The Cincinnati Bengals have started the season with three straight losses but that hasn't stopped Andy Dalton from being a decent option in fantasy football. The Bengals quarterback has posted respectable numbers with Zac Taylor becoming the head coach.
In the first three weeks of the season, Dalton has completed 81 of his 129 attempts for 979 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. As for fantasy football, the veteran quarterback has 55.4 fantasy points this year (13th among quarterbacks).
All things being considered, can Dalton keep up his big production this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers? Similarly to Cincinnati, the Steelers are also longing to get their first win of the young season.
Both teams stand at 0-3 but something has to give on Monday night (unless they suffer the dreaded tie). Despite Pittsburgh being winless, they are favored in this matchup as they will play within the confines of Heinz Field.
Over the course of his nine years in the NFL, Dalton has never played well against the Steelers. Dalton has squared off with Pittsburgh 15 times in his career and has only won three of those games.
On top of that, the ‘Red Rifle' has accumulated just 3,160 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 15 games against the Steelers. Even with Pittsburgh's defensive struggles, they've always had Dalton's number when the two teams faced one another.
In addition, Dalton has failed to show up in games that take place on national television (plays on Monday Night Football in Week 4). Furthermore, in six Monday night contests, Dalton has mightily struggled with six touchdowns and four interceptions; while completing just 58 percent of his passes.
Aside from all of this, the Steelers haven't been able to slow down opposing passing attacks. The Steelers have allowed the third-most passing yards per game (302.7). However, with Minkah Fitzpatrick joining the defense, Pittsburgh showed some improvements in Week 3.
The newly acquired safety aided the Steelers defense in forcing five turnovers this past Sunday. Pittsburgh's defense also held Jimmy Garoppolo to just 277 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions last week.
With all of that considered, Dalton won't continue his streak of fantasy football relevance in Week 4. Everything is pointing towards Cincinnati's franchise quarterback crumbling under the pressure on Monday night.
In conclusion, Dalton is playing in a hostile environment, against a team he's never done well against, and he is playing in front of the entire football fanbase. Therefore, don't expect Dalton to provide your fantasy football team with viable numbers versus his AFC North rival.
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