Chase Brown vs Trey McBride

“One of my concerns for rostering Chase Brown was, "are they going to add another running back?" The concerns were squashed when they didn't add anyone through free agency or the draft. With the backfield all to himself, Brown feels like an extremely safe pick. From Week 6 on, Brown was the RB7, averaging 17.3 FPPG and 100 total yards per game.”

“Chase Brown proved he was far more than just an early-down runner in 2025. His 0.23 Targets Per Route Run ranked seventh among all running backs, placing him alongside elite receiving backs like Jahmyr Gibbs, De'Von Achane, Christian McCaffrey, and Bijan Robinson.”

“Brown has been a revelation ever since emerging from his quiet rookie season. After handling just 58 touches with one touchdown in 2023, he has scored 22 touchdowns across the past two seasons. Brown finished inside the top 10 in target share among running backs last season, which is impressive enough considering he has Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to compete against for targets.”

“We already know that Joe Burrow has eyes for Chase/Higgins/Chase Brown, and everything leftover goes to Mike Gesicki.”

“Chase Brown possesses explosive traits, though he is an incumbent Bengals starter with the team already having younger talent in the backfield.”

“Even with Samaje Perine still involved, the hosts believed Brown's workload and offensive environment create legitimate top-five fantasy upside.”

“The FantasyPros crew argued that Brown's second-half breakout last season showcased his true ceiling once Cincinnati's offense stabilized around Joe Burrow. They highlighted Brown's usage as a true three-down workhorse and pointed out how heavily Zac Taylor leaned on him late in the year.”

“Brown ranked fifth in weighted opportunity share, seventh among running backs in target share at 14.5%, and evaded the ninth-most tackles in the league. His expected fantasy points per game exceeded his real-world production, meaning the efficiency was even better than the box score suggested.”

“Chase Brown is priced at RB16 in most markets, which feels like a gift given what he did in 2024 and 2025. He finished as the RB7 on a per-game basis last season, and Cincinnati didn't bring in a single meaningful threat this offseason to cut into his workload.”

“Brown offers one of the safest workloads among RB1 candidates. Cincinnati appears committed to him as the clear lead back, and his receiving role gives him a reliable weekly floor. The downside is touchdown upside.”

“RB Chase Brown is becoming extension-eligible, and could dip into the cap space created by the Bengals' recent moves.”

“Trey McBride lead the way as the top candidates to finish above 200 fantasy points (half-PPR). With the league shifting towards TE-heavy offensive sets, we could see snaps across the position skyrocket.”

“McBride caught fire with positive touchdown regression while the Cardinals led the league in passing, and he ran 67 more routes than any tight end in at least 20 years.”

“Trey McBride was first-team All-Pro after posting 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns.”

“Trey McBride broke franchise records and officially stamped his mark as one of the best TEs in football. McBride racked up 315 PPR points, tying Travis Kelce's legendary 2022 season for the most at the position in over 15 years. Brissett absolutely unlocked him in the red zone, connecting for 10 TDs.”

“Last season, McBride averaged 18.6 PPR points per game, and Bowers averaged 15.5 in 2024, the better season of his two years in the NFL. It's incredibly hard for tight ends to score as highly as the top wide receivers and running backs, and both elite tight ends still have issues to face.”

“He saw a truly absurd 1.93 end-zone targets per game, per the Fantasy Points Data Suite. No other player with as many games played was above 1.06 (Trey McBride).”

“The tight end position remains the toughest position to navigate in fantasy football, and if you don't pay up for a top stud like Brock Bowers and Trey McBride, finding the next mid-to-late-round breakout is key.”

“McBride was the TE1 in total half-PPR points (252.9) and half-PPR points per game (14.9) in 2025. However, McBride's 667 routes run were the most by a tight end in 2025, 156 clear of Travis Kelce's 511 routes in second, and the Cardinals shouldn't be expected to lead the NFL in pass rate over expectation again with Mike LaFleur as their new head coach. Additionally, Jacoby Brissett is currently holding out and the Cardinals drafted Carson Beck in the third round, meaning McBride could be saddled by rookie quarterback play during the fantasy playoffs.”

“Nobody questioned McBride's talent, but there were concerns about repeating last season's massive workload and production. Changes within Arizona's offense and questions about future quarterback stability create enough uncertainty for some drafters to rank him behind Bowers.”

“Trey McBride shattered the NFL record for receptions.”

“Trey McBride says he was impressed by the size of rookie QB Carson Beck, noting "He's huge. He looks like a tight end. I'm like s—t, bigger than me, you know? But, no, he's a stud. He throws the ball really well. I think he has a chance to be a really good player in this league."”

“Trey McBride was excited to have QB Jacoby Brissett back at practice at mandatory minicamp: "I feel like guys are excited that he was here. Guys want him to be here. Obviously, would love to have him in the building, but he's working through some things on his own. So we totally understand that. But you could just tell the presence that he brought today being in the building was awesome."”