Commanders @ Ravens
Final Score: Ravens 30, Commanders 23
Writer: Riley Blum
Both offenses took a few series to get it going, but once they did, the scoring opened up. The game lived up to its billing as an entertaining duel between quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels. The Ravens’ rushing attack and run defense were the biggest difference makers in this game with Baltimore totaling 176 rushing yards to Washington’s 52. Derrick Henry battered the Commanders’ defense on the ground, rushing for 132 yards and two scores. The success in the run game also opened up the passing game for Lamar Jackson who routinely had pass catchers wide open off of play-action run fakes. King Henry and Lamar sealed the game for the Ravens, rushing for key first downs on their final possession.
Four Up
- Terry McLaurin – “Scary Terry” finished second on the team in targets, but caught both of Jayden Daniels’ passing touchdowns. It’s only his third career game with 2+ receiving TDs, and we’re seeing how big of a difference a competent QB makes for Terry.
- Zay Flowers – Flowers led the Ravens with nine targets, catching all of them and going over the 100-yard receiving mark. He’ll continue to be a valuable asset (especially in PPR formats) and the most consistent option among the Ravens’ pass catchers.
- Mark Andrews – He’s alive! Andrews tied fellow TE Isaiah Likely with four targets but had over twice as many yards and caught his first touchdown of the season. Hopefully, Andrews can build on this performance going forward.
- Derrick Henry – I wasn’t sure if I should even include Henry as he can’t go up much further, but the veteran running back was dominant once again. He ran for over 100 yards and two touchdowns, continuing his streak of scoring a touchdown in every game this season. The Ravens continue to have success when feeding Henry, and he once again showed why fantasy managers should never fade the Big Dawg.
One Down
- Justice Hill – Hill played a decent bit of snaps on third downs and in passing situations, but he only recorded two touches for 4 yards.
Washington Commanders
Quarterback
Jayden Daniels: 24/35, 269 yards, 2 TDs, 6 carries, 22 yards
The Ravens did well to contain Jayden Daniels as a runner, but he managed to have a solid game as a passer. The Commanders opened the game throwing a lot of short passes around the line of scrimmage, but they found more success when they opened up the passing game and allowed Daniels to work more down the field. The rookie’s only mistake was on a pass that went right to a Ravens’ defender, but luckily for Daniels, it was dropped. Daniels connected with wide receiver Terry McLaurin for two touchdowns. Jayden Daniels has this roster playing well above expectations and is the early favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Missed Opportunities
- Daniels had a run near the goal line where he wasn’t able to score, though he did throw a touchdown on fourth down to Terry McLaurin to finish the drive. Still, fantasy managers would have preferred him to score that TD with his legs in most formats.
Running Back
Austin Ekeler: 9 carries, 21 yards, 5 targets, 4 receptions, 47 yards
Ekeler led the backfield in snaps and opportunities with Brian Robinson Jr. out due to a knee injury. He did most of his damage in the passing game as this whole offense struggled to run the ball against the Ravens’ dominant run defense. Ekeler did have a good 25-yard catch-and-run and looks quicker than he did last season with the Chargers.
Missed Opportunities
- Ekeler got a carry by the goal line but was stuffed and kept out of the end zone.
Jeremy McNichols: 2 carries, 9 yards
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Terry McLaurin: 7 targets, 6 receptions, 53 yards, 2 TDs, 1 carry, 0 yards
McLaurin finished third on the team in receiving yards and second in targets, but he led the Commanders in targets. More importantly for fantasy managers, he was utilized in the red zone, catching both of his touchdowns in goal-to-go situations. “Scary Terry” should continue to be a favorite target for Jayden Daniels.
https://www.twitter.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1845525740353372271
https://www.twitter.com/NFLFantasy/status/1845547083899785469
Zach Ertz: 5 targets, 4 receptions, 68 yards
Ertz actually led the team in receiving yards and yards per catch in this one. The veteran tight end has been consistent with only one game below four targets, and it was encouraging to see him utilized down the field in this one. His 68 yards marked his best receiving total of the season, and fantasy managers are still waiting for his first touchdown.
Missed Opportunities
- Ertz caught a pass in the red zone and was tackled a yard short of the end zone.
Noah Brown: 8 targets, 4 receptions, 58 yards
The big wide receiver led the Commanders in targets and had the second-most receiving yards on the team today. His 28-yard catch was the longest play from scrimmage for the Commanders.
Olamide Zaccheus: 6 targets, 4 receptions, 27 yards
Missed Opportunities
- Zaccheus dropped what should have been an easy catch for a first down on the Commanders’ third possession.
Luke McCaffrey: 1 target, 1 reception, 5 yards
Missed Opportunities
- McCaffrey was tackled just one yard shy of the end zone on his only reception.
Dyami Brown: 1 target, 1 reception, 11 yards
Baltimore Ravens
Quarterback
Lamar Jackson: 20/26, 323 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 11 carries, 40 yards
Lamar continued his strong play, passing for over 300 yards for a second consecutive game. He only produced one touchdown, but his yardage totals were enough for a solid fantasy score. Lamar threw only his second interception of the season, though it wasn’t entirely his fault as it was off of tight end Mark Andrews’ hands. Andrews would redeem himself later by catching Lamar’s only touchdown of the day. Lamar did well in extending plays with his legs. He often didn’t have to work too hard as a passer as his receivers were routinely wide open off of play action. Lamar Jackson should be the early favorite for MVP in my opinion.
Running Back
Derrick Henry: 24 carries, 132 yards, 2 TDs
Henry was a non-factor in the passing game, but that doesn’t matter when he’s rushing for 132 yards and two scores. He continues to abuse opposing defenses and produce chunk plays on the ground. King Henry leads the NFL in rushing yards and is now up to nine total touchdowns on the season.
Justice Hill: 1 carry, 2 yards, 1 target, 1 reception, 2 yards
Hill played a decent share of the snaps, but he wasn’t given many opportunities in this game.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Zay Flowers: 9 targets, 9 receptions, 132 yards, 1 carry, 2 yards
Flowers remains the best option in this Ravens’ passing attack. He led the team in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. The Ravens continue to scheme up YAC opportunities for the young receiver, as well as targeting him down the field. This marks two games in a row with over 100 receiving yards for Flowers. He is somewhat subject to the game script as the Ravens prefer to lean on the run, but he was clearly a big part of the game plan today.
https://www.twitter.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1845511302296305832
Rashod Bateman: 4 targets, 4 receptions, 71 yards
Bateman tied tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely for second on the team with four targets each. He finished second on the team in receiving yards and excelled in creating separation from defenders.
Mark Andrews: 4 targets, 3 receptions, 66 yards, 1 TD
Andrews couldn’t haul in his first target of the game leading to an interception, but he redeemed himself by catching his first touchdown of the season. He also had a 38-yard reception where he was as wide-open as I’ve seen a player in the NFL. Hopefully, Andrews can build on this and be a consistent option for fantasy managers.
https://www.twitter.com/PFF_Fantasy/status/1845530029499044162
Isaiah Likely: 4 targets, 2 receptions, 27 yards
Likely had as many targets as fellow tight end Mark Andrews, though he was less productive totaling just 27 yards. The young tight end will continue to see the field as he made some great blocks, and he can be a mismatch for opposing defenses. He will be somewhat inconsistent playing for a run-heavy team and having to share reps with Mark Andrews.
Nelson Agholor: 3 targets, 1 reception, 25 yards