Chase Brown fantasy football insight from Hayden Winks - PPR Rankings

Brown is the RB12 on RB5 usage over the past two seasons in 21 games with Joe Burrow active, using half PPR scoring. It's even better in just 2025, when Brown was the RB5 on RB4 usage in his 6 games with Burrow. His ADP sits at RB12 in the middle of Round 2, so Brown has very clear upside if this split continues. The Bengals didn't add RB competition, Brown is healthy right now, and the Bengals are 4th in projected points according to the betting markets. What's not to like in this contract year? Brown was the RB8 in rushing success rate in the Burrow games, and he was the RB2 in rush yards over expected on all of his carries with 3-or-fewer yards to go with or without Burrow. While still not good, the Bengals OL and rushing scheme has improved since Brown entered the NFL. That's helped his TD chances. Brown has always been a capable receiver and last year was no different when he was the RB6 in receptions per game (4.1). The Bengals don't throw him screens (only a 10% screen rate in Burrow games since 2024), but Burrow is quick to check things down when in a shoot out. It's hard to find reasons why he should be ranked so far off his splits with Burrow, so Brown is a clear buy in mid Round 2 if he makes it that far. I expect his rushing numbers to set career highs, while his receiving work takes a slight hit. That's a net win in half PPR.