Week 3 vs. Denver
Giovanni Bernard only ran for 17 yards last week, which gives him a whopping total of 42 for the season. However, we all know the passing game is where he can have success, and last week, he did just that. Bernard caught nine passes for 100 yards against Pittsburgh, which made him a good fantasy option last week and a great one in PPR formats. However, QB Andy Dalton did throw the ball 54 times, which we don't expect to happen every week.
Bernard had a two-to-one advantage over teammate Jeremy Hill in snaps played, but they both basically had the same amount of touches for the second straight week.
It won't be easy in Week 3, when the Bengals host Denver and one of the best defenses in the NFL. Bernard ranks an RB3 or Flex for Sunday. He can definitely have a big game at anytime receiving the ball, but don't expect the rushing yards to be his strength.
Week 2 at Pittsburgh
Giovani Bernard hardly touched the ball last Sunday, with five carries and two catches for 30 total yards. Usually that means that Jeremy Hill got all the attention, but that wasn't the case this time. The snaps were split down the middle, and Hill only had nine touches himself. However, he did score a touchdown.
Bernard will go against a Steelers run defense that was excellent in Week 1. So a tough road game is not what the doctor ordered, although Bernard might be more valuable in this game because he is the better receiver. Overall, play him as an RB3 for Week 2.
Week 1 at New York Jets
There is no doubt that Giovani Bernard is a very talented running backs. However, his numbers have been limited in his first three seasons. He has never ran the ball over 170 times. He has only started 10 games and he never has had more than five rushing touchdowns in a season. However, his receiving stats have helped his fantasy status, catching at least 43 balls each of his three seasons.
The problem is touches. With Jeremy Hill on the roster, the Bengals are a 1A and 1B running back system. Bernard did get more snaps last season than Hill, but less touches. Don't expect that to change this season. It has worked for Cincinnati so if it ain't broke...
Bernard ranked as a low-end RB2 or flex for most of the 2015, and that's where he will be if the backs continue to share time. The Jets were 2nd in aFPA to running backs in 2015, so it's not a great matchup. Bernard is a high-end RB3 or flex for Week 1.
Fantasy Upside
Despite job-sharing with Jeremy Hill, Giovani Bernard was on the field more than any other Bengals running back (55 percent of the snaps) in 2015. His rushing numbers have been modest and consistent through the first three years of career, but couple that with the fact he averages almost 50 catches per season, you then have yourself a good overall running back. Bernard did run the ball well last season averaging a career-high 4.7 yards per carry.
Fantasy Downside
Even though Bernard played more than Hill, he only started one game and had less carries despite being more effective. He also was rarely in the game in goal line situations which is evident by only two rushing touchdowns. He only has 17 total touchdowns in his three-year career.
2016 Bottom Line
Bernard and Hill share the running back duties which limits either one from become an every down back or even a viable fantasy running back option. Bernard will help you more in a PPR league, but the lack of touchdowns really limits his value. Despite better numbers last season, if both players are available in the 6th round, you are better off taking Hill in a standard league. Bernard still gets the edge in PPR leagues.
Week 18 vs Pittsburgh
Giovani Bernard continues to be an important part of the Bengals offense, but in a complimentary role to Jeremy Hill, who is the primary ball carrier. Bernard's numbers over the past month have not been nearly as good as the first half of the season, but he is still a good play in PPR leagues. Against the Steelers, Bernard only had 101 yards from scrimmage in two games, so Pittsburgh has not been a good matchup.
The running back pool is weak this weekend, so that makes Bernard a little more valuable than in the regular season. He can be used as an RB2 if you need one and should get some points to help your postseason team.
Week 17 vs Baltimore
Giovani Bernard was seeing double digit rushing attempts early in the season when Jeremy Hill was in the doghouse. In the second half of the season, he has only rushed the ball 10+ times twice. Worse for his owners, he is not wracking up the receptions and receiving yards you might expect.
With a tough matchup this week against Baltimore, Bernard ranks as RB3 or flex although he still carries decent value in PPR leagues. He is getting on the field, but not getting the touches on a regular basis.
Week 16 vs Denver
Giovani Bernard has 18 touches last week, the most since Week 5. He also has an edge in snaps over Jeremy Hill. As we have said many times, the numbers seem to fluctuate with these two and are not very predictable.
It's an unfavorable matchup for Week 16 against Denver who is ranked 10th in aFPA to running backs. Bernard should still see a decent amount of carries, but of course he is always a better PPR option than Hill. Start Bernard as a flex or RB3 as we expect him to continue to split time in the backfield.
Week 15 at San Francisco
Giovani Bernard had the edge this week in the ongoing fantasy drama between him and Jeremy Hill. Bernard played 66 percent of the snaps, but still only had nine touches for 67 as the Bengals played catch-up.
The matchup for Week 15 favors the Bengals as the San Francisco is 31st in aFPA to running backs. However, that stat probable favors Hill who usually gets more carries. Bernard still has value but only as a high-end RB3 or flex.
Week 14 vs Pittsburgh
Giovani Bernard had problems getting on the field (33 percent of the offensive snaps) and producing anything on offense (35 yard from scrimmage). This doesn't necessarily indicate what's going to happen every week with the Bengals backfield as it has been a volatile situation all season. (Bernard still has the overall advantage in snaps).
It might not matter much this week, as the Steelers have been very good against opposing running backs, ranked 5th in aFPA. With the uncertainty of snaps and touches and an unfavorable matchup, Bernard only rates an RB3 or flex for Week 14.
Week 13 vs Browns
We are always keeping an eye on the snaps for Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill. It has been all over the board this season, but this week it was pretty even. However, Bernard had less touches and yardage last week which has not been the norm. But over the last six games, Bernard has only averaged 11 touches total per game.
Even though it is a good matchup in Week 13 as Cleveland is 26th in aFPA to running backs, the lack of touches Bernard gets every week kills his value. Start him as only a high-end RB3 or flex against the Browns.
