Week 9 vs. Carolina Panthers
The Bengals passing game took a step back on Monday, but Hayden Hurst still ended up with four catches for 42 yards which is what we expected going into the weekend. He has had value all season long and that will continue.
Hurst faces Carolina who is ranked 12th in aFPA to tight ends. QB Joe Burrow seems to rely on Hurst in clutch situations and we expect that will continue.
Start Hurst as a low-end TE1 for Week 9. With a neutral matchup, he should continue to put up the numbers we have seen most of this season.
Week 8 at Cleveland Browns
Hayden Hurts had a season-high eight targets last week which produced six receptions for 48 yards. Those targets are definitely a positive considering all the choices QB Joe Burrow has to throw to. Hurst hasn't had any huge games, but when he scores a touchdown, he has value with his other weekly numbers.
Hurst faces the Browns who are ranked 7th in aFPA to tight ends. It's the one matchup this week for Cincy where Cleveland has the advantage so keep Hurts on the bench as a high-end TE2 for Week 8.
Week 7 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Hayden Hurst didn't have much of an impact last Sunday with three targets producing three receptions for 21 yards. He was held out of the end zone after scoring the previous two games. Hurst might have overachieved early in the season as the Bengals offense has been trying to figure things out.
Hurst has a very good matchup this week against Atlanta who is ranked 28th in aFPA to tight ends. We will have to keep an eye on where his numbers are going but if last week was any indication, his fantasy stock is dropping.
Because of the matchup, he still has some value this week as a low-end TE1. Also keep an eye on the injury list as he has been limited in practice with a groin issue.
Week 6 at New Orleans Saints
Hayden Hurst had his best game as a Bengal and he was probably motivated playing against his old team. He had a season-high six receptions for 53 yards and also added his second touchdown of the season. It has been a surprise how productive he has been considering the Bengals offense has struggled and all the other offensive weapons they have to choose from.
Hurst faces the Saints who are ranked 5th in aFPA to tight ends. We are going to keep him on the bench for Week 6. Despite the success last week, this tough matchup pushed him to a ranking of a high-end TE2.
Week 5 at Baltimore Ravens
After a strong Week 1 performance, Hayden Hurst has kind of disappeared. Last week, he caught three passes for 27 yards which was his best performance over the past three games. He did score his first touchdown of the season last Thursday so he gave managers some points that way.
Hurst faces his former team the Ravens who are ranked 24th in aFPA to tight ends. He has been limited in practice this week with a groin injury. Even if he plays, keep him on the bench for Week 5 as he only ranks a mid-range TE2.
Week 4 vs. Miami Dolphins
After a solid first two weeks, Hayden Hurst had a performance more indicative of what most people thought they would get from him going into the season He had two targets and one reception and 7 receiving yards.
It's a good matchup for Hurst against Miami as they are ranked 28th in aFPA to tight ends. However, too many other options each week with a all the good Bengals wide receivers. Keep Hurst on the bench for Week 4 as he ranks a TE2.
Week 3 at New York Jets
Hayden Hurst has had five receptions in each of the first two games for a combined 70 yards. He has yet to find the end zone, but we have a feeling he will sooner rather than later. Hurst has 15 targets so far this season which is surprising considering the other skill players in the passing game.
Hurst faces the Jets who are ranked last in aFPA to tight ends. We are not ready to put Hurst in the lineup yet as he still ranks a TE2, but he is someone to keep an eye on, and is a good bench player to have as depth if those numbers stay consistent.
Week 2 at Dallas Cowboys
Hayden Hurst had a surprising start to the season with 8 targets, 5 catches and 46 yards. He also played 75% of the snaps. Part of the reason was Tee Higgins leaving the game with a concussion and he might be out again this week.
The Cowboys are up next and were average against tight ends last year and not great last week against the Bucs. Hurst moves up the rankings to a solid TE2 now. If you need a backup tight end, he would be a good one to grab off the waiver wire as it seems he will be more involved in the offense than most expected.
Week 1 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Hayden Hurst is the new tight end in Cincinnati and we will follow how much playing time he gets plus targets. With three standout wide receivers and a stud running back, there isn't much room for Hurst in the passing game.
The Steelers were actually good against tight ends last year and C.J. Uzomah, who was the Bengals tight end last year had 3 catches for 9 yards in two games.
Keep Hurst on the bench if you have him foir tight end depth, but right now there are a lot of better options at tight end for your roster. That could change after Week 1 but most likely, he will not be a major target on a weekly basis.
2022 Fantasy Upside
The good news for Hayden Hurst is he's out of Atlanta where he was pushed back behind No. 1 pick Kyle Pitts. He takes over as the starting tight end for C.J. Uzomah, who peaked in time to get a new contract from the Jets. Hurst will receive his share of targets and will get plenty of snaps for his new team.
2022 Fantasy Downside
The Bengals have the best receiving corps in the NFL which means Hurst will have to take a back seat to those three. Although the tight end isn't invisible in the Cincy offense, it is definitely lower than most teams.
2022 Bottom Line
Hurst has value as a backup for your team. He rates a low-end TE2 and works as a late round pick if you end up getting a top 5 tight end who you know will be in the lineup every week except the bye week. Hurst is probably good for 40 receptions and 550-600 yards.
