Chase took advantage of a soft matchup against the Commanders, hauling in two touchdowns on his way to his best fantasy performance of the first three weeks. Play calling remains an issue from head coach Zac Taylor, who largely fails to place his skill position players in position to maximize their upside, instead relying on their skill to win out. It’s a trend that has persisted throughout Taylor’s tenure in Cincinnati, meaning Chase is likely to have to continue to overcome his head coach’s play calling tendencies until a change is made.

Moss continued in the lead back role for the Bengals, seeing 18 opportunities to the 10 of Chase Brown. Even though Brown is clearly the more explosive back, Moss has done nothing but return consistent production for the Bengals through three games and should continue leading the backfield in opportunities moving forward.

Burrow and the Bengals offense struggled in the red zone against an opponent largely incapable of keeping opposition out of the paint. Even with the struggles in the red zone, the loss can be attributed to a missed field goal and a failed two-point conversion in the fourth quarter, which makes up the five-point margin of defeat. Burrow looked sharp with his full supporting cast of skill position players, but was largely held down by inefficient play calling from head coach Zac Taylor, particularly in the red zone. The 0-3 Bengals have not experienced the start to the season they had hoped, especially with losses to the Commanders and Patriots, two teams expected to be in the bottom five coming into the season. That trend continues in Week 4 when the Bengals travel to Carolina to face the Panthers.

McLaurin caught a pair of deep balls from quarterback Jayden Daniels, the first going for 55 yards in the first half and the second a highlight reel touchdown catch on a beautiful raindrop pass from Daniels off his back foot to seal the victory in the fourth quarter. It was refreshing to see McLaurin finally targeted on deep passes after running mostly short area routes through the first two weeks of the season. McLaurin could find further success in Week 4 when the Commanders travel to Arizona to take on the Cardinals.

Robinson was getting vastly outperformed by backfield mate Austin Ekeler before Ekeler was forced from the game to be evaluated for a concussion in the third quarter. Even so, Robinson ended with 17 opportunities to the five of Ekeler, with the two operating in a clearly defined lead back and change of pace back split. Robinson could find more room to run against the Cardinals in Week 4.

Daniels was in complete command of the offense throughout, throwing his first two touchdowns of the season and rushing for his third score of his young career. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury kept the offense largely confined to the short areas of the field in true horizontal air raid fashion. Except this week he layered in more downfield looks to great effect, with Daniels completing two deep shots to top wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Daniels and the Commanders spoke up on offense in this one, proving that last week’s victory over the hapless Giants was far from a fluke. Up next for the 2-1 Commanders is a road test against the Cardinals in Arizona in Week 4.

Ekeler was a vital piece of the Commanders’ game plan in Week 3, handling three carries for 35 yards and a touchdown in addition to two receptions for 22 yards and a massive 62-yard return on the opening kickoff the second half. He left in the third quarter to be evaluated for a concussion and is questionable to return. Expect Brian Robinson to get the lion’s share of the backfield opportunities in his absence.

James caught a suspension for “repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players.” One of the plays in question occurred in Sunday’s loss to the Steelers. It’s terrible timing considering a matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in Week 4.

McCaffrey, who was placed on injured reserve earlier in the season, was already reportedly looking at a six week or more absence due to Achilles tendinitis, with the reports now coming in that he will see a specialist in Germany to further address the issue. He initially attempted to play through the ailment but was placed on injured reserve following a flare up after practice before the team’s Week 2 contest. This certainly does not sound promising for the reigning touchdown leader moving forward.

Hargrave’s most recent injury was initially reported as a contusion, with head coach Kyle Shanahan revealing to the media today that the veteran defensive tackle partially tore his tricep in the team’s Week 3 loss to the Rams. He will now miss the remainder of the 2024 regular season.