Baltimore Ravens
QB Joe Flacco (QB - #16) - Quality Backup
Don't over think this. Three straight seasons, Flacco has passed for 3600 yards. In that span, the number of touchdown throws is between 20 and 25. In three of his four pro seasons, he has tossed exactly 12 interceptions. The completion percentage dropped last season. Confidence should be up after nearly pulling out the AFC Championship. Not ideal as a fantasy starter, but a solid QB2.
QB Tyrod Taylor (QB - #49) - Low Potential
The developing Taylor makes more plays with his legs than arm, but has winning instincts. The Ravens added Curtis Painter for depth chart purposes. If you saw Painter quarterbacking the Colts last season, you know should anything happen to Joe Flacco, Taylor gets the nod, though neither passer figures to be a fantasy gem.
RB Ray Rice (RB - #2) - Stud (low risk)
Remember the guessing game as to which elite running back to draft first last season. AP? CJ2K? Charles? The correct answer clearly was Mr. Rice. He returned to his prolific 2010 production levels while tacking on a career-high 15 touchdowns and received a fat new contract as reward. Now the debate is Rice, Foster or McCoy. Opinions may vary, but nobody will mock a Rice pick at the top. As long as one of his backups does not vulture goal line chances, he remains elite.
RB Bernard Pierce (RB - #68) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
In recent seasons, any fantasy owner with the Ravens' starting runner has one fear: the Ravens backup at the goal line. Considering the rookie projected into the role behind Ray Rice scored 27 rushing touchdowns last season, there is reason to be nervous. Pierce offers inside power, but is no timeshare threat. Scoring threat? That could be another story.
RB Vonta Leach (RB - #99) - Not Draft Worthy
Leach's Pro Bowl status comes from his lead blocking, not his handling of the football. He did match his career-high with 27 touches last season, though the bruiser failed to score for the second straight campaign. Fantasy owners should root for Leach to open up holes for Ray Rice and keep defenders off Joe Flacco. There is no need to look his way for fantasy production.
WR Torrey Smith (WR - #31) - Sleeper (undervalued)
The true definition of a home run hitting receiver. Smith blazed onto the scene in Week 3 with five receptions for 152 yards and three touchdowns. Topped the catches and yardage total in Week 10 later. In all other games, went over 80 yards just once. That's where the sleeper tag comes into play; if Smith can add consistency to his game while still flashing high-end upside, look out. Tremendous potential, especially once he learns how to run routes. Certainly a fun pick and fine as a low-end WR2, better as an all-upside WR3.
WR Anquan Boldin (WR - #39) - Quality Backup
Went from being the Ravens' receiving savior to number two fantasy wide out on his own team. Boldin averaged a career-high 15.6 ypc and remains the go-to option down field. However, his three scores are his lowest output since 2004. Could be a bargain if he falls in drafts, but better to miss Boldin than overspend thinking he's still a WR2.
WR Jacoby Jones (WR - #67) - Deep-league Only
Any list of frustrating fantasy players surely would have Jones on it. After several seasons of being unable to produce consistently (despite playing opposite Andre Johnson), the Texans sent Jones packing. Much better suited as Baltimore's third receiver than Houston's second. Not a fantasy option unless injuries open up playing time.
TE Dennis Pitta (TE - #14) - Deep-league Only
Many a fantasy list will rank Ed Dickson over his fellow Ravens tight end. Don't be so quick to agree with them, though a hand injury this summer slows Pitta's chances of moving into a larger role early on. Including the playoffs, Pitta scored four touchdowns over the final eight games and caught 13 passes combined in the last three contests. The combination with Dickson should help the Ravens offense, but could cancel each other out in fantasy. TE2 sleeper down the line.
TE Ed Dickson (TE - #28) - Sleeper (undervalued)
The Ravens' third-leading receiver last season had it going on through nine weeks, hauling in 40 passes with three touchdowns. Over the final seven games he had only 14 receptions. Maybe defenses adjusted. Maybe more involvement from the Ravens' other tight end Dennis Pitta was to blame. Worth grabbing as a TE2 and with Pitta out with a hand injury, Dickson could subtly move up the ranks, though with both around the situation reeks of TEBC.
PK Billy Cundiff (K - #16) - Solid/Safe Pick
The Ravens' historically conservative offense has nearly always produced a fantasy-worthy kicker. Cundiff tied for ninth in the NFL with a career-high 28 field goals last year. Less interesting in leagues that reward kicks from 50 yards and beyond. Missed five of six attempts from that range.
PK Justin Tucker (K - #17) - Bye Week Fill-in
The Ravens ultimately chose Tucker, an undrafted rookie out of Texas, over veteran Billy Cundiff. A cost-cutting decision perhaps, but Tucker pulled the upset by consistently banging kicks through the upright during practice and games. Baltimore's offense is hardly high-powered so countless scoring opportunities may not exact, making the new guy a middle of the pack option.
Baltimore Defense (Def - #2) - Stud (low risk)
Always a fantasy stalwart - just maybe a touch less so if pass rusher Terrell Suggs misses most or all of the season with an Achilles injury. Then again, the Ravens always find a way, as long as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are on the field. Like them as a top 5 lock with Suggs. Like them as a starting unit without him, but less so.
