After days of speculation, the Bengals have settled on a receiver to lineup opposite of Chad Ochocinco. ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that the team has signed 29-year old free agent Antonio Bryant.

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the deal is worth $28 million over four years with incentives.

Bryant was hampered by knee injuries last year and strapped with playing with a rookie quarterback in Tampa Bay.  He played 13 games and had 39 receptions for 600 yards, an average of 15.4 yards per catch, with four touchdowns. In 2008, he enjoyed a career year with 83 receptions for 1,248 yards and seven touchdowns.

The move in all likelihood signifies that the Bengals will not sign Terrell Owens, who was in town on Wednesday visiting the team.

While I still a fan of going the Brandon Marshall route, but that would have required the team’s first round pick, No. 21 overall and an even bigger contract. Bryant has upside and is the lesser of two evils between the two free-agent options. Either way is a huge upgrade of Laveranues Coles, who was released by the team two weeks ago.

Fantasy Football, NFL cincinnati bengals, antonio bryant, terrell owens, chad ochocinco, laveranues coles

Laveranues Coles was supposed to replace wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, but less than one year and $10 million later the Cincinnati Bengals parted ways with the wide receiver.

He caught 43 passes for 514 yards and five touchdowns as the Bengals' offense struggled. Coles' best game came in the Week 9 win over Baltimore with six receptions for 72 yards, but his inability to get separation and make consistent plays was part of the reason Cincinnati's passing attack was so anemic.

Coles was scheduled to make $4.65 million in base salary this season and would have received a $100,000 bonus if he participated in the team's offseason conditioning program.

Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson suggests the quick release of Coles, coupled with the apparent lack of talent at the position in this past week's combine, smells of the Bengals being interested in some of the potential free agents.

"The Bengals are probably only looking to do a one-year deal, which may take them out of the sweepstakes for 29-year-old Antonio Bryant. And with Owens (36), Josh Reed (30), Chris Chambers (32) and Michael Furrey (33) long in the tooth, the Bengals aren't going to pay top dollar," Hobson wrote.

NFL cincinnati bengals, laveranues coles

The Cincinnati Bengals failed to clinch the AFC North title in Week 10 as they lost to the Minnesota Vikings on the road, 30-10. The game was supposed to provide the inexperienced team with a measuring stick of exactly where it was at as a playoff contended. Unfortunately for Bengals’ fans it did just that.

THE GOOD
Corners – Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall continued to play Pro Bowl caliber defense in holding Brett Favre to his lowest quarterback rating of the season. 

Rush Defense – If you would have told me that the Bengals would hold Adrian Peterson to less than 100 yards rushing and 3.7 yards per carry before the game, there is no way I would’ve predicted they would lose the game by 20 points. Though it broke down late in the game, but considering they were missing captain Demato Peko I was pleased to see the team’s effort against the run.

THE BAD
Turnovers – The Bengals once again lost the turnover battle (1:0), and only have a plus-1 turnover ratio on the season.  It’s going to be hard to win in the playoffs when you can win this battle. The Brian Leonard fumble as the first half winding down was ridiculous and gave the Vikings three points, a two-score advantage, and the momentum heading into the locker room.

Penalties – It’s hard enough to beat the Vikings when you play well, but you give up 85 yards on 11 penalties. Through 11 weeks only three teams in the league have been flagged more frequently. Over the past four games they have been penalized 38 times.

Shayne Graham – The “franchise player” continues to be a weekly fixture in this part of the column. This week it is kickoff ability that once again lands him here. After the terrible finish to the first half, Graham starts the second half by kicking it out of bounds. It wasn’t even close.

Laveranues Coles – Coles showed up on my milk carton this morning as a missing person. He didn’t even get an official target in yesterday’s game and was unable to get any separation against Antoine Winfield. He has just six catches over the past four games and is quickly appearing to be one of the biggest free agent busts in the league this past offseason.

Second-Half Offense – The streak now reaches six games without a second-half touchdown. You are not going to win games against good teams without finding the end zone after halftime.

THE UGLY
Passing Game – Carson Palmer completed 15 passes yesterday, but mustered only 94 yards passing. That’s not a typo, 94 freakin’ yards.  The offensive line’s pass protection is amongst the worst in the league over the past month and Palmer does not look comfortable. Without Chris Henry, the team has no deep threat and it has led to one of the NFL’s most dismal passing attacks.  Since Henry went down the team has managed just 161.8 passing yards per game and just three passing touchdowns in over 20 quarters of football.

