Mitch Stringer – USA TODAY Sports
This week’s game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Tennessee Titans will boast the matchup of one of the league’s most productive offenses against one the the league’s best defenses thus far this season. The Bengals’ offense has been extremely difficult to defend so far this season, and a big reason for that is their superstar wide receiver, A.J. Green. This matchup, however, may not be Green’s best time to shine.
Green started the season off on an extremely high night, but an injury to his right toe during last week’s game against the Atlanta Falcons has him listed as probable. So how he’ll perform is still uncertain.
In Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens, Green had six receptions and racked up 131 yards (including a long of 77 yards) and a touchdown. It’s clear that Green has the ability to be one of the most dangerous and explosive receivers in football again this year, however, this week’s matchup is not favorable for Green given his status and the level that the Titans’ defense is playing at.
So far this year, the Titans have the best pass defense in the league in terms of yards against as they’ve given up just 163 pass yards a game. In their Week 1 win against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Titans held quarterback Alex Smith to just over 200 yards and intercepted him three times. Then in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. they held quarterback Tony Romo to just 176 yards and one touchdown. (Their eight sacks have brought the average pass yards given up per game down to 163.) They’re playing at a very high level and though the Bengals have a very good offense, the Titans will make for a tough matchup.
Normally, I would always say that Green is a guarantee to go off, however, this week is a little different. He’s listed as probable, and if I had him on my fantasy team, I would still start him most likely. Yet the fact that he’s coming off injury, no matter how insignificant, and the matchup problems the Titans’ defense creates, would make me a little uneasy, and ultimately, I think Green will disappoint this week.
