Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, October 27, 2024, 1:05 ET
Location: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland, Ohio
Network: CBS
Writer: Brett Ford
Baltimore Ravens
Quarterback
Lamar Jackson: Start, QB1
Lamar Jackson checks in as QB4 overall in this week’s rankings as this is likely to be one of the slower-moving matchups of the week. It’s highly likely for the Ravens to lean on their run game, but that could include the legs of their dual-threat quarterback. Of course, the Ravens could likely move the ball through the air if they wanted. The Browns’ pass defense ranks in the bottom third of the league in yards per pass attempt allowed and has only one interception all season. Regardless, Jackson is as matchup-proof as they come and should be started in any and all formats.
Running Back
Derrick Henry: Start, RB1
Justice Hill: Sit, RB4
Despite concerns after the first couple of weeks, Baltimore’s offensive line has really gelled over the course of the season and ranks first in the NFL in yards generated before contact on rushing plays. That spells out good things for Derrick Henry. The Browns’ rushing defense ranks in the middle of the road as far as rushing yards allowed this season, but Baltimore should have the upper hand.
Justice Hill, meanwhile, continues to get work on passing downs but in a game where Baltimore is heavily favored the likelihood of an increased workload (negative game script) is pretty thin.
Wide Receiver
Zay Flowers: Start, WR2
Rashod Bateman: Sit, WR5
On Monday night, Zay Flowers sustained an early game ankle injury and finished the game with just one additional touch after receiving treatment on the sideline. The combination of the injury on Monday night, a short week, and a perceived inferior opponent, Flowers might not see the same usage he did for the majority of the season. Though he ranks in the top 15 of this week’s The List, managers may want to proceed with caution.
Rashod Bateman has produced season-high yardage marks in each of the past two weeks, including last week’s performance with 121 yards and a score. Despite increased usage recently, he has yet to top four targets this season and depends largely on the deep ball ranking sixth in the NFL with an average depth of target (aDOT) of 14.8 yards. He’s extremely volatile and shouldn’t crack lineups in most formats.
Tight End
Mark Andrews: Start, TE1
Isaiah Likely: Sit, TE2
Mark Andrews was on the field for fewer snaps than Isaiah Likely on Monday night against Tampa Bay, but ran nearly the same amount of routes and turned his four targets into much more production than his counterpart. We’re starting to see Lamar Jackson look for Andrews on first reads and has thrown the tight end touchdown passes in each of the past two weeks — a sign that nature is healing.
Likely has been less of a first-read receiving option and more of a safety valve for Jackson when he starts to scramble. Though Cleveland has pressured at an elevated rate, Likely is still a thin play at tight end.
Cleveland Browns
Quarterback
Jameis Winston: Sit
The Browns had a crazy week. Like the craziest week in franchise history — and this franchise has been through a lot. Not only did the squad trade away a cornerstone of the offense in WR1 Amari Cooper, but they then lost their franchise quarterback for the season (and maybe more) to an Achilles injury. And add to that they will likely turn to offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey for play-calling duties for the first time this season on Sunday. And if ALL THAT isn’t enough, the Browns had four offensive linemen listed on Wednesday’s injury report, including two who didn’t practice. It is forecasted to be a rough week for Winston.
Running Back
Nick Chubb: FLEX Option, RB3
Jerome Ford: Sit
In what might be the only silver lining for the Cleveland franchise last week, Nick Chubb came back from his long-term injury. Chubb played a modest 30 offensive snaps but was given 12 opportunities (11 carries, one target) across those snaps. Granted, he only averaged 2.0 yards per carry but he did find the end zone. If the Browns offense has any success this weekend, it might come through Chubb.
Jerome Ford missed practice on Wednesday and is trending not to play once again. The Browns will likely lean on D’onta Foreman and Pierre Strong to spell Chubb.
Wide Receiver
Jerry Jeudy: Sit
Elijah Moore: Sit
Cedric Tillman: Sit
With Amari Cooper jettisoned to Buffalo, the Browns spread the ball around quite a bit last week. Cedric Tillman emerged as a favorite target, pulling in eight receptions on a game-high 12 targets against the Bengals. Elijah Moore pulled in five catches while Jerry Jeudy snagged just one. One of these guys could come away with a big game against a Ravens team that has allowed teams to move the ball through the air. Dorsey was a pass-heavy play-caller in Buffalo last season and the Browns averaged over 40 pass attempts per game over the final five weeks of last season (when Watson was out).
Tight End
David Njoku: Start, TE1
For the second straight week, David Njoku increased his snap share, moving to a season-high 82% in Week 7 against the Bengals. Expect Njoku to command double-digit targets in an offense that is devoid of other playmakers. Njoku checks in at TE6 overall this week and ought to be a focus of Cleveland’s attack.