Mohamed Sanu: Bengals WR a Must-Start for Fantasy Owners Down the Stretch

Cincinnati's three-game winning streak and Mohamed Sanu's emergence as a must-start on fantasy teams isn't some bizarre coincidence—teams win when Sanu is involved in the offense.

During the Bengals’ winning streak, Sanu has been targeted 19 times by QB Andy Dalton—only A.J. Green, with 31 targets, has more—hauling in 11 receptions for 98 yards and four touchdowns, including two in Week 12 against the Oakland Raiders.

Sure, 98 receiving yards over three games aren’t overly exciting numbers when you consider that elite receivers—including Green—eclipse that number on a weekly basis.

But Sanu has become a go-to receiver for Dalton, especially in the red zone.

Dalton isn't afraid to throw him the ball in tight coverage.

Nor is he hesitant to throw one into the corner and let Sanu go get it.

A.J. Green is going to command a double team on a weekly basis. Teams have to account for tight end Jermaine Gresham, and even when injured wide receiver Andrew Hawkins returns to action, Sanu is going to continue to get looks from Dalton.

No matter who is in the lineup, the Bengals aren't going to get away from what's been working for them, and what's working is targeting Mohamed Sanu.

With no real semblance of a running game, the Bengals are going to continue to rely on their aerial attack to move the ball downfield and get it into the end zone, no matter how efficient at defending the pass that the defense that they are facing may be.

Fantasy owners need to set their expectations correctly for Sanu, because if all you are looking for from your wide receivers is for them to eclipse 100 yards on a weekly basis, he's not your guy.

But if you're looking for consistent production—multiple receptions and constant red zone opportunities—then Sanu's your man.

Get him in your lineup and watch your team's fortunes improve.

By the time your fantasy season comes to an end—hopefully with a victory in your league's championship game—you'll be wearing a funny red shirt just like this guy.

But instead of saying "Nanu, Nanu," you'll be singing the praises of your once-forgotten late-round draft pick.

"Sanu, Sanu."