3 bold predictions for Baltimore Ravens in Week 1 against Houston Texans

2. J.K. Dobbins will finish week one as a top 5 fantasy football running back

J.K. Dobbins is being drafted around 20th at the running back position in fantasy leagues, but also in DFS this week. It is fair to question the long-term stability for Dobbins, but this week, a top 10 finish is on the table, and if we want to get bold, he gets to the top five this week.

Dobbins is leading the rushing attack and is fully healthy. The Texans' defensive front is not bad, but with Tyler Linderbaum, Kevin Zeitler, and John Simpson coming off of a strong preseason, the Ravens have the advantage.

Beyond that, the Texans are weak at linebacker. If Dobbins can get to the second level, he can rip off chunk gains. More than that, we may see Dobbins catch passes for the first time. He averages just one catch per game, but this season, Todd Monken has said he plans to throw more in general but also incorporate his running back in the passing game more. That is an underrated value for Dobbins in fantasy football.

You could see a scenario where Dobbins catches a few passes early to help get Lamar Jackson into the flow of the offense. If the Ravens do take the lead, they will run the ball late, and Dobbins could pile onto what was already a nice floor. He could finish this week as one of the best fantasy football plays.