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Ravens fantasy football advice: Sit/start/sleepers

Here's a look at which Ravens to sit and start this week, with a look at which guys could be sleepers.

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Ray Rice has had plenty of success against the Brown during his career, making him a must-start in all fantasy formats this week.
Ray Rice has had plenty of success against the Brown during his career, making him a must-start in all fantasy formats this week.
Frederick Breedon

Start 'em

RB Ray Rice: Even with a bad week against Denver, he's a must-start in all formats. The Browns did a good job defending the run against Miami — but that was Miami. Rice has had lots of success against the Browns in his career. Rice has run for 922 yards against the Browns, the most he's totaled against any individual team.

Ravens D/ST: OK, so the Ravens gave up 49 points and seven touchdowns a week ago. The good news from a fantasy standpoint? That was against Peyton Manning and the Broncos. This week, the Ravens go against Brandon Weeden and a receiving group that struggled a week ago outside of tight end Jordan Cameron. The Ravens' strength, personnel wise, is stopping the run. If they can contain Trent Richardson, then the defense should hold the Browns to under 20 points.

K Justin Tucker: The Browns had the bend-but-don't-break defense going for them a week ago, with Miami's Caleb Sturgis knocking in three field goals. Tucker's got a big leg and will be called upon in most instances from 52 yards (give or take) or in. Baltimore should be able to move the ball on Cleveland, which could give Tucker plenty of field goal opportunities.

Sit 'em

WR Torrey Smith: Browns cornerback Joe Haden has become one of the NFL's premier defensive backs and will match up against Smith throughout Sunday's game. Though Smith has scored a touchdown in his last two games against Cleveland, Haden should do enough to limit Smith's looks. Haden held Miami's Mike Wallace to one catch for 15 yards a week ago.

TE Dallas Clark: In PPR leagues, Clark would have been a great play last week as he caught seven passes for 87 yards. However, this is a case where the stats don't necessarily tell the story. Clark had at least three drops, one of which would have been for a touchdown. With Cleveland knowing Joe Flacco will target him, look for the Browns to give the veteran tight end some extra attention.

Sleepers

WR Marlon Brown: Brown could be a sneaky play this week with Haden matching Smith on one side of the field. Brown figures to be the No. 2 receiver on the outside with the flexibility to move into the slot. Brown had four catches for 65 yards and a touchdown a week ago. While Miami's No. 1 target, Wallace, was draped all game last week against Cleveland, No. 2 receiver Brian Hartline had nine catches for 114 yards.

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