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The Bengals were a conflicted team last year.  Some games the offense would explode and look like the best offense in the NFL.  Then a few weeks later they would sputter and look very normal despite all the flashy stars they have.  The defense was more consistent, only problem they were consistently subpar, and actually played well down the strecth of last season if you looked at how decimated their front seven was by injury.  There has been much talk about Chad Johnson being traded away (the redskins apparently have a lot of interest) but I think Johnson, TJ and Palmer are the heart of this team and he's going nowhere.  While they might not always agree, they all like each other and need each other to be a high octane offense.  Johnson's endzone dances would not fit if he were in another uniform, he would definitely look out of place and the Bengals offense would not be the Bengals offense without him.

The Bengals 7-9 season puts them in somewhat late in the first half of the first round with the #9 pick.  Being stuck in a spot with not a ton of talent where they need it I predict the Bengals trade down to get better value and fill in as many defensive holes as possible with draft picks.  By the end of last year they were starting linebackers off the street they were so decimated by injury.  If the Bengals don't trade down the experts are looking at Keith Rivers, the talented linebacker out of USC.  With a rejuvenated defense, Marvin Lewis's team could easily break into the playoffs next year and with their high octane offense would scare many teams if they stay consistent.

Fantasy Top 5

1.  Chad Johnson WR- Inconsistent but still the biggest producer.  Make sure not to overpay for him but as many people don't like his personality, don't pass on him if he's the best talent available just because you don't like him.

2.  TJ Houshmanzedah WR- The main benefactor of Chad getting so much attention.  TJ quietly had more touchdowns than Johnson last year and was one reception away being the league leader and actually had 4 more touchdowns than Johnson.

3.  Carson Palmer QB- Hard to rank him just 3rd best on his team but he had some mediocre performances last year putting him more in the middle of the upper echelon of QB's in the league, not at the top where he belongs.  He is capable of a 4,500 yard 30-35 touchdown season but until he shows a little better decision making its hard to rank him higher than some other elite quarterbacks.

4. Kenny Watson RB- In a year that Rudi Johnson was supposed to shine Watson instead took advantage.  He averaged 4.3 yards per carry (almost 1.5 yards more than Johnson) had seven touchdowns and also showed great hands (53-374) and versatility.  He might not be the starter on opening day but he should be soon.

5. Rudi Johnson RB- Rudi can blame his hamstring on such a bad year (only 3 touchdowns) but even after he was 100% healthy he was still ineffective in the backfield.  he might be the #1 back to start the year but I think Watson eclipses him by week 4 and takes over the starting role.

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