Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, October 17th at 1:00 PM ET
Location: MT&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
Betting Odds: BAL, -3, 50.5 Total on Vegas Insider
Network: CBS
Los Angeles Chargers
QUARTERBACK
Justin Herbert (Start)
Let’s give a round of applause to Justin Herbert, who led his team to a very impressive 47-42 victory against the Browns last week. Expecting another four touchdowns from Herbert would be asking a lot of him, but this remains one of the fastest-paced offenses in the NFL, as well as one of the most frequent passing offenses. In other words, he’s going to have a very high floor based on the pass attempts he’s guaranteed, though the Ravens defense is always a tough test.
RUNNING BACKS
Austin Ekeler (Start, RB1)
What happened to Austin Ekeler not being capable of being a bell-cow back? It’s safe to say those concerns have gone away. He’s currently the second-best running back in PPR points this year, has finished in the top-three in consecutive weeks; he’s being used as expected in the passing game, but is commanding more of the team’s rush attempts and goal-line carries than you might have expected. There is no world where you shouldn’t start him.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
Keenan Allen (Start, WR1), Mike Williams (Start, WR1), Jalen Guyton (Sit), Jared Cook (Start)
All of a sudden, it’s not a guarantee that Keenan Allen is the top fantasy receiver in Los Angeles. That’s not an inditement on Allen, who has gotten over 11.5 expected fantasy points in every game this season. In fact, his “boom” game could be coming soon. Rather, that was meant to celebrate Mike Williams. Currently the “WR3” this year, he’s flourished as the team’s X receiver; his average depth of target is slightly lower than previous years, allowing him to command a greater target share, while he’s the top red-zone option for a productive offense. There’s not much else to say there, and I’d consider both low-end “WR 1’s” every week. Meanwhile, Jared Cook is still being used in the red zone and is one of the few tight ends who isn’t splitting time with someone else, allowing him to serve as a start-worthy player against a team that has struggled against tight ends thus far.
Baltimore Ravens
QUARTERBACKS
Lamar Jackson (Start)
The Ravens continue to pass more than they have in previous seasons, which is great news for Lamar Jackson. The Chargers’ fast-paced offense means he’ll have plenty of chances to try to keep up with them, allowing him to once again be a top-five quarterback. This is quite the fantasy shootout.
RUNNING BACKS
Latavius Murray (Start, FLEX), Le’Veon Bell (Sit), Ty’Son Williams (Sit), De’Vonta Freeman (Sit)
Usually, you want to go after the Ravens’ rushing attack in fantasy football. This year? Not so much. That being said, the Chargers aren’t a defense focused on defending the run, which could allow for rushing production and for Latavius Murray to serve as a FLEX option. Meanwhile, I wouldn’t even think about any other member of what is such a cluttered backfield.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
Marquise Brown (Start, FLEX), Sammy Watkins (Sit), Devin Duvernay (Sit), Mark Andrews (Start)
While his production can be inconsistent, Marquise Brown’s target share this season and big-play ability give him an extremely high ceiling from your FLEX spot. I anticipate this being a game where a lot of plays are run, so Brown and tight end Mark Andrews should produce up to expectations. If you want to start Sammy Watkins in your FLEX and have some fun as well, go at it!
All Stats via Pro Football Focus