Coming off of what may be the best bye week of all time, where they somehow managed to regain the #1 spot in the AFC North without playing a single snap of football, it is once again time for the Ravens to take the field and remind the division why we are the kings of the north!
We had a pretty strong fantasy week, with the big boom week of Michael Pittman being far and away our best pick. Let’s keep the fire going this week.
Ravens-Vikings Fantasy Outlook
Start Em’
Hollywood Brown
Before the bye, Hollywood kept his remarkable breakout season going with yet another stellar performance, turning a whopping 14 targets into 80 receiving yards and his 6th TD of the season. The game script against the Vikings this week should be a high-scoring one on both sides of the ball, as both teams’ average performing defenses will likely be exposed by two of the league’s most potent offenses. The Vikings have given up the 7th most fantasy points to WRs and the Vikings lack the elite speed in their secondary that is necessary to contain Hollywood. The Ravens have been given a 28 implied point total and I expect Hollywood to contribute at least six to that. This could end up being a monster game for Brown.
Tyler Conklin
Conklin has been enjoying a surprisingly productive season, receiving at least four targets in all but one game this season. He is taking on a Ravens defense that has given up the most points per game to opposing fantasy TEs. In this high-scoring contest where the Vikings will need to get everyone involved in order to keep up, Conklin has by far the juiciest matchup and should expose this Baltimore defense. But hey, I think we can all agree that if anyone from the Vikings is going to have a day against the Ravens, we want it to be Conklin, rather than the likes of Dalvin Cook or Justin Jefferson.
Sit Em’
Ravens Running Backs
I want no part of this Ravens backfield. No need to deep dive into this take. The Ravens have a rotating backfield of post-hype elderly RBs. There is no crystal clear #1 in the rotation and even if there was, would you be excited about starting Devonta Freeman or Le’Veon Bell? Ty’Son Williams? Nah, that’s a no from me dog.
Justin Jefferson
Obviously you aren’t going to bench Jefferson if he is on your fantasy team, but expectations need to be tampered this week. You wouldn’t guess it, but the Ravens have done surprisingly well against fantasy WRs, being the 9th stingiest defense in the league against the position. Jefferson can have a day on any given Sunday, but I expect Adam Thielen to be the prime target this week in the red zone and Cook/Conklin have a far better chance of being productive today.
Streamin’ around the league
Quarterback
Tyrod Taylor
Tyrod is going to be available in almost every league and has a fantastic matchup in his first game back against the Dolphins, who rank 26th in pass defense and give up the 3rd most points to fantasy QBs. The Texans are five-point underdogs and while Tyrod doesn’t have very attractive receivers outside of Brandin Cooks, that should lead to more scrambles from Taylor. He is not the most exciting QB to start, but if you are in a pinch he should get you enough points to keep your team afloat.
Running Back
Zack Moss
Moss has possibly the best game script and matchup of any RB this week, going against the Jags’ defense, worst in the league. The Bills have a 31.5 implied point total and are favored by over two touchdowns. Moss will get plenty of carries in garbage time and should not have a too terribly difficult time finding running lanes against the Dolphins. Moss should rack up easily over 50 scrimmage yards and at least one TD.
Wide Receiver
Rashod Bateman
This could be Bateman’s big breakout week as a rookie. As I said before, the Vikings allow the 7th most fantasy points to opposing WRs and in this high-scoring game, the Ravens will need all their weapons to be on their A game. Bateman should play a pivotal role this week and I’m betting on him scoring his first regular season TD of his young career.
Tight End
Evan Engram
I don’t expect a monster week by Engram by any means, but the Giants are struggling heavily with injuries to their pass catchers. Engram has the opportunity to play a key role this week in a very nice matchup against the Raiders, who rank 23rd in pass defense and allow he 3rd most fantasy points to opposing TEs. The Giants are three-point underdogs and Daniel Jones needs someone to catch passes this week. Engram should be able to give you at least 7-8 points this week, which is fine if your starting TE is injured or on a bye.
Fire & Ice
Fire squad
QB: Matt Stafford
RB: Myles Gaskin
WR: Dionte Johnson
TE: Dallas Goedert
Ice Squad
QB: Matt Ryan
RB: Khalil Herbert
WR: DJ Moore
TE: George Kittle