QUOTE TO NOTE
“Cincinnati's offense is like watching a lumberjack trying to saw down a Redwood with a butter knife. The Vikings' defense is good, really good, but the Bengals -- other than Benson running like a man on a mission -- made things relatively easy for them by taking no downfield shots in the passing game and showing minimal creativity. It's throwback football for sure, which is fine. But when you fall behind by 16 points against a really good team, throwforward football might come in handy.” – Steve Wyche, NFL.com

NFL cincinnati bengals, leon hall, jonathan joseph, shayne graham, laveranues coles, carson palmer

For the third time in four weeks the Cincinnati Bengals won their game on the final drive. With their victory over the Ravens the Bengals find themselves alone in first place at 4-1 with wins over every team in the division (two on the road) to their credit.

THE GOOD

Mike Zimmer – Just three days after his wife Vicki died suddenly, the team’s defensive leader opted to make the trip. The team played for him and appropriately gave him the game ball after their win.

Cedric Benson – He became the first rusher to eclipse the 100-yard mark versus the Ravens since 2006. Benson continues to prove that he is the real deal and now has 487 yards on the season.

Chad Ochocinco – Number 85 has reemerged as an elite wide receiver in this league. He not only made great catches, but played physically all day long and kept his poise in situations that frankly he may not have a year ago.

Offense – 403 total yards against the Ravens’ defense is solid. The Bengals averaged 6.1 yards per play and made the big plays when needed to once again. They are now 8 for 9 on the season on fourth down.

THE BAD
Lavernaues Coles – The veteran continues to struggle to develop chemistry with quarterback Carson Palmer. He had just one target and it came early in the game. Coles went without a catch and now sits at 10 catches for 78 yards and a touchdown through five weeks.

Daniel Coats – A week after having a standout performance the Bengals’ tight end dropped two balls, both of which could have led to touchdowns, and had a costly false start penalty.

THE UGLY
Not again – Returning in its regular spot in the Who Dey Report is the team’s long-snapper. Brad St. Louis had two more high snaps that caused the team to miss the kick. The first came on a first-quarter field goal attempt, the latter on a point-after-touchdown attempt. At least in that case a Ravens’ penalty gave the team a second chance.  His spot on the roster is in serious jeopardy and rightfully so.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"Sunday's 17-14, come-from-behind victory over the Baltimore Ravens put the Bengals in first place in the AFC North. The team that was featured in HBO's "Hard Knocks" knows how to take a punch." – John Clayton, ESPN.com

NFL cincinnati bengals, mike zimmer, chad ochocinco, laveranues coles, daniel coats

Also posted on BleacherReport.com:

Prior to last season the Bengals were a hotbed for fantasy owners to pluck for talent on draft day.

Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and Rudi Johnson were all elite performers that could be counted on for big-time production.

Palmer went down with a season-ending injury and the tank went empty on Johnson out of the backfield, leaving the Bengals with a mediocre unit.

Palmer is healthy. New players have entered the mix.

What's Carson going to do this year? When is worth taking a look at Chad Ochocinco and Laveranues Coles? Does Chris Henry deserve a look? Is Cedric Benson ready for a breakout? I answer all these questions and more in this cool slideshow.

Let’s take a look at what players can and can not be counted for fantasy owners in 2009.

COMPLETE OVERVIEW

Fantasy Football bengals, carson palmer, cedric benson, chad ochocinco, laveranues coles, chris henry, chase coffman, shayne graham

Free agent wide receiver TJ Houshmanzadeh's career as a Bengal is officially over as he signed a 5-year, worth more than $40 million, with more than $15 million guaranteed according to ESPN.com.

Though he had hoped to make his decision Sunday, Houshmandzadeh, pressured by Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer to stay in Cincinnati and by the Vikings to stay around the Minneapolis area during a visit, escaped from a Minneapolis hotel Sunday night, flew to Los Angeles and spent Monday morning trying to make up his mind. He weighed offers from three teams, along with their quarterbacks and the teams' chances of winning.

The final decision was Seattle.

