Fantasy Football: Ray Rice Fantasy Jabber

Baltimore Ravens Running Back Ray Rice exploded in 2009. Not only was he a gem for owners that got the itch that Rice would surpass Willis McGahee, owners in leagues that reward points per reception struck gold with his 78 receptions for 702 yards. He isn’t going to sneak up on anyone this season on fantasy football draft day.

Some feel that Rice will have a drop off season. Possibly, but even a little drop off is going to have him as one of the top backs at the end of the season. While the Ravens added some offensive weapons, those are weapons that take some of the opposing defense’s focus off of him.

We actually look for his numbers to be very similar to those in 2009. In fact, if he could wrestle away some of those goal line carries, we may see his TD numbers go up. With rumors swirling for a McGahee trade, Rice’s TDs easily go into the double digits.

Rice could see himself losing some targets with Anquan Boldin in town. If McGahee is still on the team he will likely be the go-to guy at the goal line. There is your downside for Ray Rice.

Bottom line on Ray Rice: The Ravens are still going to run the ball first.

Rice is going to be one of the first four players picked. If you have a shot at him after the fourth round, jump on it! Many find the top four QBs (Rice, Chris Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones-Drew) interchangeable, so he could go anywhere from first overall to the No. 4 spot.

Currently Ray Rice is ranked at No. 4 in our Running Back Redraft Rankings.

Year	Gm	Ru-Att	Ru-yds	Ave	R-TD	Rec	Re-yds	Ave	Re-TD	Fan pts
2009	16	254	1339	5.3	7	78	702	9.0	1	252.1
2008	13	107	454	4.2	0	33	273	8.3	0	72.7
2007	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA