One day after losing T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the Cincinnati Bengals re-signed Cedric Benson to a two-year deal.

A bust in three seasons in Chicago, Benson signed with the Bengals last season and became the team’s top running back. Despite playing in only 12 games, he finished with career bests in carries, receptions and scrimmage yards.

Benson was extremely effective down the stretch, posting 462 scrimmage yards and one touchdown in the final three weeks of the season. Those numbers helped diligent fantasy owners take home a league title.

Benson is the clear-cut favorite to open the 2009 season atop the depth chart with little competition on the current roster. But with Carson Palmer back under center, the Bengals will throw the football much more than they did with Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm.

Furthermore, this is Cedric Benson.

Benson should be seen as a viable No. 3 fantasy back or flex starter in most leagues unless the team adds a complementary back either via the draft or free agency.

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