The Colts couldn’t do much to slow the Bengals offense but the Ravens may have more luck. That will have repercussions for fantasy.
The Bengals torched the Colts in fantasy football, to no one’s surprise. Going up against one of the worst defenses in football, the team’s offensive studs had great games. The Bengals will draw a much tougher matchup against Baltimore this week, though. Not only is it a short week, but the Ravens look like one of the best defenses in the league. Let’s see who is a good option this week, for both teams.
Quarterbacks
Andy Dalton – middling streaming option. I wouldn’t start Dalton if you can avoid it, but he should still have an average game. In a close game, Dalton should throw 30+ times, so he should put up at least some production. He’ll be a fringe QB1.
Joe Flacco – middling streaming option. I would play Dalton ahead of Flacco, but Flacco isn’t the worst option. Clearly, the Ravens are not afraid to throw the ball. He won’t be nearly as efficient as last week, but he’ll also be on the QB1 fringes.
Start him – Jimmy Garappolo. After struggling against Minnesota, the luster may be coming off Jimmy G a little bit. However, he gets a much easier matchup this week against a Detroit defense that gave up 48 points against the Jets.
Sit him – Sam Darnold. There aren’t any obvious sits this week, but don’t get too hyped about Darnold. He got an easy matchup against the Lions, and now faces the Dolphins, who will keep the game slow and low-scoring.
Running Backs
Bengals RBs – Mixon is a RB2. After destroying Indy, Mixon faces a much tougher test in Baltimore this week. Baltimore has a staunch run defense, which will inhibit his efficiency. Giovani Bernard is not worth a start this week until he gets more work.
Ravens RBs – becoming murkier. Alex Collins, the season starter, only got 7 carries in a blowout win against Buffalo. He should be a safe start, but be cautious with him. Kenneth Dixon and Javorious Allen are interesting waiver wire adds, but hold off on playing them just yet.
Start him – Adrian Peterson. The Redskins showed they are not afraid to work Peterson, so until he gives out, he should get a big workload. They play the Colts, who just ceded a big game to our own Joe Mixon.
Sit him – Peyton Barber. A good RB2 to start the year, Barber is not a reliable option against the Eagles. The Eagles are a force against backs, locking them down on a regular basis. Don’t play Barber if you can avoid it.
Wide Receivers
Bengals WRs – Green has a green light. AJ Green still dominates the target share, so he is safe in almost any matchup. Especially with top corner Jimmy Smith out, fire Green up as a WR1. John Ross is an intriguing flier, but is no more than a WR4.
Ravens WRs – pick your favorite. For the second straight week, Michael Crabtree has a tough matchup (William Jackson III). However, he’s always a touchdown threat. Willie Snead and John Brown are flex options in PPR, but there are better players out there.
Start him – Emmanuel Sanders. Until he fades, keep throwing Sanders out there. He got 11 targets against Seattle, and should be in a similar position for success against a brutally bad Oakland defense.
Sit him – Randall Cobb. Cobb had a phenomenal game in helping the Packers beat the Bears, but his target share was much bigger than it usually is. Expect Davante Adams to be the lead receiver next week as Minnesota dampens all the Packers’ receivers.
Tight Ends
Tyler Eifert – low end TE1. The Bengals showed last week they don’t want to overuse Eifert, which limits his upside. He will still get his touches, but on a snap count. If the Bengals don’t give him more work, Eifert will be touchdown-or-bust.
Maxx Williams – don’t do it. Seriously, just don’t do it.
Start him – Jordan Reed. Much like Eifert, Reed is coming back from injury. However, Reed is getting more work, and seems to be a favorite target of Alex Smith. Against the Colts, Reed should have easy success.
Sit him – Kyle Rudolph. The Vikings have shown they are willing to spread the ball around, which doesn’t help Rudolph, especially in the red zone. The Packers have guys who can cover Rudolph, so he may struggle to put up big stats.