The Facts: The Bengals expect Mixon to be their “bell cow” in the backfield in his second season and Mixon’s preparation for that role included cutting some of the weight he carried as a rookie. Mixon played at 230 pounds last year, but is down to 218 pounds with training camp getting underway next week. “I feel like that’s where I play my best," Mixon said." "I was trying to get low last year but I wasn’t able to make it. I feel like I’m in really good shape.”

Diehards Line:Mixon ran 178 times for 626 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games during his rookie season. He closed the year with 18 carries for 96 yards in a victory over the Ravens and that’s likely the kind of performance the Bengals hope to see on a regular basis this season. Fantasy owners, too. Fortunately, the Bengals upgraded their offensive line (a major weakness last year) with first-round center Billy Price and left tackle Cordy Glenn added over the offseason.