Chase Brown Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

Production & Fantasy Finishes

Brown compiled 990 total yards and seven TDs over 16 games, finishing RB10 in total PPR fantasy points (255) and RB14 in points per game (15.9).

He posted eight top-12 weekly finishes, emerging as a high-floor RB2 with spike-week upside, especially late in the season after Zack Moss’s injury.

He never finished worse than RB22 in any game with Moss on the sideline.

Usage & Role

Brown operated in a split backfield for much of the year but took over down the stretch.

In 8 games without Moss, Brown averaged 18.9 carries and 5.5 targets per game. He was RB1 in expected PPR points per game and RB4 in actual points per game during that stretch.

His numbers dropped with Moss. In the final 5 games with Moss active, Brown averaged 12.8 carries and 3.0 targets per game, scoring as the RB22 in points per game.

Brown handled 50% of Cincinnati’s inside-the-five carries and ran a near-even mix of zone (128) and gap (95) plays, showcasing versatility in run concepts and reliability in the red zone.

Efficiency Metrics

Brown was solid across the board in advanced metrics:

• 4.3 yards per carry (t-23rd among RBs with 75+ carries)
• 3.08 yards after contact per attempt (22nd)
• 0.3 rush yards over expected per attempt (21st)
• 67.5 Elusive Rating (22nd)

In the passing game, he also stood out:

• 54 receptions (5th among RBs)
• 76.8 PFF receiving grade (6th)
• 1.06 yards per route and a top-15 pass-blocking grade (62.3)

His breakaway run rate dropped from 9.1% in 2023 to 4.4% in 2024, but he remained effective after contact and dependable in high-leverage situations.

Offensive Context

Cincinnati ranked second in pass rate and first in neutral pass rate under HC Zac Taylor, with a heavy lean on Joe Burrow and the short passing game.

That high-volume, high-tempo approach (sixth in total plays) opened up consistent receiving opportunities for Brown, especially after Moss went down.

The offensive line remained a liability, ranking 30th in run-blocking success rate, making Brown’s production even more impressive.

Injury History

Brown played 16 games in 2024, showing durability throughout his first season in a lead role.

He did suffer a high-ankle sprain in Week 17, which caused him to miss Week 18. But there are no significant injury concerns heading into 2025.

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

Brown is the clear favorite to open 2025 as Cincinnati’s No. 1 RB.

Even with Zack Moss returning from injury, Brown did enough in 2024 to establish himself as the primary RB.

The team also failed to address RB early in the NFL Draft.

They did bring in Samaje Perine in free agency and took Tahj Brooks in the sixth round.

Despite the RB room growing, Brown’s role as the lead back is unlikely to be threatened.

Supporting Cast

Brown benefits from playing alongside Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and one of the NFL’s most productive passing attacks.

The offensive line remains a concern, but the Bengals bring back their starting five from last season, including LT Orlando Brown Jr. and second-year RT Amarius Mims. Cordell Volson, Ted Karras, and Cody Ford complete the interior.

The offensive core remains in place for Brown to duplicate his success from last season.

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

HC Zac Taylor’s offense remains one of the most aggressive in the NFL, finishing top-two in pass rate for the third straight season and first in neutral pass rate.

Getting the RB involved in the pass game has been central to Taylor’s scheme.

Brown’s receiving skill set aligns perfectly with the Bengals’ high-pass-rate, shotgun-heavy approach, making him a natural fit in this system.