Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

Chad Ochocinco, WR, Cincinnati Bengals – Ochocinco came roaring back from a disappointing 2008 to post solid numbers in 2009 that re-established him as a starting fantasy wide receiver. The six-time Pro Bowler caught 72 balls for 1,047 yards (averaging 14.9 yards per catch) and scored nine touchdowns. He was quarterback Carson Palmer’s primary target and the Bengals only consistent receiving threat. The 32-year old Ochocinco cracked 1,000-yards receiving for the seventh time in his nine-year career. He also posted his second highest touchdown total. Ochocinco had three 100-plus yard games and caught two or more passes in 15 games last season, the only shut out being a Week 17 matchup against the New York Jets in which he saw limited action. Pretty impressive numbers overall when you consider that the Bengals employed a run-heavy offense in 2009. 

Ochocinco enters the 2010 season needing 48 receiving yards to become the 33rd NFL player to hit 10,000 yards in his career. At 32, he shows no signs of slowing down and is in excellent shape, runs superior routes and has great hands. Although the Bengals will no doubt continue to pound the ball with Cedric Benson, they hope to run a more balanced offense this season. To bolster the team’s passing attack and complement Ochocinco, the Bengals signed veteran wide receivers Antonio Bryant and Terrell Owens during the offseason. A lingering knee injury led the Bengals to release Bryant on August 29. While the jury is still out on how much fuel Owens has left in the tank, he looked good during preseason play, catching 12 balls for 143 yards. By contrast, Ochocinco’s preseason stats included just five receptions for 56 yards and one touchdown. So what impact will Owens’ presence have on Ochocinco’s fantasy football value this season? Certainly if Owens’ preseason numbers translate into regular season numbers, he could potentially eat into Ochocinco’s overall production, targets and touchdowns.  On the other hand, opposing defenses will have to cover Owens, leaving Ochocinco with more opportunities to stretch the field and make big plays. In addition to Owens, Ochocinco will also compete with Andre Caldwell and rookie Jordan Shipley for Palmer’s attention in the red zone. The receiver formerly known as Chad Johnson, should have another solid season, though expect his targets to drop and for his fantasy production to be inconsistent – a mix of big weeks coupled with those where he’s a nonfactor. Our advice concerning Ochocinco is to watch where you draft him this season. He is projected as a top 15-20 fantasy wide receiver or WR2 based on his 2009 production and his name. While it’s possible that Ochocinco could finish that high, it would not be surprising if his 2010 numbers land him in mid to low-end WR3 territory. Draft him for your fantasy team with that in mind.