There is so much to look for here as it relates to fantasy football. Both the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys have ample fantasy football options as we head towards the stretch run of draft season.
Let's take a look at a few different things to watch for in tonight's game...
Cincinnati Bengals' Running Back Situation
It isn't a secret that I am a Giovani Bernard fan-boy. The North Carolina product possesses the most upside of any rookie running back and should be able to make an immediate impact for Cincinnati as a rookie. Playing with the Bengals first team last week against the Tennessee Titans, Bernard impressed a great deal. He tallied 37 yards on seven rushes and caught one pass for 22 yards, as the Bengals offense dominated early on.
Bernard's competition for the starting running back job, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who put up 1,000 yards last season, did not see action last week and put up 14 yards on three attempts in the Bengals preseason opener the week prior. While Green-Ellis is considered the starter, another strong performance from Bernard could raise some questions here. Overall, Bernard has 65 rushing yards on 17 attempts and has caught four passes thus far. What I want to see here is improved pass protection in front of Andy Dalton. If that happens, there is no reason to believe that Bernard won't receive a majority of the touches once the regular season starts.
Depth at Wide Receiver for the Dallas Cowboys
We already know that Dez Bryant is going to be a top-three fantasy option here. His improved on-field relationship with quarterback Tony Romo has taken off over the past calendar year, and should continue to excel moving forward.
Miles Austin has seen action in each of the Cowboys last two games and has caught four passes for 47 yards on five targets. If Austin can prove he is healthy, a huge question mark, he'll be a solid under-the-radar mid-round option moving forward.
Outside of that, Dallas has a few youngsters who are looking to break into the receiving rotation. Cole Beasley has been extremely impressive throughout camp, as has rookie third-round pick Terrance Williams. They're going to challenge Dwayne Harris for the No. 3 spot behind Bryant and Austin.
Tyler Eifert's Fantasy Value
Talk about being a fan boy. This could be where my draftnik mentality may cloud my fantasy football reality. Eifert was one of the best tight end prospects that I had the pleasure of viewing on tape in quite some time. In fact, only Vernon Davis graded out better in my years of scouting.
That has to tell you something.
What's even more interesting is that Cincinnati's coaching staff seems to believe that Eifert can make a dramatic impact as a rookie for Dalton and the passing game. Will it be enough to fend off Jermaine Gresham as Dalton's primary tight end target? That's the major question here.
Thus far in training camp and through two preseason games, Eifert has looked much better than his veteran counterpart.
He put up three catches for 32 yards, including a real nice 25 yards connection with Dalton in Cincinnati's win over the Titans last week. I want to see continued improvement as it relates to a relationship between the former Golden Domer ans his quarterback. If we see this tonight against Dallas, expect Eifert's fantasy ADP to skyrocket down the stretch.