Week 1 vs Raiders
Despite being the backup, Giovani Bernard has very good fantasy value to start the season. The Bengals love to run the football, so there will be plenty of touches for both running backs. If you are in a PPR league, Bernard carries even more value. Start Bernard as an RB3 or flex for Week 1 against a Raiders defense that should struggle to stop opposing running backs this season.
Fantasy Upside
Giovani Bernard is one of the better No. 2 backs in the NFL. He is very capable of putting up numbers even though Jeremy Hill gets the first look. Over his first two seasons, Bernard has averaged 169 carries and an amazing 49 catches. He has been a productive player in the NFL and will see the ball plenty as the Bengals are a run-first team.
Fantasy Downside
The biggest issue for Bernard is he is stuck behind a very good back in Jeremy Hill. If he gets the bulk of the carries, Gio can produce like a top 10 back, but that won't happen unless Hill gets injured.
Bottom Line
We love Bernard even as a backup. It's probably not a good idea to have him as your RB2, but if he is your third back, you have a good chance to be successful. His ADP is currently 59 and ranks 31st in the 4for4 rankings.
Week 18: Bernard vs Colts
The roles are pretty clear for the Bengals running backs. Jeremy Hill is the primary ball carrier and Giovani Bernard is the third down back who gets plenty of looks in the passing game. In a way, that's good for Bernard owners because the way Hill has been running, Giovani could be shut out altogether.
Last week against the Steelers, he caught seven passes for 56 yards so if you are in a PPR league, he has very good value. The negative is he has only averaged 8 carries over the last four games. The Colts are only 24th in aFPA to running backs so the matchup is decent and so is the Bernard if you are in a PPR league. He is a perfect RB2 for Week 18.
Week 17: Bernard vs Steelers
It is clear that Giovani Bernard has taken a back seat to Jeremy Hill, but Bernard is still a key contributor to the Bengals offense, especially in the passing game where he has 11 receptions over the past three games. Add that to an average of 10 carries per game and you can see the fantasy value.
The Steelers are tough on running backs, ranked 3rd in aFPA. But the Bengals will still get their backs involved including Bernard. Start Bernard as high-end flex or RB3 for Week 17.
Week 16: Bernard vs Broncos
Jeremy Hill was the back of choice last week against Cleveland. Giovani Bernard was only the field for 38% of the snaps and over half of his carries came in garbage time. Does this mean Hill is the featured back the rest of the way out? Probably not, but it gives you second thoughts about Bernard's value. Hill definitely had one of the better week for a running back and the Bengals won going away.
Bernard still might be able to help your team this season, but it won't be easy this week as the Bengals face the Broncos, who are 2nd in aFPA to running backs. Bernard is ranked an RB3 or flex for Week 16.
Week 15: Bernard vs Browns
Giovani Bernard only had nine touches this past weekend and the time sharing he is doing with Jeremy Hill is limiting his numbers. Although their snap counts were almost even last week, Bernard seems to be the compliment back at this point.
Bernard still has some value, even with Cleveland ranked 8th in aFPA to running backs, because he is getting on the field. But the value places him as a flex or RB3 for Week 15.
Week 14: Bernard vs Steelers
Giovani Bernard seems to be healthy and now finds himself splitting time with Jeremy Hill. Last week, they both played 30 snaps and their touch total was similar so expect more of the same as the Bengals like both backs.
Bernard will face the Steelers who are 15th in aFPA to running backs so the matchup is neutral. Bernard should have enough success to earn a start as a low-end RB2 for Week 14.
Week 13: Bernard vs Buccaneers
The Bengals were supposed to ease Giovani Bernard back into the game plan but it appeared they didn't wait. He had 19 touches (same as Jeremy Hill) and looked healthy. Expect more of the same as Cincy wants to use both backs as much as possible.
Bernard will be the starter on paper and might help PPR teams out a little more than Hill, but both are great fantasy options in Week 13. The Bengals face the Bucs who are 25th in aFPA to running backs so start Bernard as a low-end RB2 against Tampa.
Week 12: Bernard vs Texans
Giovani Bernard is expected to return after missing three weeks with hip injury. Jeremy Hill has filled in nicely in Bernard's absence and will probably be the starter on Sunday. Bernard will be eased back in so expect some touches but not what we saw before the injury. In fact, don't expect those type of touches the rest of the season as Hill will more involved.
Bernard will see enough action to warrant a start as a flex or RB3. The Texans are 23rd in aFPA to running backs so the advantage leans towards Bernard and Hill.
Week 9: Bernard vs Jaguars
The touches were back last week for Giovanni Bernard and although the overall numbers weren't great, he did get into the end zone. Bernard's rushing numbers have been all over the board, but it's the receiving numbers we thought would put him in a Matt Forte-type category. He has four catches for 1 yard over the last two weeks.
The Bengals face Jacksonville who is 19th in aFPA to running backs. But will Bernard even play? He is hurting from a hip injury and has not practiced this week. It's looking unlikely that Bernard will suit up, meaning Jeremy Hill will get a heavy workload.
