The 10-4 Steelers travel to Baltimore to take on the 9-5 Ravens, as this game could play out differently with no George Pickens already ruled out for Saturday’s contest. Pittsburgh won a low-scoring contest in their first matchup, but Pickens and potentially T.J. Watt limited or out changes things in favor of Baltimore. We have seen their offense and defense change when they are not on the field.
While Lamar Jackson doesn’t have a great record against Pittsburgh, he hasn’t played them a ton despite them being in their division and has a great chance to turn the narrative around in week 16. The Ravens are coming off a dominant win, albeit it that it was the New York Giants, while the Steelers lost a close one to a top NFC contender in the Philadelphia Eagles.
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 with the AFC North division on the line. While Baltimore is the favorite, they will have to clean up the penalties and mistakes to win in their home stadium.
Jaylen Warren ($5.2K DraftKings, $5.3K Fanduel)
With Pickens now out, I wouldn’t be surprised if Russ checks it down more often. In their first matchup, Pittsburgh won 18-16 in a close defensive showdown and classic AFC North battle in a potential playoff preview. Wilson and the offense for the Steelers played keep away, as they tried to limit turnovers and played relatively conservatively to win. Depending on how the Baltimore offense starts, there could be a chance for a more pass-happy game script, which is the opposite of week 11. This would benefit Jaylen Warren more than Najee Harris in week 16 if this were to happen.
Zay Flowers ($5.9K DraftKings, $7.2K Fanduel)
With both Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor both questionable to play this weekend, this is a good bounce-back spot for Zay Flowers. He only had a decent fantasy day last time due to a last-minute touchdown, as he moves around the field to exploit certain coverages on intermediate to deep crossers. This is opened up by the threat of the run from Jackson and Derrick Henry. For receivers, Flowers is the most expensive for this game but it is understandable to put in lineups regardless.
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.
Russell Wilson ($5.7K DraftKings, $7.8K Fanduel)
Although the Ravens’ defense can be beaten through the air, like their last matchup, it’s going to be a game or not turning the ball over. Russell Wilson had a potentially costly interception in the red zone that almost cost them the game in week 11. Without Pickens as well, there’s not much upside for Russ.
Mark Andrews ($4.3K DraftKings, $6K Fanduel)
Surprisingly, Mark Andrews has not scored on Pittsburgh in his career despite playing them frequently in the same division. The Steeler’s defense does give up some to the tight end, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Isaiah Likely has a boom game or someone else pops off with a big day.
Total Apex Lock of the Game
Lamar Jackson ($8.2K DraftKings, $8.8K Fanduel)
With the rushing floor and a banged-up T.J. Watt, Lamar Jackson is still a must start in fantasy. Even though he is 1-4 against Pittsburgh, I think he will want to change the narrative in a must-win game for the division with some key Steelers players now out on both sides. Derrick Henry has also not found the red zone as of late, as Jackson has gotten more plays on the ground ever since he was criticized by his mom when he wasn’t taking those rushing lanes from before.
Total Apex Fade of the Game
Rashod Bateman ($4.9K DraftKings, $6.3K Fanduel)
Even if Rashod Bateman plays, he was seen in a walking boot earlier this week and with Agholor also out, I would expect more double tight end usage. Rookie Devontez Walker and Tylan Wallace will see more snaps and looks as well, with Walker catching his first NFL catch and touchdown last week. Wallace can always take one to the house like he has a few times before, replacing Diontae Johnson, who is currently suspended. Justice Hill out of the backfield will also get more targets with their receiver injuries. It is unfortunate since Bateman has been their best deep threat for Jackson this year.
