NFL training camps are open, and for millions of people worldwide their fantasy football preparation has begun in earnest. Here at Sports World News we will break down all 32 NFL teams in terms of their fantasy value. Readers will find the must-own players in every format, the sleepers in specific formats, and hidden gems only necessary for those in very deep leagues.
Today's preview will be on the Baltimore Ravens.
Must Own
Ray Rice, RB: Rice had an ugly offseason that resulted in a tainted reputation and a two-game suspension. He is lucky, though, that the suspension will only be for two games. Rice had a down year by all accounts in 2013, but he's only 27 years old so all hope isn't lost.
2013 was the first time he averaged less than four yards per carry, and he was still an active participant in the passing game. He should still be the man the Ravens call on for goal line opportunities as well, so don't be shocked if he is a quality RB2 once he is back on the field.
Torrey Smith, WR: Smith had his best season in 2013 as the undisputed No. 1 option in the Ravens' passing game. The problem was that his year wasn't elite level fantasy production. Smith caught 65 passes for 1,128 yards but only scored four touchdowns.
One thing for fantasy owners should notice though, is that his reputation as a boom-or-bust guy that relies on long touchdowns is a myth. Of his four scores in 2013, three came from inside eight yards of the end zone. His ceiling may never be more than a WR2, but he can contribute all over the field and is at worst a nice FLEX option.
Bernard Pierce, RB: Injuries hindered Pierce last season, but his inability to shine while Ray Rice struggled through his worst campaign was worrisome. Pierce was worse in fact, averaging just 2.9 yards per attempt, scoring just two touchdowns, and failing to factor in the passing game.
Even still, he's a starter for the first two weeks barring injury, and if he explodes he may wrest control from Rice of the backfield. While that's unlikely, he's a must own for owners drafting Rice.
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Dennis Pitta, TE: Pitta's 2013 season could've been a total loss, but instead he played in four games and caught five passes per game. The previous year he developed into one of Joe Flacco's top targets, hauling in seven touchdown passes and totaling 661 yards despite making just five starts.
His name isn't being mentioned with Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski, but Pitta might ascend into the tier just below them this season.
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Sleepers (Best Format)
Joe Flacco, QB (Standard): The tools are just oh-so-tantalizing when it comes to Flacco, especially his deep ball. This year the Ravens increased his arsenal, adding Steve Smith to the mix. Smith is past his prime, but he can still be a nice deep threat while allowing Torrey Smith to play a more all-around game. Having Pitta back as well could unlock Flacco's potential for the whole year and allow him to creep into the Top 10.
Steve Smith, WR (Standard): Smith may be small, but he's never been the slot receiver/PPR stud type. Smith is a tremendous athlete whose best plays were made down the field. That won't change with arguably the best deep passer in the NFL slinging it his way this year. This is the most firepower surrounding Smith in a long time, and even at 35 I believe he'll be useful.
Marlon Brown, WR (Standard): Brown showed promise last season as a rookie, but could be buried with Steve Smith in town. If there's an injury to either Smith though, Brown will enjoy an increased role.
Defense/Special Teams: There are pass rushers all over the place (Terrell Suggs, Courtney Upshaw), run stuffers (Haloti Ngata, Chris Canty), and a high-end cornerback (Lardarius Webb) on this defense as well as solid linebackers. It's a good defense overall and probably won't get lit up very often. They also have a premier weapon in the return game--Jacoby Jones.
Deep Finds (Best Format)
Justin Forsett, RB (Standard): Forsett's been good when given the chance-he just doesn't often get many chances. In Baltimore he could figure into the equation for at least two weeks, and if he explodes he might potentially unseat Pierce. Don't bet on that happening by any means, but a last-round flier on Forsett won't kill you.
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