The Bengals’ backfield duel to accompany Chase Brown in 2025 will shape both offense and fantasy value. Cincinnati re-signed Samaje Perine, a reliable pass-blocker with third-down chops, creating a veteran floor behind the second-year Brown. Opposing a rookie, Tahj Brooks, a downhill runner from Texas Tech, adds a contrasting style and goal-line potential. The clash matters if the Bengals lean on efficiency in a high-volume, pass-heavy attack led by a healthy Joe Burrow.

Perine’s impact hinges on usage: if he claims the third-down and two-minute duties, he’s a steady PPR option in deeper leagues and best-ball formats. Brooks’ ceiling rides on red-zone opportunities and clear early-down snaps; in a run-heavy script or an injury to Brown, his role could surge. In a pass-first offense with Chase and Higgins, the RB2 battle carries real fantasy stakes as camp and preseason reps unfold.

Fantasy players should weigh roster construction: Perine is the safer hedge with consistent floor, especially in 14+ team leagues; Brooks is a stash for those chasing upside in Dynasty or deep convos about late-season spikes. Cincinnati’s context — Burrow’s health, light boxes against the pass — suggests upside exists for the committee, particularly in games that stay competitive and through fantasy playoff weeks.

Tyler Warren’s NFL debut with Indianapolis hints at a significant rookie workload, logging all 20 snaps on the Colts’ first three drives and drawing consistent targets as a traditional, run‑blocking capable tight end. The Colts rotated multiple TEs last season, but Warren’s usage so far suggests he could seize a much larger role in 2025, potentially locking in early-season playing time and shaping fantasy lineups around a more traditional tight end profile.

Behind him, Indianapolis’ backfield battle and the split between Goodson and Giddens could yield a flexible committee, with Herbert not conveying immediate depth signals. On the other sideline, Cincinnati bridged Perine and Chase Brown into a clear passing‑down role, with Tahj Brooks in reserve—handcuff dynamics that matter for early downs and third‑down snaps. Across other games, Shipley’s backing of the Eagles’ approach, Dillon’s and Higgins’ roles with PHI and CIN, and Etienne’s full first‑drive utilization with Jacksonville paint a broad preseason usage map: volume and role clarity often forecast fantasy value more than box score alone.

The Cincinnati Bengals have made a strategic addition to their backfield by drafting Tahj Brooks, a talented running back from Texas Tech, in the sixth round. Last season, Brooks showcased his potential by racking up 1,704 scrimmage yards and scoring 18 touchdowns. He enters a competitive running back room that includes third-year standout Chase Brown, who had a breakout season in 2024, and seasoned veterans Zack Moss and Samaje Perine, who is now with the Bengals for a third time.

With this depth, Brooks faces the challenge of carving out a significant role in an already established lineup. The presence of experienced players like Perine and Moss means that Brooks will have to earn his place through impressive performances in training camp and preseason. The Bengals' commitment to building a strong backfield should encourage fantasy players to monitor Brooks’ development closely, as he could provide value if an opportunity arises due to injuries or performance issues among the starters.

In a hypothetical scenario where NFL teams could restart their rosters, the Arizona Cardinals make significant moves in a seven-round draft. With their first pick, they select quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who is considered one of the most promising talents in the league. In subsequent rounds, they add key players like defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and safety Budda Baker, reinforcing their defense while also acquiring offensive weapons such as wide receiver Nico Collins and running back Joe Mixon.

The draft strategy highlights the Cardinals' intentions to build a competitive team rapidly, addressing key positions while retaining familiarity by bringing back two current Cardinals, Campbell and Baker. Despite the solid foundation, the mock draft acknowledges the absence of premium positions like tackle and cornerback, leaving some gaps for the future.