Ravens

Def/Spec Team

The Browns managed just seven points and 144 total yards of offense in the game and were inches from handing the Baltimore defense a safety as well. The Ravens have now sacked opposing passers 11 times in their last three outings and rewarded fantasy owners who took advantage of the matchup with Cleveland this week. The Ravens D/ST has quietly been a solid fantasy contributor this season but will be a mid-range option in Week 11 at Dallas.

Per the Baltimore Sun, “Against the Raiders, he will return to his familiar role except that the Ravens don’t need him to play half of the team’s defensive snaps. They can take their time and bring him along just like they did Suggs in the first three games.” Dumervil missed the season’s first three games after offseason foot surgery, but is now ready for game action. The Baltimore defense has been solid in his absence, allowing the second-fewest yards per game among NFL defenses through three weeks. The Ravens D/ST will be a startable fantasy option at home against Oakland this week.

CSN Baltimore suggests that Smith shadowing Brown could be an option this week as Baltimore’s secondary is experiencing injury issues with CB Shareece Wright (thigh) doubtful, and both SS Lardarius Webb (hamstring) and CB Tavon Young (concussion) questionable. Brown has just one touchdown in 13 career games against Baltimore but is always a threat to opposing secondaries. The Ravens D/ST is a mid-range fantasy option at home against Pittsburgh this week.

Despite the serious injury, Ravens coach John Harbaugh is hopeful that his linebacker will return in the near future. “He’s played with that injury before, so he has a chance to come back soon,” Harbaugh said. Suggs has recorded five of the Ravens’ 11 sacks this season and will be missed in Baltimore’s upcoming matchup against the Jets. Even without Suggs, the Ravens D/ST is a top-10 Week 7 fantasy option against turnover-prone QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Jets.

Dumervil confirmed the news on Wednesday, noting that he had “suffered a setback in his recovery.” Linebackers Za’Darius Smith and Matt Judon should fill-in for Dumervil and will attempt to slow Buffalo QB Tyrod Taylor. The Ravens D/ST is a mid-range fantasy play in Week 1.

Smith missed Baltimore’s last two games with a back injury, and the Ravens failed to record an interception while allowing 280 passing yards per game in his absence. The Ravens D/ST has pumped out double-digit fantasy points in four of their last five games and will be a solid starting option at home against Miami in Week 13.

The Ravens have forced nine interceptions and recorded 24 sacks in those games, a trend they hope to continue in Week 15 against Wentz and the Eagles. Baltimore has forced eight turnovers in the last three weeks and the Ravens D/ST has turned in a top-10 fantasy performance in six of their last eight games. The Ravens D/ST will be a solid starting fantasy option once again in Week 15.

With Suggs out for the season, the Ravens signed LB Jason Babin to help form a committee that will attempt to replace the injured linebacker. The Baltimore defense got off to a great start in Week 1, holding Peyton Manning and the Denver offense out of the endzone but will now be without one of their top defensive weapons. Even with the loss of Suggs, the Baltimore D/ST is still a highly recommended Week 2 fantasy option as they travel to Oakland to face the Raiders.

Bell stacked up 132 total yards on 26 touches last week in his 2015 debut but will face a Baltimore front that has had reasonable success against opposing running backs so far this season. Oakland’s Latavius Murray ran for 65 yards on Baltimore in Week 2, which is the most damage Baltimore has allowed to a single running back in three games. With Pittsburgh trotting out a new quarterback on a short week, the Ravens are an interesting streaming target this week prior to a Thursday night date with the Steelers.

Webb (hamstring) missed the entire preseason, but is expected to start in Week 1 when the Baltimore Ravens travel to Denver to face Peyton Manning and the Broncos. Webb shaking off the rust after a long offseason will be key for the Baltimore defense, but fantasy owners will want to avoid the Ravens D/ST in Week 1 in this difficult road matchup.