The 0-1 Baltimore Ravens are 8.5-point home favorites against the 0-1 Las Vegas Raiders. This will be a way softer matchup and environment on paper compared to their faceoff against the two-time defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. Although the home team is a heavy favorite in Week 2, they have much to prove to repeat their claim as one of the top AFC teams a week into the 2024 NFL season.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Las Vegas Raiders 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.
Zay Flowers, Wide Receiver, Baltimore Ravens (DraftKings: $8.8K)
Zay Flowers is the top wide receiver for the Ravens and should get his fair share of targets in Todd Monken’s offense, especially with screens. He had 6 catches but 10 targets with only 37 yards, so hopefully there is room for growth with his yards after the catch.
As the 2nd highest-price receiver, he is worth the value compared to the Las Vegas Raiders top wide receiver Davante Adams. Expect passes going his way in a game with Baltimore in a game with an implied combined team total of 41.5 over/under according to BetMGM.
Alexander Mattison, Running Back, Las Vegas Raiders (DraftKings: $4K)
Alexander Mattison was more involved as a pass-catcher for the Raiders, compared to $6.6K running back Zamir White. In a game as 8.5 underdogs, Gardner Minshew will likely be pressured constantly and check it down to his Mattison on passing downs to avoid the rush. He only had 5 carries for 19 yards but finished with a receiving touchdown and 4 receptions for 43 yards. Mattison is in a 50-50 timeshare but could have an expanded role if they are down early.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Las Vegas Raiders DFS Sit ‘Ems
On the flip side of things, here are a few of the players we are sitting in this one.
Brock Bowers, Tight End, Las Vegas Raiders (DraftKings: $6.4K)
Although the former first-round rookie tight end had a nice outing against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Baltimore Ravens defense is a tougher test. Brock Bowers finished with 6 catches for 58 yards on 8 targets but in comparison to Mark Andrews, a bounceback by the Ravens tight end at $7.4K is worth it over the $1K difference in price point with Bowers.
Mark Andrews, Tight End, Baltimore Ravens (DraftKings: $7.4K)
Mark Andrews was bracketed and double-covered against the tough Chiefs defense. The Raiders don’t have that luxury, as he could surpass the breakout tight end Isaiah Likely in targets this week. Both Ravens’ tight ends will be matchup and script-dependent on their usage since they both are involved in the run game as blockers and as receivers in the passing game.
Total Apex Lock of the Game
Derrick Henry, Running Back, Baltimore Ravens (DraftKings: $9.4K)
With Baltimore being the favorite, Derrick Henry will likely see more usage compared to the 13 carries he got in a negative game script where they had to pass more. Maybe 20 is a high expectation, but closer to the 15-19 range is plausible in favorite matchups against below-average run defenses early in the game. The Raiders got gashed by former Raven, now Charger, running back J.K. Dobbins in Week 1 on the ground.
Total Apex Fade of the Game
Zamir White, Running Back, Las Vegas Raiders (DraftKings: $6.6K)
Sharing a backfield, Zamir White had a bad start to 2024 as the projected starter. He had 13 carries for 44 yards but was not involved as a receiver and will need a touchdown to pay off in a low total offense. Fumbling the ball did not help his case as the lead back who will likely see his role shrink in games where they are projected big underdogs.
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