This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would
want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football). What you'll find here are my views based on
years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching
stats, trends, and film. I'll advise
where to reach and whose hype not to believe.
BALTIMORE RAVENS – Passing 224 ypg Rushing 83 ypg
The first commandment of new Offensive Coordinator Gary
Kubiak’s scheme is “Thou Shalt Run It.”
The premise of this offensive system is designed to open backside cut
lanes for the running backs; those same running plays set-up bootleg action for
the quarterback. This was one of the
worst teams in the league as far as total offense, with very few players that
could help your Paper Pigskin team. Something fresh should help change that
because in his previous coaching stops, Kubiak had his teams finish in the
top-8 in total offense 15 of 19 seasons.
QB: Joe Flacco had his
worst season as a pro last season, throwing 22 interceptions to 19 touchdowns. With
more experience at receiver and a healthy Dennis Pitta, Flacco should be able
to bounce back and be much more efficient under Kubiak. If Matt Schaub can have
standout seasons running this offense with few receiving options, why can't a
Super Bowl winning quarterback do the same with more? I'm expecting Flacco to
have his first 4,000 yard season and cut down on all the picks. His ADP is
QB18, which is just about right for the slightly better than average Joe.
RB: Ray Rice showed nice acceleration and
decisiveness on his runs during the preseason games, something we didn’t see
from him last year due to his conditioning.
Rice says, “I feel like back when I was a rookie. That's the weight I'm
continuing to try to play at.” 2013 was the worst performance of his career
when he produced a paltry 3.1 yards per carry.
Even if he is improved, he’ll miss the first two games of the season due
to suspension. He could be a possible bargain at his RB26 ADP, but it’s risky
because the job isn’t guaranteed upon his return.
Bernard Pierce fell off last season, his 2.9
yards per carry showed he was equally as terrible as the guy ahead of him on
the depth chart. However, he has an opportunity to be the head Raven in charge
of the backfield. Pierce possesses ability to cut and accelerate up field that
is better suited for the Kubiak zone-blocking system. He’ll get his fair share of carries early
that warrants his RB40 ADP
WR: Torrey Smith felt
the effects of being the sole legit receiving threat on the Ravens last season as
he saw his touchdown total cut in half from the previous season, even with a
career high in targets. He is one of the
preeminent deep threats in the NFL; Smith was targeted on deep routes more than
any other fantasy relevant wide receiver last season. His catch rate was a
subpar 47% overall, so if he can improve on that percentage with less double
teams coming his way because of the
added help, he's a sure bet to climb from a #17 finish at his position into the
top 10. His ADP is WR25, and I love that value.
Steve Smith is the help I was referring to, he's been the #1
guy for many years, he now steps into his role as the supplementary dude. Kubiak will now have the best #2 receiver
that he's had since Ed McCaffery, and Smiff should have fun seeing less doubles
as before. Not many top corners can
check Smiff one-on-one, now he'll get to burn teams' number twos. It'll all depend on
Flacco, and signs are already there that these two have a solid
connection. WR51 is a bargain for a guy
that can threaten the 1,000 yard plateau.
Marlon Brown finished last season with seven touchdown catches, which
tied a Ravens rookie record and second to San Diego's Keenan Allen among NFL
rookies; he did this mostly as the WR3 on this team, he'll like be # 4 this
year behind Jacoby Jones. I just
mentioned the last two to illustrate the weapons Flacco has at his disposal
this season.
TE: Dennis Pitta Going
to be fed the ball consistently in the short-intermediate game. His floor isn't
that low at all because tight ends for Kubiak usually see above 25% of passing
targets; I wouldn't be worried about Owen Daniels taking looks away. He and
Flacco are bff's, so Joe feels confident that Pitta will be in the right place
when he needs him; the misdirection in this system will often have him wide
open. His ADP is TE8, he can break into top 5.
Def: The Ravens have
always had a defensive identity. They
were a decent starting unit last season. This season, they’ll be able to fair
better if their offense gets into shape.
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