Week 7’s Start ’Em leans toward Tee Higgins over Matthew Golden as Cincinnati leans on a stabilized but fragile quarterback situation with Joe Flacco back under center. Higgins has posted back-to-back 60+ yard games and a surge in targets, setting up a favorable Thursday night spot against Pittsburgh’s pass defense. Golden has momentum for Green Bay, but Higgins’ volume and the Steelers’ willingness to yield WR-yardage tip the scales in his favor.

Trey Hendrickson headlines Cincinnati’s Week 7 injury news, with a back issue casting doubt on his Thursday night availability. If he’s limited or inactive, the Bengals lean on depth, including Shemar Stewart’s return to fortify the edge rush against Pittsburgh.

Other notes tighten the depth chart: Tanner Hudson is out, Charlie Jones is listed as out, and Lucas Patrick’s status is unclear as Gesicki lands on IR. Joe Burrow’s return chatter continues to swirl. The lineup shifts set the stage for a high-stakes fantasy/DFS Thursday night showdown.

Fantasy takeaway centers on Hendrickson’s status and how Stewart’s snap count could alter the Bengals’ defensive production, while TE targets and interior line play could swing key fantasy winners in a pivotal Week 7 matchup.

Cincinnati’s offense has sputtered without Joe Burrow, forcing a midseason pivot as the Bengals traded with Cleveland for Joe Flacco. Flacco’s first start yielded a clear plus– targeting Ja’Marr Chase, who corralled 10 catches for 94 yards and a TD against Green Bay. Chase won’t entertain QB duties, but his knowledge of the system bodes well for a more efficient air game. Expect Flacco to lean on Chase while Higgins remains a top ancillary piece, raising the floor for Cincinnati’s pass attack.