Why Bengals RB Chase Brown should have much better fantasy stats this season
The Cincinnati Bengals have dedicated their 2025 backfield to Chase Brown and it hasn’t been a joyride so far.
The third-year back has 37 carries for 90 yards and one touchdown through two games. He’s commanded 73% of the snaps but hasn’t put up the same numbers he did last season.Â
So why has Brown been such a disappointment for fantasy managers and Bengals fans? There’s a couple reasons.Â
InefficiencyChase Brown averaged 4.32 yards per carry last season. It was a big reason why he took over the backfield by the end of the season after starting it behind veteran Zack Moss.Â
In this year’s opener against Cleveland, Brown toted the rock 21 times for 43 yards, a whopping 2 yards per carry. He did score a rushing touchdown to salvage the day in fantasy terms but he just hasn’t been efficient with his touches.
He added 360 yards on 54 receptions which was another asset in PPR leagues. This season he’s had four receptions for 26 yards.Â
Brown is a big-play back who relies on screens and open lanes to hit paydirt. He’ll be due to have more opportunities to establish himself with QB Joe Burrow out with turf toe for at least three months.Â
Chase Brown is averaging 3.7 yards per carry over his last 7 games.
He has 37 carries for 90 yards this season đŹ pic.twitter.com/cguqrypgiU
â Underdog (@Underdog) September 15, 2025UtilizationAnother reason for Brown’s flaws is he’s been utilized less in game scripts where the Bengals are trailing.Â
In week two against the Jaguars he logged 16 carries for 47 yards and no touchdowns. After Burrow went down, backup Jake Browning threw three interceptions which forced the Bengals to play catch up.Â
The issue is that when Cincinnati goes on passing drives Brown is not involved as a pass catcher. His lack of touches through the air is minimizing his production.Â
The good news is that the Bengals are facing some better matchups ahead. Their next opponent, the Minnesota Vikings, ranked 30th league wide against the run through two games. Their following matchup, the Detroit Lions, rank 15th. It’s a much easier road than against the Browns defense that shut down Derrick Henry.Â
If you have Brown, you could be tempted to send him off but the fantasy season is a long road. Brown had a slow start to last season and ended as a top 10 running back in full PPR leagues.
And if you don’t have him, look to target him as a buy-low candidate in a trade. There’s positive regression coming for the third-year running back.
MORE:Â Who is Dylan Laube? Why the running back is taking touches from Ashton Jeanty