The 31-year-old Houshmandzadeh was considered the wide receiver prize of free agency. He caught a combined 204 passes for 2,043 yards and 16 touchdowns over the past two seasons in Cincinnati.

The Bengals are believed to be welcoming free agent wideout Laveranues Coles for a visit, but they have lost out on Derrick Ward, who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday to a four-year, $17 million contract with $6 million guaranteed.

*****

The Bengals once again failed to keep a good player, without much of a backup plan. It leaves the team with a thin crop of experience and reliable receivers.

There are so many holes in Cincinnati's game - tackle, center, running back, fullback and much more. Yet the team has done little to address any of it via free agency.

For a team that needed to make a splash to avoid a mass exodus of season ticket holders, the Brown family continues to prove that they are cheap and don't have a clue.  For Bengals' fans waiting for a big move to come don't hold your breath.

NFL bengals, seahawks, tj houshmandzadeh, laveranues coles, derrick ward

Here are some injures owners will want to keep their eyes on heading to kickoff:

QUARTERBACKS
Trent Edwards (groin) - listed as questionable, but expected to start
Jeff Garcia (calf) - has practiced limitedly for the past three days

RUNNING BACKS
Frank Gore (ankle) - chance are "remote" that he plays and is a shaky bet
Brandon Jacobs (knee) - could play, but how much he plays is unclear
Marion Barber (calf, toe) - hasn't practice all week; avoid him this week
Clinton Portis (backed) - missed practice FRI; his status is unclear for SUN
Marshawn Lynch (shoulder) - limited in practice on FRI; questionable but likely
Matt Forte (toe) - listed as questionable, but practice on SAT - should play
Kevin Smith (ankle) - limited in practice on FRI and questionable - should go

WIDE RECEIVERS
Anquan Boldin (shoulder) - a true game-time decision, not looking good to play
Laveranues Coles (thigh) - questionable; expected to be a full go at SEA
Derrick Mason (shoulder) - a full go in FRI's practice and will start vs. DAL
Domenik Hixon (foot) - listed as questionable and not a great match-up vs. CAR
Kevin Curtis (calf) - doubtful after missing practice again on FRI; stay away

MORE PLAYER NEWS (KFFL.com) 

Fantasy Football injury report, week 16, trent edwards, jeff garcia, frank gore, brandon jacobs, marion barber, clinton portis, marshawn lynch, matt forte, kevin smith, anquan boldin, laveranues coles, derrick mason, domenik hixon, kevin curtis

Here are some injuries that fantasy owners will want to keep their eyes on for Week 14:

QUARTERBACKS
Ben Roethlisberger (knee) - no limitations in practice on FRI
Matt Schaub (knee) - probable and expected to start at GB
Matt Hasselbeck (back) - doubtufl; Seneca Wallace likely to start

RUNNING BACKS
Marion Barber (toe) - missed third straight practice; not looking good
Joseph Addai (knee) - added to report on FRI; a game-time decision
Clinton Portis (knee/back) - game-time decision; doesn't play until 8:15
Steven Jackson (quadriceps) - probable; could see increased work
Brian Westbrook (knee, ankle) - expected to start vs. NYG
Marshawn Lynch (back) - ready to face MIA; listed as probable
Ryan Grant (thumb) - should see "normal workload" according to coach
Willis McGahee (illness) - returned to practice FRI
Kevin Smith (shoulder) - limited in practice, but probable vs. MIN
Deuce McAllister (suspension) - will be active, but behind P. Thomas

WIDE RECEIVERS
Anquan Boldin (back) - set to start on SUN vs. STL
Laveranues Coles (thigh) - questionable, yet he should go vs. SF
Derrick Mason (shoulder) - practiced w/out limitations on FRI
Anthony Gonzalez (shoulder) - late addition to injury report
Mark Bradley (calf) - has been ruled out for Week 14
Koren Robinson (knee) - will start vs. NE, but not a great play

TIGHT ENDS
Kellen Winslow (ankle) - ruled out w/high-ankle sprain

DEFENSIVE LINE
Kevin Williams (suspension) - expected to play on SUN vs. DET
Pat Williams (suspension) - expected to play on SUN vs. DET
Gaines Adams (knee) - questionable for MON night vs. CAR
Adewale Ogunleye (shoulder) - status unclear for Week 14
Fred Robbins (shoulder) - Counting on him to return vs. PHI

