Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase was suspended one game for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers CB Jalen Ramsey during their Week 11 matchup on Sunday. The Steelers would go on to win the game 34-12 while Chase put up a dud for fantasy football managers with just three catches on 10 targets for 30 yards (4.5 fantasy points). 

While NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Chase is appealing the ruling, barring a change, he will miss the Bengals' Week 12 contest vs. the Patriots. That will leave a void in fantasy lineups in a key spot — and lowers the ceiling of the entire Cincinnati offense. Let's go over the fantasy football fallout and what managers can do to withstand the blow. 

Fantasy Football Impact: Ja'Marr Chase suspension

If you have Chase, you'll need a replacement. If you're in a shallow format, chances are you have an internal option on your bench to ease the loss. If that isn't the case, those of you in deep leagues can maybe turn to someone on the Bengals off the waiver wire. The obvious option is Andrei Iosivas, who is available in 99% all Yahoo fantasy football leagues, so admittedly there are likely some better options on your waiver wire (more on that below).

Iosivas had a mini-breakout in 2024 while QB Joe Burrow was healthy and slinging the rock. The 26-year-old wideout finished that campaign with 36 catches for 479 yards and six TDs. He had plenty of weeks in which he was a viable flex option given how efficient the Bengals' passing game was last season. This season hasn't been as fruitful for Iosivas thanks to the injury to Burrow. The receiver has 19 catches for 256 yards and one score in 2025. He did finish Week 9 as the WR12 with five catches for 66 yards and a TD. 

With Chase out, Iosivas would likely start at WR opposite Tee Higgins, who becomes the top target in the passing game, vs. New England. The Bengals may need to throw often if they fall behind to the Pats, who are early 7.5-point favorites on the road. Iosivas isn't the best option to replace Chase but is easily attainable and has performed in the past. 

Other options off the waiver wire

If you're in a shallow league, there's a chance Cardinals WR Michael Wilson is still available. As of now, he's hovering around 50% rostered on Yahoo. Wilson is coming off a massive 15-catch, 185-yard performance on Sunday vs. the Niners. A big reason why is Marvin Harrison Jr. is recovering from an emergency appendectomy. If MHJ remains out, Wilson will remain a strong WR add and streamer in PPR formats. 

If Wilson isn't available, Justin Boone runs down other receiver options in his waiver piece, including the Colts' Alec Pierce, who is coming off a bye and is available in about half of leagues. Packers WR Christian Watson (34%) caught two TDs vs. the Giants and is also among the top WR adds going into Week 12. And another option is Darnell Mooney (31%), who should be thrust into No. 1 receiver duty for Atlanta with Drake London (knee) expected to miss time.

For those in really deep leagues, Greg Dortch (3%) isn't a bad fill-in. He had six catches for 66 yards and a score in Week 11. Panthers WR Xavier Legette (7%) went for 4-83-1 on Sunday vs. the Falcons. Bills WR Tyrell Shavers (0%) posted a 4-90-1 line with Keon Coleman a healthy scratch vs. the Bucs in Week 11.