Week 16 at Cleveland Browns
With Tyler Boyd out this week, John Ross takes over as the No. 1 receiver for Cincinnati. Ross has only 19 catches this season although six have gone for touchdowns. It will be interesting how he will handle the role and how many opportunities he gets.
Ross will face Cleveland who is sixth in aFPA to wide receivers. Even though he should get plenty of targets, the tough matchup and lack of proven production, Ross should remain on your bench for Week 16.
Week 12 vs. Cleveland Browns
John Ross has not been much of a factor this season, but with A.J. Green out, he has gotten more playing time. This hasn't produced many receptions, but he does have touchdowns in back-to-back games. Green should miss another game this week so Ross will get snaps and targets.
The Bengals face the Browns who are 15th in aFPA to wide receivers. However, if you play Ross, you are probably counting on him to get into the end zone again and that's not a good bet. Keep Ross on the bench for Week 12.
Week 10 vs. New Orleans Saints
John Ross was a first-round draft pick two years ago, but we really haven't had a chance to see him display that kind of skill set. He only played three games last year and in limited play this season, he has seven catches for 79 and two touchdowns. With AJ Green out for a couple weeks, Ross will get some opportunities as the team's No. 2 receiver.
It's a good matchup for Ross against New Orleans who is 32nd in aFPA to wide receivers. However, despite the pedigree, Ross is so unproven so we hesitate to rank him too high until we see some production. Keep Ross on the bench for Week 10.
Fantasy Upside
John Ross came into the NFL as the No. 9 overall pick so there is plenty of hope from the Bengals that he can be the guy who can be a consistent target across from A.J. Green. Cincy is counting on potential with Ross, who had an outstanding senior season in college.
Fantasy Downside
Ross did not catch a ball his rookie season and played in only three games due to injury. He also had an ACL injury in college. So, Ross' knees are a concern. He can't have any success or make contributions if he isn't on the field.
2018 Bottom Line
Ross will go into the season with the hope he is healthy and can be a starter. But his injuries are putting a damper on fantasy owners' enthusiasm. He is not getting drafted and is our No. 81 ranked receiver. Ross is someone to keep an eye on early in the season to see if he is contributing, but otherwise, he is not someone who should be on a roster.
Fantasy Upside
If you like speed, you will love John Ross. The Bengals used a first-round pick on the Washington product to give them a home run threat and take some attention away from A.J. Green. Although veterans Brandon LaFell and Tyler Boyd might get time on the field early in the season, Ross will be given opportunities if he can show the Bengals he is legit.
Fantasy Downside
Rookie wide receivers are always risky. Even if the team has a need for a No. 2 wide receiver, which the Bengals do, too many receivers don't succeed until their third or fourth years in the league. Ross has the physical skills, but if the veterans show early they can handle the load, Ross might be a situational player early in the season.
2017 Bottom Line
Ross is being taken on average in the 15th round. This is risky if you are depending on him to be your third or fourth wide receiver. He comes in as the WR60 in our ranks, which is where he should be ranked. If you can get him as a sleeper late in your draft, he might be able to help because of his raw talent.
