Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Last-minute advice you need for Week 12
We’ve already had three games this week, but with the bye-week portion of the schedule behind us, there are still 13 remaining on Sunday and Monday. Week 12 is also the penultimate week of most fantasy regular seasons, making this a crucial moving week for all fantasy owners, unless you’ve already been eliminated from playoff contention. Whether you’re competing for a regular season championship or just trying to earn a postseason berth, everyone needs a win this late in the season. Let us help you get it with all the last-minute advice you need in our Week 12 Cheat Sheet.
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Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons
| vs. QB | vs. RB | vs. WR | vs. TE |
Vikings | 6th | 7th | 8th | 17th |
Falcons | 5th | 27th | 2nd | 26th |
Vegas lines
Falcons -1
Over/under 45.5
Vikings o/u 22.5
Falcons o/u 23.5
This is one of the most important games of the week from a real-life playoff perspective. If the Vikings win, they move back atop the NFC North. If the Falcons win, they get a crucial tiebreaker over a team with which they could be competing for a wild card spot. This game was supposed to feature the No. 1 and 2 running backs by fantasy points, but that’s no longer in the cards now that Devonta Freeman (concussion) has been ruled out.
Player who could surprise: Tevin Coleman
With Freeman out, Coleman slides back into the starter’s chair for Atlanta. Remember, it was Coleman, not Freeman, whom the coaching staff tabbed the starter at the beginning of the season. He fractured a rib in Week 2, opening the door for Freeman to become one of the real-life and fantasy breakout stars of 2015. The Vikings are 28th in Football Outsiders rush defense DVOA despite surrendering the seventh-fewest fantasy points to backs this season.
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Player who could disappoint: Matt Ryan
The Vikings rank fourth in pass rush and seventh in pass coverage this season, according to Pro Football Focus. Ryan is just QB14 in overall points and QB21 in points per game. Even without Freeman, Atlanta could very well lean on its run game given the Vikings deficiencies stopping it.
Matchup to watch: Stefon Diggs vs. Desmond Trufant
The Vikings need to figure out a way to get Diggs the ball deep down the field. In the team’s last three games, Diggs has just two targets on passes that traveled at least 20 yards in the air. In his first three games he had six such targets, catching five of them for 137 yards and a touchdown. Trufant, however, will make it tough for him to separate.
Injury report
Teddy Bridgewater (shoulder): Probable
Harrison Smith (knee): Questionable
Everson Griffen (hip): Questionable
Devonta Freeman (concussion): Out
Leonard Hankerson (hamstring): Out
Matt Bryant (quad): Out
St. Louis Rams at Cincinnati Bengals
| vs. QB | vs. RB | vs. WR | vs. TE |
Rams | 2nd | 16th | 3rd | 19th |
Bengals | 9th | 11th | 10th | 12th |
Vegas lines
Bengals -9
Over/under 42
Rams o/u 16.5
Bengals o/u 25.5
The Bengals have lost two straight games, but enter this one as justifiably heavy favorites at home. The Rams will provide a tough test for this Cincinnati offense, but you should feel comfortable using your Bengals as normal. The Rams have to hope to get something going through the air to take some pressure off Todd Gurley.
Player who could surprise: A.J. Green
Cincinnati has its best overall offense in the Andy Dalton/Green era, but the receiver is having a slightly down individual season. After scoring three touchdowns in his first three games, he has just one in the seven since. Couple that with a challenging matchup, and some fantasy pundits have Green rated outside the WR1 class this week. Not so, here. Green is a matchup-proof receiver who can only be limited for so long. Expect the Bengals to get him involved early and often.
Player who could disappoint: Todd Gurley
Gurley has been a consistent fantasy force since taking over as the starter in St. Louis, racking up 766 rushing yards, 127 receiving yards and six touchdowns in seven games. Having said that, he has just 200 yards on 61 carries (3.28 ypc) over his last three games thanks to the ineptitude of the Rams passing game. Gurley is constantly facing eight- and nine-man fronts while teams dare Case Keenum or Nick Foles to beat them deep. The Bengals will likely use that strategy on Sunday.
Matchup to watch: A.J. Green vs. Janoris Jenkins
Jenkins rates as the No. 8 overall corner, and No. 17 in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus. He’ll be tasked with covering Green for most, if not all, of this game. The receiver will have his hands full once again, but the bet here is he wins this matchup.
