June 2, 2019

We know Giovanni Bernard has a role on the Cincinnati Bengals offense. The problem is as Joe Mixon gets better the role gets smaller. In 12 games last season, four of which were starts, Bernard had 56 rushes for 211 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 35 receptions for 218 yards on 48 targets in the passing game. While the reception numbers are good, Mixon will continue to cut into this production as he is a good pass catcher in his own right, with 43 receptions and 296 yards on 55 targets in 13 full games in 2018. With the Bengals spending two sixth-round picks on running backs Trayveon Williams and Rodney Anderson the writing is on the wall that Bernard’s time with the team may be limited. He will be 28 after the season, which could mean a new team for him in 2020. As for 2019, it will be very difficult for him to find relevance in an offense led by Andy Dalton, with two alpha receivers in A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd. Joe Mixon is ready to explode this season. He is in the conversation to become a top-five fantasy running back. This does not happen by sharing a lot of work with others. He will easily outpace all others on the team for touches and should receive 250 to 275 carries along with his 70 to 80 targets. This means there is no meat on the bone for Bernard and he is not a player you should target in redraft leagues for any reason. Even in dynasty leagues you would be better off taking a chance with either Williams or Anderson in the fourth or fifth round of rookie drafts. Even if it means dropping Giovanni Bernard to make room on your roster.--Dominick Petrillo - RotoBaller