Fantasy week 8: Ravens Sit/Start

Start

Joe Flacco

This will be one of the easier matchups for Joe Flacco this season, as this Chargers defense is not very good and likely missing key players like Weddle, Perryman,  and Teo.  Expect Joe to have a big day, as will some of his receivers. Projected production: 320 yds passing,  3 touchdowns.

Crockett Gillmore

Crockett  did not put up big stats last week against a Cardinals defense who is good at shutting down tight ends, but he did have some nice catches in the game. This week should be a very different story, with most of the players who will guard him not the regular starters. Expect Flacco to go to him early and often. Projected production: 85 yards, 1 touchdown

Justin Forsett

Forsett has not been up to expectations this season, but much of that is on the offensive line. Forsett has looked like himself for much of the season, but his ypc is way down. That said, Buck Allen will cut into his carries, as he was very effective against a good Cardinals defense last week, and also showed better receiving ability. Projected production: 105 yds rushing, 1 rushing TD.

Steve Smith Sr.

The veteran should be in your lineup every week barring injury, as he has been one of the most consistent performers at wide receiver and is not hurting for targets. Projected production: 110 yds receiving, 1 touchdown

Justin Tucker

The stud kicker is a must start every week, especially this week with an easy matchup which should have multiple red zone opportunities. Projected production: 2 FGs, 3 XP

Sit

Baltimore Defense

San Diego does not provide a good matchup for the Ravens porous secondary, as the Chargers passing game is in the top 5 this season. This is partially a product of the Chargers playing from behind with regularity, but as the Ravens learned last year, they are good at coming from behind. Projected production: 3 sacks, 1 int, 24 points allowed.

Deep league Sleeper(s)

Buck Allen

In deeper leagues, Allen is definitely rosterable. Allen looked good last week in Arizona both rushing and receiving, so he will likely get more opportunities with Forsett not being the future in Baltimore due to his age and the Ravens having no chance at the playoffs

Chris Givens

If Ravens fans have their way, Givens will get the playing time that has been given to Marlon Brown, Kamar Aiken, Darren Waller, and Michael Campanaro so far this season. With the last 2 injured, and Brown completely ineffective, the speedy Givens should be given every opportunity to build a rapport with Flacco. He has a big 31 yard catch on the final drive for the Ravens last week, as well as beating his man for a sure touchdown in the 1st quarter if Flacco hadn't under-thrown it and allowed Tyrann Mathieu to break it up. Even though he will be a free agent at years end, Givens should be on the field more going forward and might be worth a look in deeper leagues.