Injury report
Case Keenum (concussion): Questionable
Greg Zuerlein (groin): Questionable
Robert Quinn (hip): Questionable
Trumaine Johnson (thigh): Questionable
Andy Dalton (groin): Probable
Tyler Eifert (knee): Probable
Marvin Jones (hamstring): Probable
Adam Jones (foot): Questionable
• Fantasy football Week 12: Complete player rankings for every position
New Orleans Saints at Houston Texans
| vs. QB | vs. RB | vs. WR | vs. TE |
Saints | 32nd | 31st | 25th | 32nd |
Texans | 16th | 21st | 11th | 11th |
Vegas lines
Texans -3
Over/under 48
Saints o/u 22.5
Texans o/u 25.5
The 5–5 Texans enter Sunday’s game as favorites to remain in first place in the AFC South when Week 12 is all said and done. You’ve got to love the NFL in 2015. Houston’s defense has really turned it around of late, while the Saints defense may end up setting futility records this season.
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Player who could surprise: Brian Hoyer
We haven’t had blind resume fun in a while. Let’s put an end to that right now.
QB 1: 3,320 yards, 8.12 YPA, 25 touchdowns, four interceptions, 24.4 fantasy PPG
QB 2: 3,081 yards, 8.85 YPA, 28 touchdowns four interceptions, 25.5 fantasy PPG
QB 1 is Tom Brady. QB 2 is all quarterbacks against the Saints this year. In other words, if your quarterback was whoever played the Saints every week, you’d have the best fantasy QB in your league. Hoyer has played surprisingly well this season, and is in line for perhaps his best game of the year.
Player who could disappoint: Drew Brees
Brees is QB7 by total points and QB4 by points per game, but those rankings are a bit misleading. He has had more weeks ranked 19th or worse (four) than he has been in the top 10 (three) at the quarterback position. However, all three weeks he was in the top 10, he was also inside the top three. He has ridden those games to his lofty standing. Houston is up to 11th in pass defense DVOA, and Brees has always been much better at the Superdome than on the road.
Matchup to watch: Saints offensive line vs. Texans run defense
Even with Brees under center, the Saints may be best off slowing the game down and relying on Mark Ingram, thanks to their porous pass defense. New Orleans ranks ninth in run blocking, while Houston is fifth in rush defense.
Injury report
Mark Ingram (shoulder): Probable
Willie Snead (knee): Probable
Brian Hoyer (concussion): Probable
Alfred Blue (back): Probable
Nate Washington (hip): Probable
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts
| vs. QB | vs. RB | vs. WR | vs. TE |
Buccaneers | 23rd | 14th | 20th | 16th |
Colts | 24th | 24th | 26th | 20th |
Vegas lines
Colts -3
Over/under 46.5
Buccaneers o/u 22
Colts o/u 25
The Colts are right there with the Texans in the AFC South and are also favored at home against an NFC South foe this week. Their offense may not have the ceiling it does with Andrew Luck under center, but they Colts are also undefeated with Matt Hasselbeck at the helm this season.
Player who could surprise: Vincent Jackson
Jackson returned from a knee injury a week ago and caught four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. Vontae Davis will shadow Mike Evans, meaning Jackson could very well lead the Buccaneers in targets. His knee was no worse for wear after last week’s win, so it’s safe to bet on him playing at 100%. The Colts have really struggled with No. 2 receivers all season. Jackson may add to their misery this week.
Player who could disappoint: Frank Gore
Gore is dealing with an ankle injury that could make him a legitimate game-time decision on Sunday. He’s one of the toughest players in the league and has played 82 straight games—including the playoffs—so it’s certainly possible he finds a way to suit up. If he does, however, he’ll certainly be at less than 100% against a Tampa Bay run defense that is fifth in DVOA. Even if he plays, you might be better off looking elsewhere.
Matchup to watch: Mike Evans vs. Vontae Davis
Davis isn’t having his best season, but he’s still limiting quarterbacks to a rating of 82.1 on balls thrown his way, which is tied for 35th among 111 cornerbacks. He and Evans will give us just one of the many great receiver-cornerback matchups this Sunday.
