Baltimore Ravens: Fantasy Football Predictions Week 5

Running Backs:

In both matchups last year the Bengals struggled with running the ball, while the Ravens used all three of their backs effectively running at a pretty effective clip. It was clear the Ravens game plan last season was to run and get to the outside and expose their linebackers and then make Cincinnati one dimensional on offense. Entering this game the Ravens have rookie second-round pick J.K Dobbins who has made a handful of big plays this season and the same backs from last season, the Bengals also have the same guys who struggled last season.

With a new, rookie Quarterback the Bengals will most likely try to stick with the running game for longer this year. Even if they do, the Ravens have had success against Joe Mixon in the past. Both him and Giovani Bernard are both very capable pass-catching backs and that will be a big challenge for the Ravens linebackers in this game. For the Bengals, they now have to try and run on an upgraded Ravens defensive line and revamped linebacking corps. In order for Cincinnati to win this game, they will need to find success on the ground.

For the Ravens, their run game has been slowed down this year, but that hasn’t changed their record. Going into the game 3-1, this game is a good chance for the run game to get back on last year’s pace. With a rotation of four and a banged-up Jackson, look for him to lean on his backs more than he has in weeks past. Running back Mark Ingram had a touchdown in each matchup last season and will look to add to that total. Look for a lot of check-downs, screens, and outside runs to try and expose the Bengals linebackers.

In this game, Justice Hill who is now healthy could be very valuable to add outside speed, while J.K Dobbins can also expand his game and show off his skill set. Combine that with the downhill running of Ingram and Gus Edwards and the Ravens have the talent and scheme to take advantage of the Bengals defense and allow Jackson, who ran all over the Bengals last year, time to recover and not force him to run a lot this game. If the running backs can do their job, Lamar will have a much easier day through the air, this game is the right one to see if this running game can be at the level it was last season.

Prediction:

• J.K. Dobbins– Six carries, 30 rushing yards, three receptions, 25 receiving yards
• Gus Edwards– 11 carries, 70 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown
• Mark Ingram- 13 carries, 55 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, two receptions, 15 receiving yards
• Gio Bernard- Five carries, 12 rushing yards, four receptions, 30 receiving yards
• Joe Mixon– 18 carries, 60 rushing yards, three receptions, 40 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown