Ravens fantasy football advice: Start/sit/sleepers

Start 'em

WR Torrey Smith: Smith came up big for 93 yards and a touchdown last week against Pittsburgh. Added rest and a weak Minnesota secondary should mean another big day for the third-year wideout.

RB Ray Rice: Yes, the same Rice that has struggled all year. Remember the Bears game? The Vikings are equally as bad at defending the run as their NFC North counterparts, meaning Rice could be in for a big game.

K Justin Tucker: With the Ravens settling for field goals all year, Tucker has been golden for all of those that have been starting him. Continue this trend this week.

Ravens D/ST: Though the Vikings have played better of late, so have the Ravens on defense — particularly in the secondary. With Matt Cassel expected to start at quarterback this week, you have to like the Ravens' chances at keeping this score low.

Sit 'em

QB Joe Flacco: Great guy. Can't trust him from a fantasy perspective. A great game from him would mean two passing touchdowns.

RB Bernard Pierce: Same thing applies here. Against the Bears, when Rice ran all over them, Pierce struggled and danced in the backfield. You can't trust him as a flex play.

Sleepers

WR Jacoby Jones: Jones getting back to his old self as opened up this offense, which could make him a sneaky play if you're in need (though with bye weeks done, there are plenty of better options out there).

TE Dennis Pitta: Assuming Pitta winds up active this week, you may want to wait a week on this one, even if you don't have great tight end options. Though with most leagues' fantasy playoffs beginning, I can see the appeal of playing Pitta. Though he'd likely see limited snaps, he's a favorite of Flacco's in the red zone. He could wind up a sleeper if he's able to play.