Injury report
Austin Seferian-Jenkins (shoulder): Doubtful
Andrew Luck (abdomen): Out
Frank Gore (ankle): Probable
Greg Toler (groin): Questionable
Erik Walden (foot): Questionable
San Diego Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars
| vs. QB | vs. RB | vs. WR | vs. TE |
Chargers | 14th | 32nd | 7th | 22nd |
Jaguars | 28th | 20th | 12th | 23rd |
Vegas lines
Jaguars -4
Over/under 46.5
Chargers o/u 21.5
Jaguars o/u 25
The Chargers are just playing out the string while the Jaguars enter this week one game behind the Texans and Colts in the AFC South. This is a nice matchup for a Jacksonville team that can’t really afford any more losses if it’s going to stay legitimately in the divisional race.
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Player who could surprise: T.J. Yeldon
Forget about the fact that Denard Robinson replaced Yeldon on two goal-line series last week. The rookie out of Alabama gets a ton of volume every week, and this is a particularly willing defense he’ll get on Sunday. The Chargers have allowed the most fantasy points to running backs this season. They have the worst run defense in the league, according to both Football Outsiders and Pro Football Focus and are surrendering a league-high 4.9 yards per carry. Yeldon should thrive this week.
Player who could disappoint: Philip Rivers
In two games without Keenan Allen, Rivers has completed 62.5% of his passes and thrown for 458 yards, 6.36 YPA and one touchdown against one pick. When Allen was healthy, Rivers was at a completion percentage of 69.8% and 7.91 YPA. He’s just not the same quarterback, especially from a fantasy perspective, without Allen on the field. Don’t dismiss the fact that the Chargers have to fly all the way across the country for an early kickoff, as well.
Matchup to watch: Danny Woodhead and Antonio Gates vs. Jaguars linebackers and safeties
The Chargers best weapons in this game will likely be Woodhead and Gates. The Jaguars are 27th in pass defense DVOA against running backs and 30th against tight ends. Don’t be surprised when these two combine for 20-plus targets. It’ll be up to the likes of Telvin Smith, Jonathan Cyprien and Sergio Brown to contain them.
Injury report
D.J. Fluker (concussion): Out
Malcom Floyd (shoulder): Probable
Antonio Gates (hip): Probable
Ladarius Green (ankle): Probable
Corey Liuget (foot): Questionable
Allen Hurns (thigh): Probable
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs
| vs. QB | vs. RB | vs. WR | vs. TE |
Bills | 10th | 18th | 22nd | 7th |
Chiefs | 8th | 3rd | 32nd | 1st |
Vegas lines
Chiefs -6
Over/under 41.5
Bills o/u 18
Chiefs o/u 24
Who could have seen this coming one month ago? Without Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs have surged back into the AFC playoff picture with four straight wins. The Bills are also 5–5 and right in the wild card race, but they need Tyrod Taylor to be healthy to feel good about potentially pulling out a win at Arrowhead. Either way, expect a healthy dose of LeSean McCoy.
Player who could surprise: Alex Smith
Smith doesn’t hurt himself with turnovers and typically provides some value with his legs, as well. That’s good news against a Buffalo defense that is 31st in pass rush. If they can’t get after Smith, he’ll hurt the on the ground. The ceiling isn’t too high, but Smith is 18th among quarterbacks in total points this year.
Player who could disappoint: Sammy Watkins
We know Watkins is an immensely talented receiver, but the Bills are one of the few true ground-and-pound teams remaining in the league. Watkins has fewer than 50 yards receiving in all but two of his games this season, and has topped 100 yards just once. What’s even worse, he has reached eight targets just twice all year. He’s going to be facing off with Marcus Peters, as well, meaning that both the opportunity and matchup could work against him.
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Matchup to watch: Jeremy Maclin vs. Ronald Darby
Darby is making quite the case to be the Defensive Rookie of the Year, checking in at fourth in coverage and holding quarterbacks to a rating of just 53.8. Maclin, meanwhile, has been held beneath 50 yards in each of his last four games. Give Darby the advantage heading into Sunday’s showdown.
Injury report
Kyle Williams (knee): Out
Mario Williams (foot): Out
Tyrod Taylor (shoulder): Probable
Charcandrick West (hamstring): Questionable
Travis Kelce (groin): Questionable
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets
| vs. QB | vs. RB | vs. WR | vs. TE |
Dolphins | 18th | 30th | 19th | 18th |
Jets | 12th | 6th | 18th | 5th |
Vegas lines
Jets -4
Over/under 42
Dolphins o/u 19.5
Jets o/u 23
The Jets are favored by four in this game, but the individual team totals seem to give a slight edge to the Dolphins, given that they have the hook on both the line and the over/under. Still, it’s hard to examine this game and find any area in which the Dolphins have an edge.