LINEBACKERS
London Fletcher (foot) - did not practice FRI; questionable
D.J. Williams (groin) - not expected to play vs. KC
Gary Bracket (fibula) - out for Week 14 vs. CIN

DEFENSIVE BACKS
Bob Sanders (knee) - returned to full practice FRI; questionable
Champ Bailey (groin) - not expected to play vs. KC
Cortland Finnegan (hamstring)- expected to play vs. CLE
Nate Clements (thumb) - questionable following minor surgery
Nick Harper (ankle) - returned to limit practice on FRI; should play

LATEST PLAYER NEWS (KFFL.com)

Fantasy Football injury report, ben roethlisberger, matt schaub, matt hasselbeck, marion barber, joseph addai, clinton portis, steven jackson, brian westbrook, marshawn lynch, ryan grant, willis mcgahee, kevin smith, deuce mcallister, anquan boldin, laveranues coles, derrick mason, anthony gonzalez, mark bradley, koren robinson, kellen winslow, kevin williams, pat williams, gaines adams, adewale ogunleye, fred robbins, london fletcher, d.j. williams, gary bracket, bob sanders, champ bailey, cortland finnegan, nate clements, nick harper

Let's take a look at some injuries to keep your eyes on heading into Sunday's action:

QUARTERBACKS
David Garrard (back) - looks good to go for Monday night
Matt Schaub (knee) - making progress; could play Monday
Marc Bulger (concussion) - expected to start vs. Mia

RUNNING BACKS
Brandon Jacobs (knee) - listed as questionable, but expected to start
Steven Jackson (quad) - barring setback he should be active vs. Mia
Reggie Bush (knee) - expected to get 18-20 touches vs. TB
Willie Parker (knee) - back-to-back full practices; questionable
Clinton Portis (knee) - 50/50 shot of playing; look for him to go
Steve Slaton (chest) - practiced fully on Friday; safe to play
Jonathan Stewart (heel) - no limitations in Friday's practice
Selvin Young (groin) - going to be a game-time decision; not 100%
LeRon McClain (ankle) - limited on Friday, but is probable

WIDE RECEIVERS
Greg Jennings (ribs) - returned to full practice FRI; probable
Roddy White (back) - listed as questionable; should start
TJ Houshmandzadeh (back) - practiced FRI and will start vs. Bal
Plaxico Burress (hamstring) - will not play vs. WAS
Laveranues Coles (thigh) - appears to be a go vs. DEN
Eddie Royal (toe) - listed as questionable; expected to play
Derrick Mason (shoulder) - listed as probable; should start
Mark Bradley (calf) - officially a game-time decision
Josh Morgan (groin) - practiced FRI, but still questionable

TIGHT ENDS
Kellen Winslow (shoulder) - questionable vs. Ind
Zach Miller (groin) - limited all week, but likely to go

Fantasy Football david garrard, matt schaub, marc bulger, brandon jacobs, steven jackson, reggie bush, willie parker, clinton portis, steve slaton, jonathan stewart, selvin young, leron mcclain, greg jennings, roddy white, tj houshmandzadeh, plaxico burress, laveranues coles, eddie royal, derrick mason, mark bradley, josh morgan, kellen winslow, zach miller

Here is our Line-Up Locks for Week 12. Thursday's night match up will not be included. Here's a quick look at those who has favorable matchups (LOCK IN) and those who deserve a spot on your bench this week (LOCK OUT):

QUARTERBACKS
Lock In:
--Matt Cassel @ Mia
My take: 400+ yards last week. You probably had him on your bench. Don't make that mistake this week in a great match up.

--Aaron Rodgers @ NO
My take: This is a very sexy match up for the Packers QB who has been very consistent of late.

--Tony Romo vs. SF
My take: He looked a little rusty last week, but the Cowboys were playing a much better opponent last week. This week Romo and the Boys get healthy quickly versus a vulnerable 49ers defense.

Fantasy Football matt cassel, aaron rodgers, tony romo, jake delhomme, brett favre, chad pennington, steve slaton, warrick dunn, marshawn lynch, thomas jones, maurice jones-drew, tim hightower, dwayne bowe, bernard berrian, donald driver, desean jackson, donnie avery, laveranues coles, owen daniels, chris cooley, greg olsen, lj smith, todd heap, anthony fasano