Fantasy Spin: Terrell Owens to Bengals

Well, thankfully we can cross off one long-running offseason saga from the list as Terrell Owens has finally found a new home with the Bengals. Oh come on, don't lie -- you really did want to see how this would play out. After what seemed like desperate times for the enigmatic wide receiver, an early-week rush of suitors in the Jets, Bengals and Rams came into the picture. Somehow all along it just seemed like Cincinnati was gonna be the right fit when all was said and done.

Owens has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal worth $2 million to play with his buddy Chad Ochocinco. And of course the first thing that everyone must be thinking is: "can this work?" How will he be able to handle the humbling reality that he's just not a hot commodity and/or a No. 1 wide receiver anymore? It's certainly going to be interesting to see how this plays out on the field. In the meantime, let's break down the fantasy football impact of T.O.'s signing.

It's tough to argue that Cincinnati isn't the ideal situation for Owens. He goes to a team that is actually in need of some help at the wide receiver position and he can potentially make a slight difference. ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that Antonio Bryant could indeed be heading to the Physically Unable to Perform list due to "lingering knee problems." Or it could also be the fact that the Bengals haven't been all that impressed with the free-agent signing. Either way, this opens up the chance to secure the No. 2 spot in the rotation for T.O., which might lead to nice opportunities.



The thought of Owens as a team's second option isn't all that tantalizing for fantasy purposes, but let's face it -- he's got something to prove. We all know he's no longer got the capability to carry an offense. Yet, with Ochocinco most likely drawing the toughest assignment, Owens' numbers could be bumped to fantasy respectability. Let's not get carried away though and start thinking this is 2005 again, because Owens will simply not be the fantasy force he once was. However, the Bengals' second-leading receiver Laveranues Coles barely went over 500 yards receiving last year. So, clearly T.O.'s help is needed and he will be used.

It can't get much worse than Buffalo, right? You got it. The Bengals are a legit team, and although maybe not quite as talented as the Eagles or Cowboys teams that Owens once played for, they just aren't the Bills. A solid running game, stout defense and, oh yes, the upgrade at QB in Carson Palmer. We may not see magical chemistry between Palmer and Owens, though it's gotta be much more comforting having Palmer on his side, as opposed to Trent Edwards or Ryan Fitzpatrick. Just saying.

So who benefits the most on the Bengals offense? I just don't see a huge bump statistically for anyone. Sure, Owens will have a few of those games where he ropes in TDs and he may add a little to Palmer's passing stats. But the Bengals are going to grind it out on the ground and Palmer still has question marks about his arm strength.

It's hard to get excited about a team whose leading receivers spent the entire offseason filming reality shows. There will no doubt be somebody in every single fantasy league that thinks T.O. might have one more push in the gas tank. Somebody is gonna take a flier and draw the jeers from their buddies on draft day. I personally am not going to be one of those people who gets nostalgic about Owens. There is a reason why very few teams wanted his services this offseason. And it wasn't for total fear of his locker room antics. It was due to his declining abilities. Trust him at your own peril.