Andy Dalton Injury: Bengals QB Likely To Start, but Does He Have Fantasy Value?

Just a few days ago it looked like Cincinnati Bengals rookie quarterback Andy Dalton was in danger of missing this week's matchup with the Denver Broncos thanks to an injured wrist. But at practice on Thursday Dalton was a "full go" and was making every throw.

It looks like Dalton will make the road start on Sunday, but that doesn't mean you should start him. The TCU product will be leading an offense that gained just 294 yards in a 27-17 win over Cleveland in Week 1. The Browns have a suspect defense and though Dalton did look decent before leaving with an injury, the Bengals' passing offense doesn't look dangerous.

Dalton completed 10-of-15 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game. So he was accurate, which is a big plus, but that 5.7 yards per attempt average leaves much to be desired.

The Bengals are almost sure to lean heavily on their running game this season as Dalton gets his feet wet at the NFL level. That means a lot of runs for Cedric Benson, who powered his way to 121 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries in Week 1.

I like Dalton and think he's going to be a solid professional quarterback eventually, but this is not the year to count on him getting you fantasy points. In Week 2 he'll lead the Bengals against a Broncos team that might have the worst rushing defense in the NFL. Darren McFadden gashed Denver for 150 yards on Monday and Cincinnati is sure to focus its attack on that weakness.

If you've got Benson, be happy, because he's going to see the ball early and often against the Broncos. That run-heavy approach will hold Dalton's fantasy value in check for now.