Week 12 vs St. Louis
Giovani Bernard played 68 percent of the snaps last week, but only rushed six times for 18 yards. However, he did catch eight passes for 128 yards, making him a star in PPR leagues and a good play in standard leagues last Sunday.
It continues to be challenging trying to predict the running back situation for Cincy. A Jeremy Hill fumble didn't help his cause, although he still was the leading rusher for the Bengals. The matchup this week for Bernard is favorable, as the Rams are 24th in aFPA to running backs. But the volume is so volatile and the carries sparse that Bernard only ranks a high-end RB3 or flex for Week 12.
Week 11 at Arizona
It looked like the Bengals might start to split the snaps between Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill, but last week Bernard played 72 percent compared to 29 percent for Hill. It's hard to predict who is going to get what and the only thing we do know is Bernard is more valuable in PPR leagues week-in and week-out. Bernard only has 36 yard rushing, but did have five receptions for 43. One other thing to keep in mind is Bernard only has two touchdowns this season.
For Week 11, the Cardinals are the opponent and they are 12th in aFPA to running backs, which is not an advantage either way. Bernard rates a low-end RB2 this week, mainly because he got the amount of snaps he did last week.
Week 10 vs Houston
Pretty much everything is getting split between Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill. The snaps were fairly even last week, as were the touches. It's hard to predict who will have the better stats week-to-week as it has fluctuated throughout the season. Bernard's numbers are decent considering he splitting time, and overall, he is putting up better stats -- especially in PPR leagues.
It's a great matchup this week for Bernard as the Texans are 29th in aFPA to running backs, but the fact he will split time will keep him ranked a solid RB2 for Week 10.
Week 9 vs Browns
It was a strange game for Giovanni Bernard against the Steelers last week. Though he split snaps with Jeremy Hill, he only had three touches. We don't think this will be the norm, but it definitely raises a red flag. He actually only had nine touches before the bye week, which was the previous season-low.
Bernard has a great matchup against the Browns, who are 31st in aFPA to running backs. Because of the recent decrease in touches, Bernard falls a bit to a low-end RB2, as Hill is the better play of the two backs for Week 9.
Week 8 vs. Pittsburgh
Even though Giovani Bernard had less snaps than Jeremy Hill last game, he was still the overall preferred back for the Bengals this season. His numbers have been better and he is even more valuable in PPR leagues.
Bernard will face the Steelers this week, who are 4th in aFPA to running backs. So it won't be easy in the running game, which is why Bernard is ranked higher than Hill this week. The Bengals are unbeaten and are coming off a bye week. Bernard is a solid RB2 for Week 8 and should be started in all leagues.
Week 6 vs Bills
Well, it appears there has been a shift on who the primary back is for Cincinnati. Giovani Bernard played 78% of the snaps and had 20 touches in the win over Seattle. Jeremy Hill only played 22% of the snaps. Obviously, this could change against quickly because Hill has talent, but Bernard is producing better at this time.
Bernard faces Buffalo's defense which is 10th in aFPA to running backs. That matchup along with the presence of Hill makes Bernard a high-end RB2 for Week 6 in both standard and PPR leagues
Week 5 vs Seattle
Giovanni Bernard actually had the most carries for Cincinnati last week, which is not the norm. He also scored a rushing touchdown, his first of the season. And he also has zero receptions for the first time this season. All of these things go against the grain for what we expect from Bernard.
He still has plenty of fantasy value, although this week he faces Seattle who is 4th in aFPA to running backs. Bernard also has very different value in standard and PPR leagues. He is more of a high-end RB3 this week in standard leagues, but a solid RB2 in PPR leagues. Either way, he should be in your lineup despite the tough matchup in Week 5.
Week 4 vs Kansas City
Now Jeremy Hill owners know how Giovani Bernard owners felt last year. It appeared Hill was the man in 2015, but now Bernard seems to be featured back. He took 66 percent of the snaps compared to 34 percent for Hill. Bernard's numbers weren't great (only 83 yards from scrimmage), but the fact he is playing twice as much increases his value. The Bengals are playing very good offensively, but the emphasis seems to be on the passing game at this time. This definitely favors Bernard.
He will face a Kansas City defense that is 10th in aFPA to running backs, so the matchup isn't favorable. We still don't know if Bernard will continue to get the majority of the snaps, but we do know his value is still as an RB2. We will rate him slightly higher than Hill for Week 4.
Week 3 at Baltimore
Giovani Bernard took advantage of some Jeremy Hill fumbles to get more snaps and playing time last week. The result was a 123-yard rushing effort on 23 touches. Bernard is capable of being the featured back in this offense, but we will keep an eye on which way the coaches go in the upcoming weeks.
Hill will still be the starter in Week 3, but Bernard has him looking over his shoulder. Against the Ravens, Bernard has been very average, but so have most backs. The Baltimore run defense is still decent so don't expect any big numbers from either Bengals back. We still think Hill will return to the No. 1 spot unless he puts the ball on the turf again, which relegates Bernard to a high-end RB3 or flex for Week 3. However, the ceiling is high should Hill stumble again.
Week 2 vs Chargers
Giovani Bernard is one of the best backups in the NFL from a fantasy standpoint. He had 14 touches in Week 1, which included six receptions. He has great value in PPR leagues as the starter Jeremy Hill had zero targets and catches. Bernard will be up against San Diego this week, who was average against the run last week. The Bengals will make sure he gets the ball, which gives him value as an RB3 or flex for Week 2.
