Fantasy Football Team Previews 2020: Baltimore Ravens
Must Own = Top 120
Value = 121-170
Deep Sleeper = 171 or later
All ADP data is courtesy of Fantasy Pros
Must Own:
Lamar Jackson, QB (ADP: 20): Jackson’s MVP campaign last year was so out of this world that it seems unrepeatable, therefore making this ADP a fool’s errand. Jackson entered last season with the reputation of a QB who was a great runner but a terrible passer. He ended it with 36 passing touchdowns against six picks, and a 9% touchdown percentage. I don’t believe that touchdown percentage is sustainable, and he’ll take a step back on those passing numbers, even if PFF gave him an 82.5 passing grade. I also don’t care, because his rushing floor is that of an early-round RB. He lit up the NFL for 1,206 yards and seven rushing touchdowns, building upon a rookie campaign in which he went for 695 yards and five rushing touchdowns. We have not seen a QB like him since Michael Vick, and he may even be superior because of his field vision and ability to avoid big hits. I normally would not recommend a QB at this point, and likely wouldn’t draft him at No. 20 myself, but I think he can absolutely return value on this.
Mark Andrews, TE (ADP: 36): Andrews is the hot TE this year, because it’s boring talking about Travis Kelce and George Kittle’s dominance. Andrews is every bit the playmaker as those two; he averaged 13.3 yards per reception and scored 10 touchdowns, both repeatable feats. I’m a huge fan of Andrews’ work, but this ADP is pretty high for a player who will, at times, be inconsistent. The reason he’s not quite at the level of Kelce or Kittle is that he is not going to see anything close to their volume. Baltimore rushed 596 times last season, 98 attempts more than the 49ers, and for good reason. There’s absolutely zero reason for them to not run that approach back, so Andrews will have some duds here and there.
Mark Ingram, RB (ADP: 46): Ingram is being drafted 22nd at his position, classic disrespect for one of the least sexy, but most consistent fantasy RBs. Ingram’s rushed for 1,000+ yards in three of the last four seasons, and scored double-digit rushing TDs twice in the last three years. He also is quietly a dual-threat RB, catching five receiving touchdowns on just 26 receptions. It’s a low reception total, yes, but he’s maxed out at more than 50 in a season. This is simply not an offense with much passing volume. The presence of Jackson makes running the ball so much easier, and even though there’s a hotshot rookie waiting in the wings, if Ingram stays healthy he’ll be so good that rookie will just have to watch and learn. Big value.
Marquise Brown, WR (ADP: 77): Brown battled injuries and low passing volume last season, but still put together a solid rookie campaign, finishing with 46 catches, 584 yards and seven touchdowns. He is the unquestioned No. 1 on this team, and even though they don’t pass much, he’ll receive the lion’s share of the targets. At 12.7 yards per reception, Brown has the ability to be efficient on a smaller target share, and if Jackson even comes near his 2019 TD% Brown will be a breakout.
J.K. Dobbins, RB (ADP: 97): Dobbins is a monster, and if he can work his way into the lead role on this team he’ll probably win that owner the league. He put up 2,003 yards just on the ground at Ohio State last year – 2,250 yards from scrimmage – and 23 total touchdowns. He’s blocked by Ingram, a bona fide elite RB, but even in a committee he should be efficient enough in limited work to have FLEX appeal. This ADP is fairly high for a handcuff, but the upside makes it worth the bet. I have no qualms taking Dobbins at this point.
Value:
Deep Sleepers:
Devin Duvernay, WR (ADP: 230): I’m not convinced this offense can support three fantasy relevant pass-catchers, but if it can, I cannot ignore Duvernay’s 106-catch season at Texas as a junior. He has 4.39 speed and led the entire country in receptions last year in the Big 12, a major conference. That’s legit talent, in a WR corps that lacks any established options outside of Brown.
Willie Snead, WR (ADP: 233): Snead is a fantasy irritant, putting up consistently meh numbers each year. He’s not someone you should draft outside of very deep – think 14 teams or more – leagues, but he’s someone to keep in mind when weighing risk of drafting a more appealing Baltimore receiver.
Gus Edwards, RB (ADP: 265): Edwards is one of the NFL’s hidden gems, buried in a backfield that’s an embarrassment of riches. He’s not going to crack the rotation here outside of blowouts, but Edwards has averaged 5.3 yards per carry in his career and been extremely fantasy relevant whenever he’s had opportunity. If Ingram or Dobbins gets hurt, Edwards will have FLEX value in a limited role, and if he somehow gets into the better half of a timeshare, he’s easily a high-end RB2. His lack of receiving game contribution puts a cap on his overall upside, but this ADP means he’s free. Despite injury being his only path to relevance, I still wouldn’t hate on picking him as a lottery ticket.
Miles Boykin, WR (ADP: 290): Boykin has a chance to be a bit of a touchdown maven in this offense, due to his 6’4, 220-lb. frame. He’s talented, but his inability to make a dent last year despite 16 games of health is a bit of a red flag. I wouldn’t write him off, but I do think Duvernay is the better young receiver to take a flier on.