This Henry hype is insane. Some pertinent points.
1. Its the Bengals. Horrible organization, mess on offense and defense right now, and not only is the QB dinged up and missing most of the preseason, but the Oline is highly sketchy too.
2. Henry's best season so far is 36/605/9. Yes high TD numbers, but he's never caught more than 36 passes in four NFL seasons.
3. Coles is a savvy veteran. Those guys don't just go away easily. He's going to get his share of the pie and be very difficult to displace as the starter.
4. Their RB situation is a joke. Some might say that's good for WRs, I think it will lead to a lot of 3 and outs.
Ocho: 72/1050/6
Coles: 55/650/3
Henry: 40/600/6
before you say "insane" maybe you should check your facts.1. yes the bengals are a mess, but they were a mess in 2006 - albeit with a superior o-line. but they aren't a mess on defense... they were solidly average last year, and improved with tank johnson, ray malualuga, and roy williams. (not that this helps henry's case, just wanted to point out you are wrong)
They also had a healthy Carson Palmer, prior to his ACL injury. I'd agree "mess" is overstating the defense. average would have been better.
2. henry's best season was also his 2nd in the league. he's better now than he was then. you can write this down... Henry will have more than 36 receptions this year.
Not saying he won't have more than 36 catches. I am saying the difference between 36 catches and a fantasy starter is huge. Especially as the #3 WR on your team.
3. coles is a veteran, but he's not as good as Housh (who was around in 06 and that didn't stop henry). coles also gets dinged up and hasn't been really healthy in a few years.
Coles has started all 16 games in 7 of the last 8 years.
4. back RBs = fewer pass attempts?
If you can't run the ball, then yes you will be on the field less, and thus have fewer passing attempts and fewer scoring opportunities. Do you really think teams are going to load up to stop Benson?