Week 8: Bernard vs Ravens
Along with the rest of the Bengals, Giovanni Bernard had his worst game of the season last week. We will put that aside as we don't expect that to become a trend.
During the first meeting, Bernard had 110 yards from scrimmage and a season-high six catches. The Ravens are ranked 1st in aFPA to running backs so it is not a favorable matchup for Bernard, but he still will do enough to warrant a start as a solid RB2.
Week 7: Bernard vs Colts
Giovanni Bernard is nursing a bad shoulder which forced him to leave last week's game against Carolina. He did return, but the Bengals are listing him as questionable for Week 7.
We expect him to play which will be a good thing for his owners consider Indy is 31st in aFPA to running backs. Bernard is definitely an RB1 for Week 7 so make sure he is in your lineup in every league and format.
Week 6: Bernard vs. Panthers
Giovanni Bernard has had two very average games, and he has not been involved passing game which was supposed to be a strength and was evident in the first two games.
That could change this week as the Bengals play Carolina who has not been able to stop running backs. Bernard is one of the best plays for Week 6. Start in all leagues and formats as a top 5 fantasy running back.
Week 3: Bernard vs Titans
The Bengals loved it when they selected Giovanni Bernard in the 2013 draft. Last week was a good reason why. Bernard had 27 carries and five catches and also reached the end zone for his first touchdown this season.
Bernard is turning into a Matt Forte type back. He fits into exactly what Cincinnati wants to do offensively. Now, the numbers might have been a little inflated last week because of the absence of AJ Green. But Bernard is still a stud.
Start him as a top 5 back against Titans whose run defense is not very good. Great matchup for Bernard.
Week 2: Bernard vs Falcons
Giovanni Bernard didn't have great rushing numbers last week, but he was heavily involved in the passing game. He continues to be very strong all around but especially in PPR leagues. He was the most targeted Bengal in Week 1. He ended up with 110 yards from scrimmage but zero touchdowns.
Bernard will be licking his chops this week when they Bengals host Atlanta. The Falcons run defense was horrible in 2013 and not looking any better this season.
Start Bernard in all leagues. He is a top 5 running back for Week 3, especially in PPR leagues. Bernard is a very good fantasy option, but this week you can expect him to be one of the best in all of the NFL.
Week 1: Bernard vs. Ravens
Most owners of Giovanni Bernard for his rookie season were disappointed because he played well enough to be considered the No. 1 running back in Cincy, but the Bengals played it safe. With veteran Benjarvus Green-Ellis gone now, Bernard is the clear choice to play for the Bengals pretty much on every down.
Bernard is a dynamic player and he will get you fantasy points in many different ways. He will face a pretty good Baltimore run defense so we don't expect him to run wild. Last year, his rushing totals weren't very good, but his receiving numbers gave him tons of value.
If you are in a PPR league, Bernard is a low-end RB1 for Week 1. In standard leagues, he falls to a solid RB2. Either way, he should be a starter for you against Baltimore.
Fantasy Upside
It was a solid rookie season for Giovani Bernard, and now the Bengals expect him to be even more of a factor in year 2, considering the results from last season. Cincinnati will use Bernard in many different situations and he can handle them all. He was especially valuable in the Bengals' passing game and that value carried over to PPR leagues. He will get more carries, more target and more touchdowns this season and that makes his value jump.
Fantasy Downside
The Bengals probably underutilized Bernard last season, but we will chalk that up to the rookie status. He was strong most of the season although the last four weeks his numbers went down. The 16-game schedule can be a factor with any rookie. The Bengals drafted Jeremy Hill and are expected to his him in much the same way the used BenJarvus Green-Ellis last season. Hill will steal some carries and goal line touches.
Bottom Line
Bernard's ADP is 18, and he's a fair value in the mid-second round. New offensive coordinator Hue Jackson will run the ball and many of those carries go to Bernard. He surely will get around 225 carries and catch around 60 balls. The increased touches could increase his touchdown total, too.
