Mixon Injured: Akers, Mattison, or Gibson?
The Cincinnati Bengals have been hit with a major blow after star running back Joe Mixon suffered a foot injury in their Week 6 matchup against the New England Patriots. With Mixon expected to miss significant time, fantasy football managers are scrambling to find a replacement.
The most likely candidates to take over Mixon's workload are Samaje Perine, Chris Evans, and Trayveon Williams.
Samaje Perine is the most experienced of the three, having logged significant snaps in previous seasons. He has a history of producing solid fantasy numbers, and he's likely to be the primary beneficiary of Mixon's absence. Perine's ability to run between the tackles and his pass-catching skills make him a valuable asset in both standard and PPR leagues.
Chris Evans is another intriguing option. He's a versatile back with a good burst and a knack for making big plays. Evans has shown flashes of brilliance in limited opportunities, and he could emerge as a breakout player in Mixon's absence.
Trayveon Williams is the least experienced of the three but has the potential for a breakout role. He's a talented runner with good speed and agility, but he needs more opportunities to prove himself.
Here's a closer look at each player and their fantasy potential:
Samaje Perine
- Strengths: Proven production, reliable pass catcher
- Weaknesses: Lack of explosiveness, limited upside
- Fantasy Outlook: RB2/Flex in most formats. His role in the Bengals' offense suggests he'll see a significant number of touches, making him a reliable option for fantasy managers.
Chris Evans
- Strengths: Versatility, explosiveness, potential for big plays
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent production, limited pass-catching experience
- Fantasy Outlook: Flex/Bench option with upside. Evans' upside is tantalizing, but his inconsistency makes him a riskier play than Perine.
Trayveon Williams
- Strengths: Speed, agility, potential for breakout role
- Weaknesses: Lack of experience, uncertain role
- Fantasy Outlook: Speculative add/Deep league option. Williams is a boom-or-bust play. He's capable of making a big impact, but his lack of experience makes him a high-risk, high-reward pick.
The Bengals' offensive scheme and game script will also play a major role in determining how the workload is distributed. If the Bengals are trailing, expect a more run-heavy approach, which could benefit Perine. However, if the Bengals are ahead, Evans might see more opportunities to showcase his explosiveness.
Overall, the Bengals' backfield is a tricky situation to navigate, but with the right approach, fantasy managers can find some valuable assets.
Keep an eye on the injury reports and practice reports throughout the week to get the latest updates on Mixon's status and the Bengals' backfield situation.
