Fantasy Upside
After a slow start, Joe Mixon was a very reliable fantasy running back as the season went on. A new offensive line might have been one of the reasons for the slow start, but he was getting 16.7 fantasy points per game once things settled in. Mixon is the clear-cut No. 1 back in Cincy and will be used three downs a majority of the time. He is projected to catch 50+ passes this season and that increases his value even more in PPR leagues.
Fantasy Downside
The Cincinnati offense continues to revolve around the passing game which can limit the running game. Mixon's rushing numbers will be pedestrian because of the team's offensive game plans. He averaged over 75 yards per game just two years ago, but that number dropped to 58 yards per game last season and we expect that number to trend down.
2023 Bottom Line
Mixon's ranking for 2023 is more a reflection of where the Bengals offense is then his ability. He still will be pretty good in PPR leagues and average in standard leagues. He is the 17th-ranked running back this season and has an ADP in the 4th or 5th round. But that actually is too high for him this season and he is getting drafted there because of reputation. There are several better fantasy running backs being drafted a round or two later that are better value.