Week 6 at Baltimore
For the third straight week, Givovani Bernard only had five touches and that's basically because this is Joe Mixon's team. Bernard plays on 44% of the snaps, but he is not really part of the offensive game plan.
The Bengals have a good matchup against the Ravens who are 28th in aFPA to running backs, but Bernard doesn't get enough touches to take advantage of it. Keep Bernard on the bench for Week 6.
Week 5 vs Arizona
Giovani wasn't on the field much against the Steelers - only 33% of the plays which was a season-low. The result was one carry although he did have four receptions but the overall yardage was only 19 yards from scrimmage.
Bernard will face the Cardinals who are 11th in aFPA to running backs. He really has not gotten involved in the offense much, even in the passing game. Keep Bernard on the bench for Week 5.
Week 4 at Pittsburgh
Giovani Bernard is averaging seven touches per game and is getting on the field on about 49% of the snaps. He is strictly a backup and will spell Joe Mixon at times, but he really is not going to get much action which means he has very little fantasy value.
Keep Bernard on your roster only if you have Joe Mixon so you have the handcuff if something happens to Mixon.
Week 3 at Buffalo
With Joe Mixon nursing injuries, many thought Giovani Bernard could get more touches Week 2, but Mixon played so Bernard ended up with only seven touches. Bernard is entrenched as the backup for Cincinnati and he will be limited with his usage as the Bengals see Mixon as an every-down back.
It's a decent matchup Week 3 against Buffalo who were 26th in aFPA to running backs last year. Don't expect much from Bernard. He might get 5 to 10 touches. Keep him on the bench against the Bills.
Week 2 vs San Francisco
With Joe Mixon out, Giovani Bernard takes over as the primary back for Cincinnati. Bernard had nine touches for 63 yards although he had twice as many receiving yards as rushing yards. This role is not new to Bernard as he has been the starter in the past.
The Bengals face the 49ers who are 11th in aFPA to running backs. We don't expect Bernard to produce what Mixon is capable of but we do expect him to be a three-down back this week.
Start Bernard as an RB2 where he should get around 20 touches. He is a very good pickup off the waiver wire if available,
Fantasy Upside
Giovanni Bernard has settled into his role as Joe Mixon’s backup. He still is an important part of the offense and will be used in the passing game out of the backfield. Mixon will need to be spelled and Bernard can be useful in that role. His career numbers show he can be effective however the Bengals use him.
Fantasy Downside
Bernard had career-lows in carries, receptions, rushing yards and receiving yards last season, part of that because he missed four games with knee issues. He also has had trouble finding the end zone during his career which doesn’t help his fantasy stock.
2019 Bottom Line
Reliable is the best way to describe Bernard. He should still get over 100 touches but is depth at best entering the season. His ADP is 209 although taking him a little earlier would match his overall fantasy value.
Week 12 vs. Cleveland Browns
Giovani Bernard will play in his third game since he returned from injury. He has had limited touches (four carries, six receptions) in those two games but has been playing on third downs which helps his PPR value. That has produced a total of 11 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards.
Bernard has a great matchup against Cleveland who is 26th in aFPA to running backs. However, the touches have not been there, so keep him on the bench for Week 12.
Week 11 at Baltimore Ravens
Giovani Bernard returned to the lineup after missing four games. His impact was limited with only four touches total. He only was on the field for 28 percent of the offensive plays but that number should start to go up, especially on third down.
The Bengals face the Ravens, who are first in aFPA to running backs. Bernard had 10 touches for 42 yards the first time the two teams played in Week 2. He was impactful in the passing game with four catches. Keep an eye on the injury list as starter Joe Mixon has been limited this week in practice. If Mixon plays, Bernard should stay on your bench for Week 11.
Week 5 vs. Miami Dolphins
Giovani Bernard had a nice run while Joe Mixon was out. He averaged 18 touches for the last two weeks and put up some decent fantasy numbers. Unfortunately, he is banged up now and has missed practice plus Mixon is expected to return and will see more of the carries.
Despite a good matchup against a poor Miami defense, Bernard has too much going against him this week to have a fantasy impact. Keep him on the bench for Week 5.
Week 4 at Atlanta Falcons
Giovani Bernard will likely get his second straight start this week. The first one wasn't too bad—17 touches for 86 yards and a touchdown. The touches might have been a little lower than expected but he still put up numbers that helped fantasy owners. Bernard did play on 88 percent of the snaps, which is a positive.
Benard will face an average Falcons run defense, so if he gets the touches, his numbers will be respectable again. Start Bernard as low-end RB1 for Week 4. He should be started in all leagues and formats if Joe Mixon misses his second straight game.
