Week 12 vs. Cleveland Browns
Joe Mixon had his worst rushing totals of the season last week against Baltimore with 12 carries for 14 yards. He did score a touchdown to salvage his fantasy day. Mixon's touches have been low the last two games which is a concern. He has only averaged 14 and that has affected his production.
Mixon will face the Browns who are 26th in aFPA to running backs. This is a good matchup for the second-year back. We expect the Bengals to get Mixon more touches and his fantasy numbers will be back to normal. Start him as a low-end RB1 for Week 12.
Week 11 at Baltimore Ravens
Joe Mixon's touches dipped on Sunday to 13 which was a result of a poor performance by the Bengals offense. He still ended up with 85 yards from scrimmage and averaged 5.5 yards per carry. It just was a tough day for Cincy overall and that limited Mixon's ability to impact the game. Mixon has been limited in practice this week with a knee injury but is expected to play.
Mixon will face the Ravens for the second time this season. In the first meeting, he had 22 touches for 87 yards. Baltimore is currently ranked first in aFPA to running backs. The Bengals need to get Mixon the ball more than last week. But even if they do, it will be a tough game for him. Start him but only as a high-end RB2 for Week 11.
Week 10 vs. New Orleans Saints
Joe Mixon had one of his best outings of the season on Sunday with 123 yards rushing and two touchdowns. He ended up with 24 touches after only having 14 touches the previous week. Mixon should keep getting those touches even if Giovani Bernard returns. There is no doubt the Bengals see him as an every-down back.
Mixon will have a tough matchup against the Saints who are ranked third in aFPA to running backs. That takes some value away from him, but he still should be in your starting lineup as a low-end RB1 for Week 10.
Week 8 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After missing two games, Joe Mixon has had at least 15 touches in every game since. However, last week, he only had 51 total yards and did not reach the end zone after scoring a touchdown in the previous two games. With Giovani Bernard still out, expect Mixon to get the majority of meaningful carries.
The Bengals face the Bucs who are 20th in aFPA to running backs. Mixon has a good matchup and should be used as a three-down back this Sunday. Start Mixon in all leagues and formats as a top-five fantasy running back for Week 8.
Week 7 at Kansas City Chiefs
We are trying to figure out why Joe Mixon's touches were down last week. He averaged 5.8 yards per carry and still had four receptions. but ended up with only 15 touches compared the previous week when he had 25. Part of the issue was QB Andy Dalton throwing the ball 42 times. The Bengals don't have Giovani Bernard and the other running back getting on the field Mark Walton had two touches.
Bengals will face a Chiefs defense that gave up a hundred yard rusher last Sunday and is ranked 29th in aFPA to running backs. The Bengals should be getting Mixon a minimum of 20 touches but in reality it should be closer to 30. He rates a top 5 fantasy running back for Week 7.
Week 6 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Joe Mixon's return from injury was successful from a fantasy standpoint. He had 25 touches for 115 yards and a touchdown. No doubt, Mixon is in the mix for 20 touches every week, especially with backup Giovanni Bernard out.
The Steelers have actually been good against running back this season ranked 6th in aFPA. Mixon's history against Pittsburgh is limited to two games in his rookie season in which he only had 18 touches for 110 yards. Mixon is a solid play every week he is healthy, so even though the matchup is unfavorable, go ahead and start him in Week 6.
Week 5 vs. Miami Dolphins
Joe Mixon should be back in the Bengals backfield after missing two straight games with a minor knee injury. The second-year back was very effective his first two game with 44 touches so you can expect a heavy workload and he has been practicing this week with pads.
Mixon will face Miami who is 30th in aFPA to running backs. With the great matchup and the expectation he will have a full workload, Mixon should be back in your starting lineup for Week 5, but only has a high-end RB2 because there is a chance the Bengals will be cautious.
Week 2 vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Joe Mixon era started off with a bang. No doubt he is the featured back for the Bengals, as was expected. His 22 touches should be the norm this season and his 149 total yards and a touchdown were results we can come to expect.
Mixon will face a Baltimore defense that was very good in Week 1, however, Buffalo wasn't a good litmus test. He might struggle a little bit, but the touches will be there.
Mixon will be a top-10 fantasy running back all season long. In Week 2, he is a solid RB1 who will get enough numbers to help your team, despite the tough matchup.
Week 1 at Indianapolis Colts
Joe Mixon had a decent rookie season and ended up starting seven games for the Bengals. He had 208 touches so Cincy didn't run him into the ground. They will probably rely more on Mixon as he is clearly the featured back with veteran Giovani Bernard backing him up.
It's a great matchup for the Bengals' running game as Indianapolis has a poor run defense. Expect Mixon to take advantage of the 15 touches he gets. If he was a three-down back, he probably would be a top-five fantasy back for the opening week. But he still ranks a low-end RB1 for Week 1 against the Colts, so start him in all leagues and formats.
Fantasy Upside
Joe Mixon led the Bengals in all rushing categories as a rookie, running for 626 yards and four touchdowns. He is No. 1 on the Bengals' RB depth chart and the coaching staff trusts him more. He should have a minimum of 250 touches this season and if he stays healthy, his overall numbers should increase from 2017.
Fantasy Downside
Two factors limited Mixon's numbers in 2017. Giovani Bernard took touches away, especially in the passing game. And Mixon had some issues with concussions. The Bernard factor is still there. Questions still surround the entire Cincinnati offense and their effectiveness so that could limit Mixon as well.
2018 Bottom Line
Mixon will be the primary running back and is ranked as a solid RB2 in standard formats heading into the 2018 season. His ADP is 29 overall, which is right around his ranking. Mixon is a solid third-round pick and should be an effective second back on your roster.
