Throughout the preseason and the first couple weeks of the NFL season, many have been criticizing the draft pick of Ja’Marr Chase, since the Cincinnati Bengals passed up on offensive tackle Penei Sewell. While these criticisms are more than fair, the Week 3 Ja’Marr Chase fantasy football performance should quiet some of the critics.
His performance was a big reason why the Bengals were able to get a road win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, and they even protected Joe Burrow in the process.
Ja’Marr Chase Fantasy Football Outlook
The first touchdown for Ja’Marr Chase came at the end of the first half. Beating his defender down the sideline, Burrow found Chase in the end zone with an absolutely perfect throw, good for a 34-yard touchdown and a lead at the break.
Of course, what may be lost in the excitement is the protection, which is something most didn’t think Burrow would have against the Steelers.
Entering the game, Chase had the third-most targets amongst Bengals wide receivers. However, he was averaging 77 targeted air yards per game, which was 30 more than anyone else. Yes, Chase benefitted from the absence of Tee Higgins in Week 3, but the quality of his targets is what makes him so valuable.
Chase finished the game with four catches for 65 yards and two touchdowns, good for 22.5 fantasy points in PPR scoring leagues.
The Ja’marr Chase fantasy value should be around a low-end WR2 going forward. While he may have some duds when those big plays don’t convert, it seems like he will be the go-to downfield option while Burrow is healthy.
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