The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the most consistent teams in the NFL over the last decade. They have won a Super Bowl and have had only two losing seasons in that same time. The Ravens are coming off one of the worst seasons in recent history as they finished 5-11 in 2015. The Ravens dealt with several injuries to their key players which resulted in their down season. Below is a look at the Baltimore Ravens 2016 fantasy football preview.
Baltimore Ravens 2016 Fantasy Football Preview
Quarterback
Joe Flacco is a good NFL quarterback but in regards to fantasy football he does not produce a lot of points consistently. Last season, before suffering a torn ACL, Flacco averaged 14 fantasy points per game. With the former University of Delaware signal caller and several of the Ravens skill position players returning from injury this season, he could be a risky pick the season. Flacco is worth a late-round flier in deeper fantasy leagues this season.
Running Backs
Since the departure of Ray Rice the Ravens have been in search of a starting running back. Last season John Harbaugh‘s team used a running back by committee approach. Leaving said running back committee was journeyman Justin Forsett who had 800 total yards and two touchdowns in 2015. Forsett was coming off of a career season in 2014 and was taken high in many drafts last season. He missed most of the 2015 season due to injury. The veteran back is getting great reviews out of training camp and is set start as the lead back for the Ravens this season. Forsett should be targeted in the middle to later rounds of drafts.
When Forsett went down with his injury last season running back Javorius Allen filled in as a suitable replacement. Allen had 860 total yards and three total touchdowns in 2015 and was a decent flex option. Another running back that is worth keeping in eye on in Baltimore is rookie Kenneth Dixon. Dixon has been dealing with a few injuries throughout training camp this season but he has great talent and could challenge Forsett and Allen for playing time this season. Baltimore will most likely use a running back by committee in 2016. The Ravens will most likely ride the hot hand which could make it difficult for fantasy owners this season.
Wide Receivers
Last season veteran wide receiver Steve Smith was off to a great start when he went down with an Achilles injury which ended his season. Smith had 670 yards and three touchdowns and was averaging 12 points per game before the injury. If Smith can return from his injury he could be a decent wide receiver three in deeper leagues this season. He is worth a late-round draft pick in drafts. Other receivers to keep an eye on in Baltimore are Kamar Aiken and Breshad Perriman. Aiken had a solid season last year totaling 944 yards and five touchdowns in the absence of Steve Smith. Perriman has dealt with several injuries in his young career but has great talent if he can stay healthy. Both are worth a late-round flier in drafts this season.
Tight Ends
The position of tight end in Baltimore has been in constant change due to multiple injuries at the position. Over the last few seasons Dennis Pitta has dealt with several injuries. In the off-season the Ravens signed former New Orleans Saints tight and Benjamin Watson who was coming off a career year with the Saints. Watson is now out for the season with a torn Achilles. The next player in line would be Maxx Williams who has also dealt with injuries in his young career. With the depth that the tight end position this year Williams is not worth much more than a late-round flier in deeper leagues.
Kicker
Kicker Justin Tucker has been one of the NFL’s best and most consistent kickers over the past few seasons. Tucker made 33 of his 40 field goal attempts last year and 29 extra point attempts. He is a solid kicker fantasy kicker. Tucker can be drafted towards the later rounds in drafts.
Defense
Baltimore’s defense has struggled in recent seasons and has not been the force it once was since the retirement of Ray Lewis. The defense was upgraded this off-season through the draft and free agency. The defense and special teams is worth keeping an eye on and could be a nice bye week fill in or used in match up play this season.
If the Ravens can stay healthy in 2016, which was a big problem in 2015, they should be able to reclaim their spot as one of the best teams in the AFC North. Baltimore returning to its former glory largely hinges on the health of their quarterback Joe Flacco. If the Ravens can stay healthy their play makers will have good chances to produce solid fantasy numbers in 2016.
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