Ravens Week 3 Fantasy Football Start ’em and Sit ’em

It’s hard to be mad at the Ravens in a loss if their stats got you a win in fantasy football right?

Right.

About Last Week: Ravens 33 – Raiders 37

September 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89, left) is fouled by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22, center) for a defensive holding penalty as Ravens free safety Kendrick Lewis (23) assists during the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 37-33. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens are 0-2 for the first time in the John Harbaugh era. But hopefully you’re not 0-2 in your fantasy league and even with these 2 painful losses. Although the Raiders walked away with the win, there were some good showings from the offense.

Joe Flacco threw for 384 yards and two touchdowns, and even rushed for 2 yards, but did throw that last minute interception. Nevertheless, Joe outplayed his projections and definitely made up for last week’s showing versus Denver.

Justin Forsett disappointed. He’s yet to find the endzone and only put up 68 yards rushing and 12 yards receiving. Is Trestman’s offense helping or hurting here?

Steve Smith, Sr. is another who put up a good showing with 150 receiving yards. Very impressive for the 36 year old.

September 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) catches a pass against Oakland Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden (25) and free safety Charles Woodson (24) during the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 37-33. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Tucker again proved his worth with 4 field goals made and 3 point after attempts.

The Ravens defense has shown that they are lost right now without their general Terrell Suggs. This was probably the more disappointing of all of the performances because usually it’s the defense and special teams units that can be heavily depended on in fantasy football.

Crockett Gilmore was a surprise in week 2 with 88 receiving yards and 2 TDs. I think it’s too early to declare him a fantasy stallworth, but I would surely keep an eye on him for some consistency in the passing game and his reliability. But I feel like he may be used as a decoy for week 3 while another receiver finally steps up. Marlon Brown? Darren Waller?

Sep 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Crockett Gillmore (80) scores a touchdown next to Oakland Raiders defensive back Taylor Mays (27) and middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (50) in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Start ‘em & Sit ‘em: Week 3 vs the Cincinnati Bengals @ M&T Bank Stadium

Start: Steve Smith, Sr., Justin Tucker

Sit: Joe Flacco, Justin Forsett, Ravens D/ST

Unless Justin Tucker is playing in some sort of inclement weather on natural grass or it’s a bye week, you should always start Justin Tucker.

Tucker Prediction: 2 for 2 on PAT, 3 for 3 on FG made (1 FG at 50+ yards)

Joe Flacco hasn’t been at his best versus the Bengals defense. In 14 career starts he’s 7-7, throwing 13 TDs, 18 INTs, and has posted a Quarterback Rating of just 69.6%. This is not the defense to start Joe Flacco against.

Flacco Prediction: 273 Passing Yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 3 Rush Yards

Perhaps Justin Forsett is still trying to find a way to thrive in Trestman’s offense. But the last 2 games have put both Buck Allen and Lorenzo Taliaferro in positions to excel beyond him. I have hope, but I’d still sit him this week.

Forsett Prediction: 68 Rushing Yards, 11 Receiving Yards

Steve Smith, Sr. is the clear go to guy for Flacco so whenever he does need someone to get him out of a jam, it’s going to be #89. Plus, who can forget last seasons performance against the Bengals’ defensive backs.

Smith, Sr. Prediction: 92 Receiving Yards, 1 TD

The Ravens defense still needs to find its identity without Terrell Suggs. Hopefully Jason Babin helps fill that void and define that identity for the immediate future. But as for now, I’d hold off on starting this defensive unit.

Defense/Special Teams Prediction: 2 sacks, 1 INT, 21 points allowed

The long road that is the tough first half of the season continues as the Ravens will do battle at home against the division rival Cincinnati Bengals. Here’s hoping for a win at home and the beginning of a comeback.

Sep 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh reacts during the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Next: Does 0-2 signal a lost season in the NFL?

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