Ebony Bird
FanSided

Ravens sleepers for week 6

By Brett Foote

facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next

Oct 11, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Javorius Allen (37) runs as Cleveland Browns strong safety Donte Whitner (31) defends during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Javorius “Buck” Allen

We were right about one thing last week, and that’s the fact that the Ravens’ number 2 running back would make an impact.  Unfortunately, Lorenzo Taliaferro just couldn’t overcome his nagging foot injury, which means that rookie Buck Allen has emerged as Justin Forsett’s top backup.

More from Ravens News

Now, Forsett has been on fire the last two weeks and will continue to dominate carries.  Plus, Allen has been mostly unimpressive thus far, which is why he was operating behind Taliaferro on the depth chart. But he now becomes a product of opportunity and is one injury away from lead back status.

Coincidentally, Forsett is currently nursing an injury and missed a bunch of practice this week.  While he will likely still play Sunday, Allen figures to see at least 8-10 carries a game going forward and was already operating as the Ravens’ goal line back last week.

Allen hit the hole hard on a 44 yard scamper in week 5 and has passing game chops as well.  If he can continue to show improvement, he might just carve out a significant role on this offense.  The 49ers aren’t terrible against the run (17th, giving up 108.0 yards per game), but they aren’t that good either.

I think he’s good for 40-50 yards and a touchdown this week, even if he doesn’t start.  If Forsett does sit, Allen is set up for a big game as a true workhorse.  And that makes him the top sleeper pick of the week.

Next: Jeremy Ross

More from Ebony Bird

Home/Ravens News