Someone was going to pass Peyton Manning as the top fantasy quarterback in the league, and the good money was on Cincinnati’s Carson Palmer. Instead, that QB was Tom Brady, while Palmer actually regressed, tossing 20 interceptions. Will Palmer rebound in 2008? Or Chad Johnson? Or Rudi Johnson. There are plenty of fantasy questions with the Bengals.

QUARTERBACK: Palmer didn’t entirely stink, passing for a career-high 4,131 yards and 26 touchdowns. But those 20 picks are difficult to overlook. If the sniping on the Bengals’ offense ends, and if Chad Johnson stays healthy and happy, there’s no reason Palmer couldn’t unleash his best season. A QB1 for sure, Palmer might be a sleeper to pick ahead of Tony Romo and Drew Brees, if you dare.

RUNNING BACKS: Before last year, Rudi Johnson was a solid RB1 for a few season. Then he pulled a hamstring last year and never quite recovered, finishing with only 497 yards and 3 touchdowns. Enter Kenny Watson, who tallied 763 yards and 7 TDs and also caught 52 passes. So who will the Bengals turn to in 2008? Pay attention during the preseason, with whomever emerging as the starter a fantasy RB3 and the backup an RB4. My early guess is that the Bengals will return to Rudi.

WIDE RECEIVERS: Chad Johnson wanted to be traded and didn’t get his wish. He underwent ankle surgery in the offseason. He’s coming off a seemingly disappointing season but still finished with WR1 numbers: 93 receptions, 1,440 yards and 8 TDs (though he scored those 8 in only four weeks). I don’t see how you can not pass him up as a low-end WR1 and simply hope for the best — that his ego and ankle hold up. Oh, on the other side is another WR1 in T.J. Housmandzadeh, coming off the best season of the career. Expect another great season from Housh, particularly if Ocho Cinco doesn’t live up to expectations.

TIGHT ENDS: The Bengals acquired Ben Utecht in the offseason, and he might take some pressure off the WRs. He won’t put up TE1 numbers, but he’s a solid TE2 who might surprise as the season progresses.

KICKERS: Shayne Graham impressively scored 130 points and connected on 91.2 percent of his field-goal attempts. He’s a top-five fantasy kicker, if not top-three, and will enjoy another big season.