The Madman is scared. We’re not afraid to admit it. We’re frightened, at least regarding any fantasy investments we’ve made in players from the Ravens.
And with quarterback Joe Flacco out again this week — and who knows if he will even get the starting job back when healthy — we expect those fears to be realized for at least one more game.
Rookie QB Lamar Jackson was exciting to watch. The throwback option offense is fascinating. Jackson’s abilities to maximize such a game plan is exceptional and impressive. But like watching a summer blockbuster with fantastic effects but a nonsense plot, Baltimore’s strategy Sunday left fantasy owners of various other Ravens feeling unsatisfied.
First, and we can’t say this loudly enough: Where is Alex Collins!?!?! Fantasy owners have been patiently waiting for Collins to get a consistent workload from coach John Harbaugh. In a great matchup, with a run-heavy game plan, those carries instead went to undrafted rookie Gus Edwards.
Edwards got 17 attempts — a total Collins has surpassed just twice this season — and he racked up 115 yards and a touchdown. Collins managed just 18 yards on seven carries, but did get a score.
It can be difficult trying to guess what coaches are going to do, as Harbaugh has shown us for years regarding his running game. But we also haven’t seen him with this type of QB, running this type of offense and that combination being successful.
So though we have reservations putting faith in any new RB under Harbaugh’s watch, Edwards represents the type of upside potential you rarely find on waiver wires this late, so bust your budget to get him hoping Harbaugh sticks to this plan as long as Flacco is out. And if you have Collins, bench him until further notice.
The fantasy carnage doesn’t end in the backfield, though. Wide receivers John Brown and Michael Crabtree aren’t winning leagues for anyone, but they have been rosterable players who served as fine bye week or short-term fantasy fill-ins — both average just short of 10 PPR points per week.
Sunday, Brown got one catch on just one target, both season lows, for a measly 23 yards. He now has three straight games with 30 yards or fewer, after averaging 84.5 over the first four games of the season. Crabtree got one of three targets for just 7 yards — all season lows.
Perhaps there is a sliver of hope for those with Willie Snead on their rosters — he caught five of eight targets for 51 yards. But Jackson attempted just 19 passes, completed just 13. That isn’t a passing game that will generate useful fantasy numbers consistently.
How about Jackson? Is he worth acquiring? He was tied for 11th in fantasy production by QBs heading into Monday’s game. And that is on a week when six teams were on a bye, and a week when he likely reached his ceiling. There are other more dependable options.
Go get Edwards, but take a pass on Jackson.
Go grab ‘em
Dontrelle Inman WR, Colts
The coaching staff has voiced its excitement at acquiring Inman last month. He is averaging 5.7 targets since being utilized the past three games. And the Colts’ offense is rolling.
Bruce Ellington WR, Lions
In his Detroit debut, Ellington stepped immediately into the role of the Lions’ No. 2 receiver behind Kenny Golladay. Fine fill-in while Marvin Jones is out.
Marcell Ateman WR, Raiders
Someone has to catch a few passes for Oakland, right? With Jordy Nelson and now Brandon LaFell out, and unreliable Martavis Bryant nursing a knee injury, Ateman will get more snaps.
Cameron Brate TE, Buccaneers
With Jameis Winston reportedly reclaiming the QB job, Brate is back on radar based on the past connection with Winston. Brate gets bigger boost if O.J. Howard (ankle) misses time.
Take a pass
Eli Manning QB, Giants
Has done fine the past few weeks, but worry about his upcoming schedule. He has topped 20 fantasy points just once all season. Let someone else pick him up.
D’Onta Foreman RB, Texans
Recently activated from PUP list in his return from an Achilles injury. He might be the Texans’ RB of the future, but don’t expect significant fantasy impact this season.
Courtland Sutton WR, Broncos
In two games since the trade of Demaryius Thomas, his production and use have not increased. The high hopes he would become a legitimate fantasy option have not been realized.
John Ross WR, Bengals
He has scored two straight weeks, and will be a waiver target for some based on that. Let them have him. Ross has just 11 catches all year, with four TDs. That is not a sustainable TD rate. Plus, A.J. Green will return.
