Week 13 vs Philadelphia
In his first game without fellow running back Gio Bernard, Jeremy Hill still played less than 50 percent of the snaps and only carried the ball 12 times for 21 yards. He was more involved in the passing game with six receptions for 61 yards (his total touches were still 18, which you can live with). The fact Rex Burkhead was on the field more is puzzling.
The Bengals face the Eagles this week, who are 10th in aFPA to running backs. We thought Hill's stock would rise with Bernard's injury, but it didn't happen last week. So, we will be cautious for Week 13 and rate Hill as a solid RB2 against Philly.
Week 12 at Baltimore
Jeremy Hill has been getting less than 50% of the snaps almost every week, but with Giovani Bernard out for the season, that should change. Hill is going to have to carry more of the load and although he was already the primary ball carrier, he now should get more snaps which equals more touches.
This week that might not matter. The Bengals are on the road and face the Ravens who are ranked second in aFPA to running backs. Even though Hill will get touches, it will be tough for the Bengals offense overall. Start Hill as a low-end RB2 for Week 12.
Week 11 vs Buffalo
Jeremy Hill continues to play less than half the snaps, but is still getting the bulk of the carries. He rushed 15 times for 46 yards last week against the Giants, but did score a touchdown for the third straight game. The Bengals haven't hidden what they like to do. The prefer Bernard on the field, but when they want to run, Hill is the primary ball carrier.
Hill will face the Bills this week, who are 14th in aFPA to running backs. Because Hill is the primary back on the goal line, this increases his value and the recent touchdowns back this up. Start Hill as a low-end RB1 for Week 11. Even with the snap count being low, he is still getting touches.
Week 10 at New York Giants
Jeremy Hill continues to be the primary ball carrier for the Bengals averaging 13 carries and 64 yards per game. He is still splitting time with Giovanni Bernard which limits his touches at times. The bye week was probably good for Hill who has suffered a chest injury several weeks ago and should be fresh going into Monday night.
The Giants are the next opponent and are 20th in aFPA to running backs. Hill will get between 15 and 20 carries so he has some value. Start Hill as a low-end RB2 for Week 10.
Week 8 vs Washington
Jeremy Hill ran wild last week against Cleveland, rushing for 168 yards on only nine attempts. He also scored his fourth rushing touchdown of the season. Hill did leave the game in the second half, as he seemed to aggravate the chest injury he suffered a couple week ago. Hill is expected to play against the Redskins, however.
Even with Hill getting less time on the field than Gio Bernard, he is definitely the featured runner in the Bengals offense. Last week's results were more because of the opponent than Hill, but it still showed what he is capable of.
Washington is 22nd in aFPA to running backs, so expect Hill to have another successful fantasy week. Start him as a high-end RB2.
Week 7 vs Cleveland
Jeremy Hill was able to play Week 6 after leaving the game the week before. He did carry the ball 13 times for 38 yards, but the Bengals were cautious with him. Hill was only on the field for 33% of the snaps.
The medical report says Hill is doing better, so he should be on field more against the Browns and have better production. Cleveland is 18th in aFPA to running backs, and Hill has had moderate success against them. He has averaged 88 yards rushing the last four meeting and has three touchdowns during that period.
Hill's value is back up in standard leagues, so he should be back in your lineup as a solid RB2 for Week 7.
Week 6 at New England
Jeremy Hill was very limited last week as he had to leave the game after 15 snaps with a chest injury. He is expected to play this week, but Giovani Bernard is more likely to be used more by the Bengals considering they are playing the Patriots on the road and could be playing catch-up.
New England has also been very good against running backs in 2016 ranked 4th in aFPA. This won't be a great week to play Hill although if you are desperate, he does rank as a low-end RB3 or flex.
Week 5 at Dallas
Jeremy Hill continues to get the bulk of the carries in the Bengals offense. This despite being benched for the first quarter last week, which was deemed a coaches decision. Even though Hill and Giovani Bernard are splitting snaps almost evenly, Hill carried the ball 21 times compared to 10 for Bernard. Where Bernard is evening things out is in the passing game. Hill has only had a reception in one game this season, while Bernard averages almost five catches per game.
The matchup this Sunday is even as the Cowboys are 12th in aFPA to running backs. We expect the numbers to continue the trend we have seen this season, which means Hill is the primarily ball carrier. Start Hill as a solid RB2 for Week 5.
Week 4 vs. Miami
Jeremy Hill had his strongest game of the season with 17 carries for 97 yards and two touchdowns. Although Hill and Giovani Bernard's snap counts were almost even, Hill seems to be the primary ball carrier, while Bernard is being used in the passing game more. If Hill was getting more snaps and more passes his way, he would be bordering on RB1 status (but that's not going to happen as long as Bernard is healthy, as the Bengals like using both players).
The Dolphins have a decent run defense, ranked 11th in aFPA to running backs. We expect to see the same usage of the running backs, which is good for Hill owners because he is the main running back inside the 10.
Start Hill for Week 4 as a solid RB2. Expect 15-to-20 carries again this week against Miami.
Week 3 vs. Denver
Jeremy Hill was not on the field nearly as much as his teammate Giovani Bernard, which makes everyone wonder the roles of each player? After splitting snaps Week 1, Bernard was on the field twice as much, but the touches were practically identical. Hill's overall numbers have been low and when the Bengals want to throw the football, Hill is usually on the bench in favor of Bernard.
Denver is coming to Cincinnati with one of the best defenses in the NFL, which doesn't bode well for Hill and the running game. Still, play Hill as an RB3 or flex for Week 3. He should still be a part of the offensive game plan, although the results might not end up being great.
