Fantasy Analysis: Baltimore Ravens

Welcome back football audience. Brandon here, today we will continue our fantasy trek through the AFC North. We’ll be looking at the defending Super Bowl champs, the Baltimore Ravens. As we all know they had many key offseason losses but that’s not what we’re here to talk about. We are going to talk about fantasy, so let’s begin.

Joe Flacco: Time to bring the Super Bowl MVP under the fantasy microscope. While Flacco exploded in the postseason, he did not play as well in the regular season. Flacco didn’t even crack 4,000 passing yards and passed only for 22 TDs. Additionally, he threw 10 INTs and fumbled 9 times. Now if Flacco can play in 2013 like he did in the playoffs then he will be a good fantasy option. But without his top receiver in Anquan Boldin, it is uncertain which Flacco we will see. We likely won’t know until preseason. There are plenty of better fantasy options but he is a solid backup.

Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce: Ray Rice is a top fantasy RB. Fact. He’s Flacco’s favorite target. Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration, and I do mean slight. In addition to his 257 rushing attempts, Rice accounted for 61 receptions which was tied for second with Dennis Pitta, and only 4 less the leading receiver Boldin. With the loss of Boldin and no real replacement for him the reliance on Rice will only increase. Also worth noting is that Bernard Pierce started coming on at the end of the last season and throughout the postseason, so he may take away some carries but Pierce lacks the pass catching ability that Rice has. So while Pierce may be getting some more carries, he will not take away from Rice’s value.

Jacoby Jones and Torrey Smith: With Boldin gone, these two are next in line to be the starters. Smith is known for his ability to stretch the field and Flacco, if nothing else, can throw the ball deep. Last season Smith caught 49 balls for 855 yards, and this season he will likely eclipse 1,000 yards. Smith’s value will go up, the question is whether he will rise to the occasion. Jacoby Jones on the other hand, was the third receiver while Boldin was still around which worked out considering Jones also doubles as the return man. So whether or not he will maintain that role or step up into the second receiver position is unknown. Smith will be worth drafting at the back end of the early rounds but Jones not so much; he might be worth a late round pick.

Dennis Pitta: As I mentioned before Pitta tied with Rice for the second most receptions on the team. Pitta also was second in receiving TDs with 7 behind only Torrey Smith’s 8. Pitta is sitting on the edge of being a part of the top-tier TE. Another solid season and he well put himself in that category. He’s worth having on your team.

Justin Tucker: Tucker enjoyed a successful rookie campaign. He connected 30 of 33 FGs, and made all 42 PATs he attempted. I don’t know if the sophomore slump applies to kickers but I expect Tucker will continue to be reliable.

And that’s my analysis of the Baltimore Ravens. Leave comments below if you have any. Until next time, best wishes.