Fantasy Football 2011: Should You Give Up on Bengals' Jerome Simpson?

When Jerome Simpson torched San Diego in Week 16 last year for six catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns, he raised some eyebrows.

When he followed that effort up with a whopping 12 catches for 123 yards and a score against Baltimore to close out the season, the breakout talk began.

When it became evident that Chad Ochocinco wasn’t returning, the pieces appeared to be falling into place. Then all hell broke loose.

Carson Palmer started talking retirement as he began a stalemate with Mike Brown. Palmer wants out and Brown won’t budge.

Apparently he didn’t learn his lesson after passing up on an Ochocinco trade while he still had value. Instead he shipped him to New England for a fraction of his worth.

While it wasn’t ideal that Palmer wouldn’t be back, at least the Bengals addressed the position in the 2011 NFL draft. Though it will mean a learning curve, at least the Bengals took a step for a long-term solution.

Unfortunately for Simpson, the Bengals also added A.J. Green to become their No. 1 receiver.

To make matters worse, the NFL lockout kept Simpson from forming a rapport with his rookie quarterback. In order to get the timing down, a multitude of reps are needed.

The preseason hasn’t been kind to Simpson, either. After two games, he’s combined for just two catches for 17 yards.

While I wouldn’t rule Simpson out completely, I would be hesitant to draft him. If he can show a little tonight, some of my faith would be restored.

Perhaps he can find some use as a WR4 or WR5. I would just proceed with caution.

What’s your take on Jerome Simpson?

Also check out

• 2011 Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings - PPR
• 2011 Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football TE Rankings