The 11-5 Baltimore Ravens are looking to solidify their playoff seeding on Saturday at home against the 3-13 Cleveland Browns. This should be a walk in the park despite their past history, with Jameis Winston taking them down earlier in the year. But with DTR at the helm, it is clear it isn’t the same offense due to injury. Baltimore still has the AFC North to play for, as the 10-6 Pittsburgh Steelers are playing the 8-8 Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday Night.
Browns vs. Ravens 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.
Mark Andrews ($4.5K DraftKings; $6.5K Fanduel)
Andrews is on a five-game streak of scoring at least a touchdown. After a rough start, the Ravens tight end has been Lamar Jackson’s go-to red zone target, catching 10 touchdowns this season. Although Isaiah Likely cuts into his snaps, the big plays have gone to Andrews recently.
Jordan Akins ($3K DraftKings; $5K Fanduel)
With David Njoku likely out again, Atkins has gotten more volume at tight end compared to their wide receivers in Cleveland. DTR has keened in on Atkins as his safety valve in the remains of this Kevin Stefanski offense. Although the Ravens’ defense has been way better, if the Browns are down early and can’t run, they will have to throw enough short passes to be fantasy-viable.
Browns vs. Ravens DFS Sit ‘Ems
On the flip side of things, here are a few of the players we are sitting in this one.
D’Onta Foreman ($4.9K DraftKings; $5.9K Fanduel)
Jerome Ford could be out again, so that makes way for Foreman to start again. Baltimore has boasted a top-run defense all year and it doesn’t change now. The only way he pays off is not the volume, it’s if they somehow find a way near the red zone. The Browns will likely be in pass mode most of the game.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson ($4.5K DraftKings; $6.5K Fanduel)
This is obvious sit, as he and Bailey Zappe are splitting the reps this weekend. The Ravens’ defense should roll this talent-depleted offense with no Cedric Tillman on injured reserve. The run game was productive with Ford for a two-week span but if he’s out, then they might just try to get Jerry Jeudy the ball. However, the quality of targets he’s getting is not really worth a start with his price.
Total Apex Lock of the Game
Lamar Jackson ($8K DraftKings; $9.1K Fanduel)
Jackson did have a bad game the last time they played in October. However, Jackson has been clicking the past two months and should find his playmakers against a good pass rush with Myles Garrett. The run game will be the focus of course but that includes Jackson getting it done on the ground as an MVP candidate in a career season. Derrick Henry should still be used early but the Ravens could implement more Keaton Mitchell to perverse Henry a bit unless he is needed.
Total Apex Fade of the Game
Jerry Jeudy ($6.4K DraftKings; $6.6K Fanduel)
While he is the top receiver, there is no way I trust either Browns quarterback to give him the volume he needs. Marlon Humphrey, who is having a career year, will also be on him and should suppress him enough not to be as fantasy-viable this week. He did have 12 catches off 18 targets last week against the Miami Dolphins. While it is hard to play against that, I don’t think that will carry over into this week for Jeudy against a better defense in Baltimore. The Ravens’ defense should key in on him.
