Chase Brown’s role in the Cincinnati Bengals backfield has been one of the bigger fantasy storylines to start 2025. After closing out last season with a strong stretch, Brown entered this season as the lead back following the release of Zack Moss.
That move alone seems to indicate the team’s confidence in Brown, as the release guaranteed a heavy workload. Through Week 3, the results have confirmed it.
Chase Brown’s Role in the Offense
Last year, Brown showed flashes of being a versatile weapon, piling up just under 1,000 rushing yards while also proving he could handle receiving duties. With Moss gone, Brown has taken the majority of early-down work and continues to stay on the field in passing situations. For fantasy managers, the most important takeaway is volume: Brown is getting touches at a rate that locks him in as a weekly starter.
Efficiency Concerns
The production hasn’t come without some questions. Through the opening weeks, Brown’s yards per carry lag behind league averages, and his rushing success rate ranks near the bottom among starting running backs. Some of that falls on Cincinnati’s offensive line, which remains a work in progress, but it also raises the possibility that Brown’s fantasy value leans heavily on volume rather than efficiency.
Projected Production
Despite those concerns, Brown still projects as a top-20 fantasy back this season. Forecasts put him in the range of 1,400 total yards with around 8–10 touchdowns, thanks to consistent touches and a clear role in the passing game.
If Jake Browning and the offense stabilize, those numbers could easily climb, especially in red-zone situations.
Risk Factors
The biggest risk for fantasy managers is touchdown dependency. If Cincinnati stalls in the red zone or leans on another option near the goal line, Brown’s weekly floor could dip.
Veteran Samaje Perine is also lurking as a short-yardage option, though Brown’s versatility still keeps him in a safer fantasy tier.
Bottom Line
Chase Brown might not deliver the efficiency of the league’s elite running backs, but his workload should stay relatively heavy. The Bengals are without Joe Burrow for an extended period, which only helps Brown tally more carries.
In fantasy football, that combination still plays. Brown should be considered a reliable RB2 with the upside to sneak into RB1 territory if the Bengals’ offense finds its rhythm.
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