Player who could surprise: Ryan Tannehill
The Jets have suddenly turned into a team that struggles to stop the pass. In their last five games, they’ve surrendered 1,456 passing yards, 7.62 YPA, and 11 touchdowns to Tom Brady, Derek Carr, Blake Bortles, Tyrod Taylor and T.J. Yates. The three big names all racked up at least 24.4 points, while Yates was able to burn the Jets for 16.7. Tannehill has struggled of late, but this could be a game where he gets going, especially with Darelle Revis (concussion) out. There’s a cherry on top of this matchup for Tannehill we’ll get to shortly.
Player who could disappoint: Lamar Miller
Miller’s star turn since the coaching change in Miami has been well documented, but this will be his toughest test since Joe Philbin’s firing. The Jets defense is first in rush DVOA and 12th in Pro Football Focus’ grading system. On the other side, Chris Ivory matches up very well with Miami’s defense, and that could force the Dolphins to throw more frequently than Miller’s fantasy owners would like to see.
Matchup to watch: Jarvis Landry vs. Buster Skrine
Skrine is the weak link in the Jets’ passing defense, ranking 86th in coverage among 111 corners. He does most of his work in the slot, where Landry is one of the finest artists in the league. The Tannehill-Landry connection should be clicking on Sunday, though Landry did not participate in Friday’s practice because of a knee injury.
Injury report
Jarvis Landry (knee): Questionable
Jelani Jenkins (ankle): Questionable
Koa Misi (abdomen): Questionable
Darelle Revis (concussion): Out
Eric Decker (knee): Probable
Ryan Fitzpatrick (thumb): Probable
Brandon Marshall (toe): Probable
Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans
| vs. QB | vs. RB | vs. WR | vs. TE |
Raiders | 25th | 23rd | 15th | 29th |
Titans | 18th | 4th | 13th | 27th |
Vegas lines
Raiders -2
Over/under 44.5
Raiders o/u 23.5
Titans o/u 21.5
The Raiders playoff candidacy, once so robust, has taken an ugly, if predictable, turn. They’ve lost three straight games, and are now, at 4–6, a serious longshot to qualify for the postseason. All hope would be lost if they can’t emerge victorious in Nashville on Sunday.
Player who could surprise: Michael Crabtree
Tennessee’s advanced numbers against the pass are quite strong. The Titans rank eighth in pass defense DVOA, 12th in pass rush, and 11th in coverage. They one area they’ve struggled consistently, though, is against No. 2 receivers. Tennessee’s defense is 32nd in DVOA against the position, making Crabtree one of the best fantasy plays on the Raiders this week.
Player who could disappoint: Delanie Walker
Take a look up and down the tight end rankings this week. There’s no way to keep Walker out of the top five. He’s clearly Marcus Mariota’s best and most trusted weapon. Having said that, the Raiders have cleaned up a lot of their issues against tight ends, and now rank 11th in DVOA against the position. Walker’s going to get plenty of targets and should be started with confidence, but beware a below-average showing.
Matchup to watch: Latavius Murray vs. Titans run defense
The Titans rank sixth against the run this season, according to Pro Football Focus. Murray has been down the last two games, running for just 76 yards on 25 carries. He got in the end zone last week, but the Raiders, as well as his fantasy owners, need more out of him on Sunday.
Injury report
Kendall Wright (knee): Probable
New York Giants at Washington Redskins
| vs. QB | vs. RB | vs. WR | vs. TE |
Giants | 29th | 22nd | 21st | 31st |
Redskins | 22nd | 19th | 27th | 8th |
Vegas lines
Giants -3
Over/under 47.5
Giants o/u 25
Redskins o/u 22
This game features the second-highest total on the board, and with good reason. Both defenses are outside the top 20 in pass defense DVOA, making this seemingly a great week to be invested in both Eli Manning and Kirk Cousins. The Giants can grab a stranglehold of the NFC East with a win in the capital this week.
Player who could surprise: Dwayne Harris
Odell Beckham could easily be the top receiver this week, and Rueben Randle burned Washington for 116 yards and a touchdown in the first meeting between these teams. Harris, however, barely played in that game. His role has grown since then, and he will have a key presence on the field this week. Kyshoen Jarrett, Washington’s primary slot corner, has allowed 17 receptions on 28 targets for 168 yards and a touchdown this season.
