NFL intelligence feed

Ryan Linkletter targets Chase Brown as a buy-low candidate in exchange for Derrick Henry, noting Brown has handled 73% of Cincinnati's snaps, 64% of rushing attempts, and averaged 17.5 touches across two games since bye; his 15% target share and eight catches in Week 8 give him a stronger PPR floor, while just one touchdown this season leaves room for positive scoring regression in an explosive offense.

The source identifies Chase Brown as a buy-low candidate despite poor touchdown production. Since the bye week, Brown has a 73 percent snap share, leads all running backs in targets, and ranks 13th in expected fantasy points per game. Backup Samaje Perine averages just 29 percent of backfield snaps. Brown would have been a top-five fantasy running back last week if a 20-yard touchdown reception hadn't been called back due to a holding penalty, indicating the buy-low window remains open.

Despite negative vibes around Brown due to lack of touchdowns, the source identifies him as a buy-low candidate. Since the bye week, Brown has a 73 percent snap share, leads all running backs in targets, and ranks 13th in expected fantasy points per game. Backup Samaje Perine averages just 29 percent of backfield snaps. Brown would have been a top-five fantasy running back last week if his 20-yard touchdown reception hadn't been called back due to a holding penalty, indicating the buy-low window remains open.

Buy-low RB target with 21 of 26 official opportunities (80.8%, up from 69.6% in Week 7; 22 of 27 on true line at 81.5%) on 12 carries and 9 targets. Carried 12 times for 55 yards (4.6 per carry) and caught 8 of 9 targets for 46 yards (20.0% adjusted on 10 true targets, from 15.6%); true line adds nullified 20-yard TD catch: 9 catches on 10 targets for 66 yards. Snap share 72% (down from 75% in Week 7). Had TD called back and fumble (ongoing issue this season), but team did not penalize him after fumble. Bengals unlikely to make splashy RB trade, supporting buy-low thesis.

The source recommends a BUY or HOLD on Chase Brown despite his frustrating season and failure to score in Week 8, citing encouraging overall usage that warrants patience. Brown has logged 73% of the snaps and 64% of the rush attempts over the past two weeks (post-bye), averaging 17.5 touches per game. His pass-game usage is strong with 8 receptions in Week 8 and identical TPRR and target shares (22%, 15%) as his 2025 season. The source attributes Brown's lack of RB1 production to touchdown scarcity—he hasn't scored since Week 1 and has just 0.6 inside-the-5 carries per game (29th among RBs)—but projects improved scoring with the Bengals' favorable RB schedule ahead. The source emphasizes this is still very much Chase Brown's backfield, with Samaje Perine playing just 29% of snaps over the past two weeks.

The source identifies Chase Brown as starting to heat up over the last two weeks, showing improved elusiveness and quicker hole recognition. Despite 12 carries for 55 yards (4.6 yards per carry) against Tennessee, the source views the performance as efficient and part of an upward trend. Brown has a history of slow statistical starts—last season he had no 50-yard rushing game until Week 7 but finished with over 1,000 rushing yards, suggesting current momentum could translate to strong playoff production.

The source argues Chase Brown is the ideal pass-catching running back for Cincinnati's pass-first offense, eliminating the need for a premium trade acquisition like Jonathan Taylor. Brown caught 8 passes for 46 yards against Tennessee and has developed into one of the league's best pass protectors this season with a 78.2 pass-blocking grade, consistently picking up blitzes for Joe Burrow.

The source argues that if Brown is the RB1 for the rest of the season, this could be the start of him coming on for the stretch run; he has historically started slow statistically (last season had no 50-yard rushing game until Week 7) but still finished with over 1,000 rushing yards. Brown heating up would provide the balance the Bengals need in the running game to compete in the playoffs.

Brown rushed for 55 yards on 12 carries (4.6 YPC) against Tennessee in an efficient performance. The source notes he has looked more elusive, quick to hit the hole, and has been running his best football over the last two weeks, suggesting an upward trend heading into the stretch run.

Brown has improved significantly in pass protection since entering the NFL and is now one of the best pass protectors in the league with a 78.2 pass-blocking grade; consistently flashes by picking up blitzes all season. The source stresses this is critical for a team that loves to throw the ball and needs guys like Brown who take pride in blocking for Joe Burrow.

Brown caught 8 passes for 46 yards against Tennessee; had a touchdown reception called back due to Dylan Fairchild holding penalty. The source emphasizes Brown's reliability as a pass-catcher and his critical role in a pass-first Bengals offense that needs high-level pass protection and receiving ability from the backfield.

Brown ranked RB13 for Week 9 at Atlanta in Madrid despite 130 touches without a 15-plus yard gain and 122 consecutive touches without a touchdown. The source justifies the ranking because the Falcons defense has allowed more fantasy points per game to RBs than anyone except the Saints and Panthers, and the Bengals offense has been the league's most-efficient group in EPA per play over the last month. Source states: "THIS IS THE WEEK (I hope)."