2009 Fantasy Football Player Profile-Chad Ochocinco

WR Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals

2008 Stats: 53 receptions, 540 receiving yards, 4 TDs
Projected 2009 Stats: 85 receptions,  1333 receiving yards, 8 TDs
Projected Fantasy Round: 6th Round
Wide Receivers to be picked ahead of Chad Ochocinco: Reggie Wayne, Terrell Owens, Randy Moss, etc.

Fantasy Outlook:

Why you should draft Chad Ochocinco: Before last year’s nightmare season, Ochocinco averaged 92 receptions, 1374 receiving yards, and over eight touchdowns per season the previous five years.  This off-seasson, Chad has mentioned that he was embarrassed for how he played in 2008 and vows to return to form in 2009.  It will also help him to have a healthy Carson Palmer throwing him the football. 

Why you may want to stay away from drafting Chad Ochocinco: Last season, Ochocinco had only 53 receptions and 540 receiving yards, and that was with T.J. Houshmandzadeh lining up opposite him.  Now that Houshmandzadeh has left town, Ochocinco will see even more double and triple teams.  In addition, Ochocinco failed to register 80 receiving yards in a single game in 2008. 

Bottom Line: There is no doubt that No. 85 has a lot of talent, but after watching him implode in 2008, he is a risky fantasy player for 2009.  With that being said, the health of Palmer should give Ochocinco the help he needs to return to his old self.  Look for Ochocinco to have a solid year in 2009, and he would be a steal in round five and beyond.