This game will be the home opener for the New England Patriots, who are coming off a big win. It was a much-needed confidence booster. Now, they have their work cut out in a difficult matchup in Week 3.
The Baltimore Ravens are coming off a brutal loss to the Miami Dolphins. They led 35-14 entering the fourth quarter and lost 42-38. They were outscored 28-3 in the fourth quarter. This week, they will look to prove they are the team that showed up in the first three quarters.4
READ MORE: Week 3 Survivor Picks
Best Bets to Consider for Week 3
(Odds provided by DraftKings SportsBook)
Ravens -3 (-115)
Ravens Moneyline (-155)
Patriots Under 20.5 Points (-120)
Ravens to Win Both Halves (+240)
Baltimore is a much better team right now, and they should win by more than a field goal. They dominated Miami for three quarters, which is more representative of who they are. The Patriots do not have the firepower to mount a comeback if they fall behind. Last week’s debacle in the fourth quarter by Baltimore will only add fuel to the Ravens fire.
Fantasy Football Preview of Week 3
Who to Start
Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
Jackson has the second most fantasy points total through two weeks, and he is a must-start in all leagues. However, he will not “break the slate” against a Bill Belichick defense that will bend but not break.
Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens
Andrews is a must-start in all leagues and remains one of the best tight ends in the league.
Rashod Bateman, WR, Ravens
Bateman is at least a flex play in all leagues. Through two weeks, he has 167 yards, two touchdowns, and six receptions on 12 targets. He is not a WR2 in all leagues because Belichick will not let him get behind the defense as he has been.
Ravens Defense/ Special Teams
This defense is solid despite giving up 42 points to Miami. They get sacks and create turnovers, and now they face a weak offense. They are a must-start in all leagues.
Damien Harris, RB, Patriots
It is hard to sit Harris as he continues to run hard and provide a spark for this offense. He is a solid flex option in most leagues. His pass-catching ability helps his fantasy value.
Jakobi Meyers, WR, Patriots
Meyers is a flex play in 12+ team, PPR leagues. He was Mac Jones’s leading receiver last season and continues to be now. Meyers has seen 19 targets in two weeks and caught 13 for 150 yards.
Who to Sit
Mac Jones, QB, Patriots
Unless you are in a 14+ team, two QB league, Jones is not a starter yet. He may get there, but not this week against Baltimore.
J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ravens
Ravens coach John Harbaugh said, “He’s been week-to-week the last couple of weeks, so that’s what it is. When he’s ready, he’ll be out there.”
So, even if he does play, it sounds like he would be limited.
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Patriots
Stevenson still looks great, but he is not getting enough opportunities yet and remains an RB4.
Nelson Agholor, WR, Patriots
Agholor made one of the best plays of his career on Sunday when he came down with a jump ball and turned a likely interception into a 44-yard touchdown. He looks fast and has nine receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets in two games. However, most of his points came from one play, which is unreliable. His fantasy ranking is still in the 60s for receivers, so there is likely a better option. He is worthy of being added to rosters and played in daily fantasy, though.
Patriots Defense
This defense is a solid unit but one to avoid this week.
Daily Fantasy Sleeper
Nelson Agholor, WR, Patriots $4,100 on DraftKings
Agholor may not be a reliable starter in season-long fantasy, but he is a great tournament play on DraftKings for that price. He also comes with low ownership. Agholor will likely get another deep ball because he is the fastest receiver available, and they will need a lot of points. If he connects, it will return a great value in a unique lineup.
READ MORE: Patriots Special Teams Recap
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