Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase is coming off an incredible season in which he led the NFL in several receiving categories, including receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708), and touchdowns (17) as one of the best receivers in the league. Showing a chemistry with quarterback Joe Burrow that has made them one of the best tandems in the league, has also made Chase one of the top fantasy football players since he entered the league.
Recently, ESPN fantasy football senior writer Mike Clay listed Chase as a player who is likely going to see a decrease in his touchdown production in the 2025 season. Here's what Clay had to say about the outlook for Chase this upcoming season, which includes a prediction of 12 receiving touchdowns.
"Chase led the NFL in end zone targets (19), routes, total targets, receptions, yards and TD receptions last season. He's a good bet to rank near the top of the league in all of those categories again in 2025, but the gap between his scoring and expected TD total (12.2) suggests a return to earth. After scoring 13 TDs as a rookie in 2021, Chase scored a total of 16 TDs during the 2022 and '23 seasons." (ESPN.com)
Even if Chase sees a dip in his total touchdowns this year, he and the Bengals offense should be in good shape with a healthy Tee Higgins returning, Jermaine Burton turning heads early on, and Chase Brown leading the way at running back. Burrow has no shortage of options in Cincinnati, and Chase should still be a first-round pick in most fantasy football leagues, undoubtedly in points per reception formatted leagues.
A former Offensive Rookie Of the Year, and last year's receiving "triple crown" winner, Chase has been ranked at the top of the wide receivers group in fantasy football, and when healthy, he gives his fantasy owners plenty of production. It may be difficult to replicate his incredible season from last year, but as long as the Bengals have a high-powered offense, Chase should be taken considerably early in all drafts.