We break down the Week 7 matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts.
The Week 7 matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts features two teams that have shown they can put up points if they have to. We've got the fantasy projections for you courtesy of numberFire.
Cincinnati Bengals
Minus the team's best receiver A.J. Green (toe), the Bengals found themselves in an all-out shootout against the Carolina Panthers in Week 6. That meant lots of action for running back Giovani Bernard, who saved his fantasy statistics on the day by breaking off an 89-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. He finished with 137 yards rushing and also added four receptions for an additional 20 yards. With Green being expected to sit out against the Colts, Bernard should be busy once again in Week 7.
That said, the Bengals will have to throw the ball to keep up with the high-octane offense of Andrew Luck and the Colts, and when they do, quarterback Andy Dalton will be looking to get the ball into the hands of wide receiver Mohamed Sanu. With Marvin Jones (ankle/foot) placed on injured reserve, no one else in the Bengals' receiving corps is a threat to take away targets from Sanu. He does have the ability to break free and with a lot of looks coming his way in Week 7, Sanu should put together a solid fantasy stat line.
Indianapolis Colts
In last week's Thursday Night Football contest against the Houston Texans, quarterback Andrew Luck threw for at least 370 passing yards for the third time this season. Although he didn't throw an interception in the game, Luck tossed three touchdown passes and attempted to throw the ball over 40 times, marking the third straight week he eclipsed 40 attempts. Cincinnati only ranks in the middle of the pack when it comes to fantasy points given up to quarterbacks this season, and nobody is stopping Luck this season anyway. He should be in for another big performance in Week 7.
That could mean another huge performance from wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, who finally caught his first touchdown pass of the season against the Texans. He did it in an explosive fashion, putting together the best game of his life. Hilton caught all nine targets thrown his way and racked up a career-high 223 receiving yards. Although he probably won't have 147 receiving yards after the first quarter against the Bengals like he did in Week 6, fantasy owners shouldn't be surprised if Hilton finds the end zone for the second straight game.