Week 6 vs Buffalo
Even on a slow day, A.J. Green continues to be a fantasy factor. He had six catches for 78 yards and did not reach the end zone for the second straight week, but Green still rarely ever gets shut down.
Buffalo is 24th in aFPA to wide receivers. Although the Bills have been good against the run, the passing game has hurt them, and that should mean big numbers for Green. Start him in all leagues and formats as the No 1 fantasy wide receiver for Week 6.
Week 5 vs Seattle
A.J. Green continues to amaze no matter what defenses do. He had seven more receptions for 82 yards on 10 targets last week. Andy Dalton undoubtedly wants to get Green the ball as much as possible.
It won't be easy in Week 5 as the Seahawks come to Cincinnati. They are No. 1 in aFPA to wide receivers in the NFL and the RIchard Sherman-Green matchup will be fun to watch. Green is still a must-start in all formats. Just don't expect crazy results against a very good defense.
Week 4 vs Kansas City
A.J. Green is healthy and looked unstoppable last week. He had a career-high 227 receiving yards and scored two touchdowns. He was targeted 13 times, which should be the norm for him (although he only 12 the first two weeks combined).
We know other defenses will be game planning against Green, but that has been the case most of his career. He has to love his matchup this week against KC. The Chiefs are dead last in aFPA to wide receivers which raises Green's value. Start him in all leagues as a top 5 fantasy wide receiver. He is due for another big game as long as the targets remain high.
Week 3 at Baltimore
A.J. Green was only targeted four times last week, which resulted in three catches for 45 yards. The saving grace for his fantasy owners is he did score his first touchdown of the season. He is nursing a knee injury, but was able to practice on Thursday and will play on Sunday.
Green has been okay against the Ravens in his career, as he has averaged 4.5 catches for 77.5 yards per game in six meeting, and has three career touchdowns against Baltimore. The Ravens pass defense is not what it has been in the past and this could be a good matchup for Green. Start him in all leagues and formats as he is a top-5 fantasy wide receiver for Week 3.
Week 2 vs Chargers
It was a quiet day for A.J. Green last Sunday. The Bengals really didn't need him and he still had 8 targets and 5 catches.
Now he is back home, we think Cincy will to him more. It won't be easy at the Chargers did a good job against Calvin Johnson and Co. last week. But we still like the matchup for Green. Start Green in all formats as a solid WR1 for Week 2.
Week 1 vs Raiders
A.J. Green is healthy and ready to go. We expect him to be a top-10 fantasy wide receiver almost every week. Green is still in his prime and is able to make plays downfield. His Week 1 matchup against Oakland is neutral, but we expect a big game out of the 27-year-old. Start Green in all formats.
Fantasy Upside|
For four seasons, A.J. Green has been a top NFL receiver, and we don't see that changing any time soon. Green has surpassed the 1,000 receiving yard mark every season since he entered the league and has been a consistent red zone and deep threat. He is especially good in PPR leagues as he is the main target for Andy Dalton, even when opposing defenses game plan against him. Green really has excelled thus far in his NFL career.
Fantasy Downside
Green missed three games last season due to injury and his final numbers were a step down from his two stellar seasons in 2012 and 2013. The other factor going against him is offensive coordinator Hue Jackson wants to run the ball and the Bengals have been very good at doing so. One other issue of note last season was Green's lack of red zone targets, as Andy Dalton didn't look towards Green near the goal line as much as he had in previous seasons.
Bottom Line
Don't be fooled by the drop off in numbers. Green is still a top 10 fantasy receiver and could put up top 5 numbers if he stays on the field. His ADP is currently 18 and he is our 7th ranked WR, but I would take him a little higher if he is available. Green will catch 95 balls and have double-digit touchdowns this season.
Week 18: Green vs Colts
Health has been a major issue for A.J. Green over the past several weeks - bad arm and now a concussion. He practiced on Thursday, but did not on Friday and has to be cleared to play Sunday by team doctors.
If he does play, he is a top 5 fantasy wide receiver for the weekend. We all know what he is capable of and the Colts are decent matchup as they are only 20th in aFPA to wide receivers. However, it could be a game time decision which is going to leave Green owners hanging. We will know Sunday morning whether to play or sit the star receiver.
Week 17: Green vs Steelers
A bicep injury last week limited A.J. Green to zero catches. It was noticeable Green was struggling even though he kept trying to fight through it. He did practice this week, so he should play on Sunday. Green wants to win a division title so he will play hurt, especially against the Steelers on the big stage of Sunday night football.
Pittsburgh is last in the NFL in aFPA to wide receivers, so the great matchup keeps Green prominent in fantasy rankings. The injury brings him down from a top 5 to a low-end WR1. He definitely should be in your starting lineup for Week 17.
Week 16: Green vs Broncos
It was a tough day all around for the players involved with the Bengals passing game. A.J. Green received his share of targets (11), but Andy Dalton wasn't sharp and despite the Bengals winning in blowout fashion. all of the receivers were quiet.
Green must be licking his chops for a bounce back game this Monday. He faces Denver who is 23rd in aFPA to wide receivers. Green usually enjoys the spotlight and will be trying to one-up Broncos' star receiver Demaryius Thomas. Even with Green under the weather, he is expected to play and should have a big game. Start Green in all formats as a strong WR1 in Week 16.
