.
2016 Bottom Line
Green is a top five receiver and a first round draft pick in all formats. As long as he stays healthy, he should catch 90 balls with 1,300 yards and double-digit TDs. He is a remarkable talent and consistent fantasy option.
Week 18 vs Pittsburgh
A.J. Green slowed down over the last three weeks of the season with A.J. McCarron at quarterback, although he did manage two touchdowns in that time period. However, Green has torched the Pittsburgh weak secondary in the two meetings this season catching 17 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns. The QB shouldn't matter as the Steelers have let Pro Bowlers and journeyman put up good numbers all season long. Pittsburgh is ranked dead-last in aFPA to wide receivers. Green is close to being the top fantasy wide receiver Wild Card weekend and is a must play in Week 18.
