Okay, here we go. Let’s talk about my Ja’Marr Chase fantasy football experience.
Alright, so it’s fantasy football draft season, and everyone’s hyped. Me? I was laser-focused on one guy: Ja’Marr Chase. I remember back in 2021 when the Bengals drafted him, reuniting him with Joe Burrow. I knew right then, this dude was gonna be special. And boy, was I right.
The Draft Strategy
My strategy was simple: Get Chase. I had the 4th pick in a 12-team PPR league. I knew the top three would likely be running backs or Justin Jefferson. I was crossing my fingers Chase would fall to me. The first three picks went as expected: McCaffrey, Ekeler, and Jefferson. YES! Chase was there for the taking.
- Pre-Draft Rankings: I scoured all the rankings, mock drafts, everything. Chase was consistently a top-5 receiver, so I felt good.
- My Reasoning: Burrow and Chase have that connection. Plus, the Bengals offense is pass-heavy, meaning tons of targets for Chase.
The Draft (Finally Got Him!)
Pick 4: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals. BOOM! Felt great hitting that draft button. Now, I had to build around him.
The Season
The season started a bit slow for Chase. Few games here and there where he was a bit quiet but i knew he was good and have to trust him. But once Burrow got fully healthy, oh man, Chase EXPLODED. Touchdowns, huge yardage games, the whole shebang. He was my WR1 and carried my team. I also noticed that in his fourth season, Chase was really stepping up his game. Those 127 receptions were killer for my opponents.
The Ups and Downs
- High Points: Weeks where Chase went off for 30+ points were amazing. It almost guaranteed a win.
- Low Points: Of course, there were frustrating games. Some weeks, the Bengals run game would dominate, limiting Chase’s opportunities. Or he’d draw the other team’s top corner and get blanketed.
Playoffs?!
I actually made it to the playoffs. Chase was a HUGE reason why. He continued to perform, even with tougher matchups. I eventually lost in the championship game, but hey, getting there was a victory in itself!
What I Learned
Drafting a top-tier receiver like Ja’Marr Chase is a solid strategy. Having that consistent, high-scoring player at WR is invaluable. Of course, you need to build a good team around him, but having that anchor makes a big difference.
Would I draft Chase again? In a heartbeat! Hopefully i can do it next season. He’s a fantasy stud, plain and simple.