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Player who could disappoint: Kirk Cousins
The Giants have allowed the fourth-most points to quarterbacks this season, so it certainly appears this is a great matchup for Cousins. Jordan Reed, however, may be at less than 100% because of a knee injury, and DeSean Jackson will have one of his toughest tests of the season (more on that momentarily). If the Giants can make life hard on Cousins’ top two weapons, they can make it a nightmare for him.
Matchup to watch: DeSean Jackson vs. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Rodgers-Cromartie is in the midst of a career year, ranking 12th in Pro Football Focus coverage grades and allowing a quarterback rating of just 44.2. He’ll likely draw Jackson more often than not on Sunday, pitting his coverage skills against the latter’s top-flight speed. It should make for a great individual matchup in this crucial NFC East contest.
Injury report
Larry Donnell (neck): Out
Weston Richburg (ankle): Doubtful
Alfred Morris (rib): Probable
Bashaud Breeland (hamstring): Questionable
Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers
| vs. QB | vs. RB | vs. WR | vs. TE |
Cardinals | 11th | 12th | 14th | 3rd |
49ers | 21st | 29th | 28th | 14th |
Vegas lines
Cardinals -10.5
Over/under 45
Cardinals o/u 28
49ers o/u 17.5
With all due respect to the Patriots and Panthers, the best and worst teams in the league could very well be on the field in Santa Clara on Sunday. This may not be the final time the Cardinals visit Northern California this season. The only concern if you’re invested in them this week is they’ll get too far ahead too early.
Player who could surprise: J.J. Nelson
Michael Floyd may need to sit another game because of his hamstring injury. If that’s the case, Nelson will play a larger role in the offense, similar to what he did last week. Nelson has had at least four targets in two games this year. In those games, he has seven catches for 212 yards and a touchdown. Bruce Arians has a history of hiding impact rookies early in the year, only to unleash them in the second half. The UAB product might be the latest example.
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Player who could disappoint: Chris Johnson
This is undoubtedly a great matchup for Johnson and you should be starting him with a ton of confidence. Having said that, he’s not quite 100% because of a knee injury, and the Cardinals have legitimate designs on a Super Bowl this season. If they can steal a week’s rest for their starting running back, they’ll happily take that opportunity. This game could be over by halftime, and if that ends up coming to fruition, don’t be surprised if we see a lot of David Johnson and Andre Ellington in the second half.
Matchup to watch: 49ers offensive line vs. Cardinals run defense
With Carlos Hyde (foot) out again, Shaun Draughn is an intriguing dart throw this week. He hasn’t produced a whole lot in his two starts, but he has totaled 20 touches in both games. The 49ers are committed to feeding him on the ground and through the air. If his line plays well, he could put up RB2 numbers.
Injury report
Larry Fitzgerald (ankle): Probable
John Brown (hamstring): Probable
Michael Floyd (hamstring): Probable
Deone Bucannon (concussion): Questionable
Patrick Peterson (ankle): Questionable
Carlos Hyde (foot): Out
Anquan Boldin (hamstring): Probable
Ahmad Brooks (concussion): Questionable
Pittsburgh Steelers at Seattle Seahawks
| vs. QB | vs. RB | vs. WR | vs. TE |
Steelers | 19th | 2nd | 23rd | 28th |
Seahawks | 7th | 1st | 4th | 30th |
Vegas lines
Seahawks -3.5
Over/under 46
Steelers o/u 21.5
Seahawks o/u 25
There’s no more interesting Week 12 game than this one. The Steelers and Seahawks are two frequent postseason visitors who, for different reasons, are much more likely to get in the playoffs via the wild card route this year. What makes it such a great matchup is that both teams need the win and will have to be at their best to get it.
Player who could surprise: Ben Roethlisberger
Worries over Roethlisberger this week are nothing more than matchup concerns run amok. Roethlisberger is one of the best quarterbacks in the league at the head of one of the most potent passing attacks. Seattle’s defense is still good against the pass, but it isn’t nearly the shutdown unit it was over the last two seasons. The Seahawks are just 14th in pass coverage and Roethlisberger has been on fire in his last two games. He has thrown for 713 yards, 9.26 YPA and five touchdowns his last two times out.
