The 12-5 Baltimore Ravens host the 10-7 Pittsburgh Steelers for their third season meeting, facing off in the Wildcard round Saturday night on Amazon Prime. Baltimore is surging on both sides, while Pittsburgh has been struggling to move the ball. The Steeler’s defense is healthier as of late, but Russell Wilson has not been the same despite George Pickens being back.
The Ravens have gone back to establishing the run more this past month with Derrick Henry, and Lamar Jackson is on the verge of potentially winning his third MVP. This game has to be the priority, as they have bigger aspirations.
Steelers 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 ($4.7K DraftKings)
Mark Andrews has been on a tear with a touchdown in six straight games and topped his career high in touchdowns this season with 11 despite not having one in September. While he has not been as fast as in previous years, Jackson trusts him in the red zone and on third downs to make big plays. Andrews won’t have a massive day but he will make an impact on like 4-5 catches and is a must in all lineups for a safe floor of fantasy points especially if he lands in the end zone again.
Lamar Jackson ($8K DraftKings)
No quarterback, other than Josh Allen, is playing at an elite level like Lamar Jackson with a team that can make a run at a title. Jackson finally overcame his demons against the Steelers a few weeks ago and he has a chance to repeat it at home again. Pittsburgh could limit him on the ground but expect the touchdown efficiency to be worth the salary. If the Steelers key in on stopping Henry, who gashed them last time, then Jackson should get his as a runner.
Steelers vs. Ravens DFS Sit ‘Ems
On the flip side of things, here are a few of the players we are sitting in this one.
Pat Freiermuth ($4.4K DraftKings)
Although Pat Freiermuth has seen steady volume, it is just not something to trust weekly. This Pittsburgh passing game has been inconsistent weekly and is matchup dependent. The tight end is a trusted target for Russ but he has had his own drops at key moments. I expect a healthy dose of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren to try to control the clock early for the Steelers for their struggling offense.
Russell Wilson ($5.3K DraftKings)
Russell Wilson struggled without Pickens last time and even with him back, he was still having issues moving the offense down the field even when targeting him. Pickens had some major drops last week and that could prove fatal that ends the Steelers playoff ride. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if they feed Pickens to get him going early. However, the Steelers passing game in general just isn’t a efficient or high powered attack to target for fantasy with them likely focusing on establishing the run.
Total Apex Lock of the Game
Derrick Henry ($8.2K DraftKings)
If it is a repeat like a few weeks ago and he gets enough work throughout the game, Derrick Henry will eat again against this Steelers run defense. With the cold temperatures, this type of game in the AFC North is made for Henry to be the focal point again for the Ravens’ offense. Especially with the Flowers injury, it makes the run game being successful that more important for Baltimore. The King should be able to fall in the endzone and have some big runs to potentially close out the game.
Total Apex Fade of the Game
Zay Flowers ($6K DraftKings)
Although John Harbaugh called his injury “day-to-day,” Zay Flowers will likely miss this contest with a knee sprain. Missing a 1,000-yard top Pro Bowl receiver in the offense will hurt the Ravens, as Baltimore will lean on their tight ends and run game against the Steelers. Rashod Bateman will be the top receiver, but I am not sure if they want to force-feed targets to him more than they already have.
Pittsburgh’s secondary has been exploitable lately, so expect both Andrews and Isaiah Likely to be heavily involved. However, Tylan Wallace, rookie Devontez Walker, or even veteran Nelson Agholor, if active, could pop in for a big play. Tight end Charlie Kolar is back, and potentially Justice Hill will be back this weekend against Pittsburgh.
With Keaton Mitchell in the mix, both running backs can help in the receiving game. The run game will still be the focal point for this game with the likely cold weather we are getting in Baltimore. The addition of King Henry was for moments in January and hopefully into February.
“It’s not a season-ending injury. It will be day-to-day.”
Coach Harbaugh on WR Zay Flowers: pic.twitter.com/2Em5OOjWrk
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 6, 2025
