This classic AFC North matchup seems to trend toward a shootout, as the 2-2 Baltimore Ravens visit the 1-3 Bengals in Cincinnati. Both defenses have shown their warts this season, with the Ravens, it’s through the air. For the Bengals, it’s been more on the ground, as they have struggled with mobile quarterbacks especially. This should be a game with offensive fireworks, so here are some players to start or sit for Week 5 for Ravens vs. Bengals.
Ravens vs. Bengals DFS Start ‘Ems
Here are a few of the players that we are leaning on heavily in this game. These players are in a good spot to put together a solid performance and have a favorable matchup.
Derrick Henry ($7.8K DraftKings and $9.2K Fanduel)
The Cincinnati Bengals are 25th against the run. This should be a smash spot for Derrick Henry once again like the last two weeks for the Baltimore Ravens. However, there is a chance that due to the Bengals’ offense keeping up, the Ravens do pass a bit more than in previous weeks.
While Baltimore would love to ground and pound with a lead early, the Bengals could keep pace and if they get a turnover or two, could flip the script. They are 11th against the pass but have been exploitable through the air, especially against the Washington Commanders.
Team A vs. Team B DFS Sit ‘Ems
On the flip side of things, here are a few of the players we recommend sitting in this one.
Mike Gesicki ($3.4K DraftKings and $5.3K Fanduel)
With rookie tight end Erick All Jr. coming into the fold, veteran Mike Gesicki had a down week with just 1 catch but for -9 yards. With his price lower than Gesicki’s, he is a better cost-dependent player who could catch a few passes like the last few weeks to support a high floor. But the rookie has a higher ceiling and the same amount of opportunity to score, along with Gesicki.
Total Apex Lock of the Game
Lamar Jackson ($7.4K DraftKings and $8.8K Fanduel)
While both quarterbacks could be in advantageous spots, Lamar Jackson‘s ceiling as a rusher gives him a higher floor than Joe Burrow. While the Ravens’ defense has been up and down, they did show up last week against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. The floor could fall out on Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals offense, as they will likely have to pass the ball to win, but their offense has also been trendy in the right direction with a slow start. However, Cincinnati’s pass blocking could be for a rough day against a better Baltimore pass rush that’s been relentless as of late.
Total Apex Fade of the Game
Chase Brown ($5.6K DraftKings and $6.1K Fanduel)
The Ravens boast the top rush defense, so running backs Chase Brown and Zach Moss are not ideal plays. However, if Cincinnati gets in the goal line, Moss is more likely to get the red zone work. While both had great games in Week 4, it was against the Carolina Panthers. Their run defense compared to the Ravens is night and day, so the Bengals should be more geared toward the passing game.
Conclusion
The other plays I wanted to mention are the Baltimore tight ends (Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely) and Zay Flowers in particular. While it is dicey to roll them out in any fantasy format, there is a chance at some passing volume, at least more than the last two weeks just because of the defensive matchup based on last year.
But like how this season has gone down for the Ravens, it’s been feast or famine for their pass catchers, as Henry and Jackson are the focal points of Todd Monken’s offense as expected. A play on the opposite side that could be profitable could be a bounce-back game for Bengals receiver Tee Higgins, as Ja’Marr Chase should get most of the attention.
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