Player who could disappoint: Thomas Rawls
Rawls will almost certainly get his third start of the season with Marshawn Lynch nursing a sports hernia. He has been a revelation for the Seahawks this year, running for 530 yards and scoring three touchdowns in the four games Lynch has missed mostly or entirely. The Steelers, however, are sixth in rush defense DVOA and have surrendered the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs this year.
Matchup to watch: Antonio Brown vs. Richard Sherman
Enough said.
Injury report
Ryan Shazier (knee): Questionable
Marshawn Lynch (abdomen): Out
Thomas Rawls (knee): Probable
Doug Baldwin (ankle): Probable
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos
| vs. QB | vs. RB | vs. WR | vs. TE |
Patriots | 13th | 5th | 24th | 6th |
Broncos | 1st | 17th | 1st | 13th |
Vegas lines
Patriots -3
Over/under 43
Patriots o/u 23
Broncos o/u 20
Peyton Manning may not be out there on Sunday night, but this still should be one of the best games of the weekend. The Broncos have the defense to slow down the Patriots, especially given that they’ll be without three key contributors on Sunday night. Still, if there’s one team that can weather this storm, it’s the AFC’s lone remaining undefeated squad.
Player who could surprise: Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson
With Brock Osweiler under center, the Broncos were finally able to execute Gary Kubiak’s run game for the first time all season in the win over the Bears last week. The result? Hillman ran for 102 yards on 21 carries, while Anderson picked up 59 yards on 12 totes. Denver’s formula for a victory is to pound the run, grind out drives, milk the clock, keep Tom Brady on the sidelines, and count on the defense to make a big play or two. Hillman and Anderson could combine for 35 carries.
Player who could disappoint: Demaryius Thomas
This is the flipside of the above argument. If Denver does indeed lean heavily on the run game, Thomas may not get a ton of opportunities to make plays. On top of that, he’ll have to deal with Malcolm Butler, who is really coming into his own as a cover corner this season. All of Thomas’ owners should have him in their lineups, but understand that he profiles more as a WR2 this week.
Matchup to watch: Patriots offensive line vs. Broncos pass rush
Even without Dion Lewis, Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola, the Patriots aren’t going to change their stripes. It will be imperative to keep the Broncos and their second-ranked pass rush out of the backfield to give Brady the comfort necessary to make plays down the field.
Injury report
Julian Edelman (foot): Out
Jamie Collins (illness): Doubtful
Danny Amendola (knee): Questionable
Keshawn Martin (hamstring): Questionable
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
| vs. QB | vs. RB | vs. WR | vs. TE |
Ravens | 31st | 8th | 30th | 4th |
Browns | 30th | 28th | 29th | 21st |
Vegas lines
Browns -3
Over/under 41
Ravens o/u 19
Browns o/u 22
A combined record of 5–15 and no Johnny Manziel probably isn’t what the executives at ESPN had in mind when they grabbed this game for Monday Night Football way back when. From a fantasy perspective, the most interesting players are Buck Allen, Kamar Aiken and Gary Barndige. So, yeah, a Monday night party, no doubt.
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Player who could surprise: Buck Allen
Allen got his first significant workload of the season last week after Justin Forsett broke his arm, running for 67 yards on 22 carries and catching five passes for 48 yards. That he got 27 touches should tell you exactly how this team plans to use him for the rest of the season. The rookie out of USC could be an impact player for the Ravens in 2016. The only way they’ll know for sure is if they give him a real shot over their final six games. The Browns defense is 29th in rush DVOA this year.
Player who could disappoint: The defenses
Let’s be honest. You don’t expect much out of anyone in this game, except for maybe Barnidge. That helps make both defenses worthy stream plays, but it’s not like either has been great this year. The Ravens are 26th in defensive DVOA, and somehow that makes them the better unit in this game because the Browns check in at 29th. If you’re streaming either of them, which, again, makes a lot of sense, you’re relying more on the ineptitude of the opposing offense than the effectiveness of the defense. That could ultimately lead to trouble
Matchup to watch: Browns offensive line vs. Ravens pass rush
Believe it or not, there will be one elite unit on the field in Cleveland. The Browns offensive line ranks first in pass blocking, according to Pro Football Focus. The Ravens, meanwhile, are right at league average in pass rush. That could help lead to big performances from Josh McCown, Travis Benjamin and Barndige.
Injury report
The official injury report for Monday Night Football isn’t available until Sunday, but there aren’t expected to be any fantasy-relevant injuries, beyond the obvious one that befell the Ravens last week.
