Ja'Marr Chase

Ja’Marr Chase has been holding out all off-season in hopes to sign an extension beyond his rookie contract. Head Coach Zac Taylor expects him to play week 1 and has said he has looked good since rejoining the team. “It’s been good just to have our full complement of weapons out there,” Taylor said about the return. “Gives you the visual of what it’s going to look and feel like for us. And so it’s been good to get him back in the mix these last couple of days.”

Chase is a top five wide receiver in fantasy football and knowing he will be on the field week 1 is huge news. When drafting in any format, you can now feel confident without hesitation if he will play in 2023. Do expect some ramping up into the season, which is common for players who have held out of training camp. Injury concerns are always valid when players miss camp.

Chase seems to have finally ended his “hold-in” after showing up to camp today and practiced. Chase still has two years left on his contract (fifth-year option) but is looking to receive his big payday to match his on-field performance. Chase is an elite talent and Joe Burrow’s number one target, seeing him on the field gives the Bengals and fans something to be excited about. Now Chase and Burrow have two weeks to get back on track before they face the New England Patriots.

As for fantasy football, Chase has and still been a player that should be drafted in the first round in any format. His contract and hold-out was a concern and saw his ADP drop but you should feel confident in drafting him and looking forward to another great season.

After a frustrating season in 2023 for the Bengals, not having their top two receivers at camp is not a great start in 2024. Tee Higgins still has not signed his franchise tag and continues to miss any off-season activities until a contract is agreed upon or he is traded. Chase on the other hand is not looking to be traded but will be missing time while working with the Bengals on a new deal. In Chase’s case, a lot of teams are waiting to see Justin Jefferson’s contract before making a move.

There is still a lot of uncertainty with Higgins and how this will play out for him and his future. This will affect his fantasy value in redraft and dynasty formats. Until the off-season is closer to the regular season, Higgins is someone you have to hold onto in fantasy or buy at a cheap price. Chase’s value will continue to be as high as it ever will in dynasty and a potential first round grab in most redraft formats. Contract signed or not, expect Chase to play this upcoming season.

Ja’Marr Chase gets his fifth-year option exercised which will pay him $21.8 million in 2025. Chase, coming off his first 100 reception season, comes into 2024 knowing he will be part of the Bengals plan in 2025 and possibly beyond. The Bengals are making sure Joe Burrow will have his college teammate and Pro Bowl receiver for years to come.

Chase has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons with the Bengals, including an NFL All-Pro season in 2021, when he was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He will look to continue his dominance at the position where he currently has 268 receptions, 3,717 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns. Ja’Marr Chase has cemented himself as a top 5 wide receiver in the NFL and you can click with confidence when drafting the star wide receiver in the first round of fantasy drafts.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has been ruled OUT for Week 16 with a shoulder injury. Chase left the game vs. Minnesota with the injury after recording 4 catches for 64 yards.

Many analysts advised drafting Chase over consensus PPR WR1 based on ADP value, and while that may have turned out to be the case based on seasonal points, it won’t help in the fantasy playoffs.

Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd should see more action in Chase’s absence.