Steve Smith's Updated 2014 Fantasy Outlook Heading into Week 3

The Baltimore Ravens' Steve Smith has already established himself as a go-to target in his first NFL season with a new team.

The change in atmosphere for the 35-year-old veteran has seemed to revitalize him. Based on Smith's steady production and wealth of targets through two games, Week 3's AFC North showdown with the Cleveland Browns offers him another favorable matchup.

Smith played his first 13 years in the league with the Carolina Panthers, often with suspect quarterback play. Now he's catching balls from Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco and leads the Ravens in receiving with 189 yards on 13 receptions.

ESPN Stats & Info highlights how often Flacco has looked Smith's way thus far:

Bleacher Report's Michael Schottey observed how Smith could be even more productive for his fortunate fantasy owners with how much he's keeping defensive backs on their heels:

In addition to being a reliable possession receiver, Smith proved with his 80-yard rumble to paydirt in the season opener that he still offers an explosive element to his game despite his advanced age.

Now the Ravens travel to Cleveland to face a defense that is 29th against the pass, 25th versus the run and has a suspect cornerback depth chart. Even Browns Pro Bowler Joe Haden has had trouble in the early going of 2014, per NFL Access:

That number is skewed a bit, because Haden lost a couple touchdown-pass jump balls to New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham last week.

Nevertheless, Haden is a better fit to guard bigger Baltimore speedster Torrey Smith, leaving Steve Smith to match up either with Cleveland rookie Justin Gilbert or Buster Skrine. In both those situations, the senior Smith has the considerable upper hand with his far superior technique.

Sunday Night Football analyst Cris Collinsworth weighed in on what makes Smith such a tough test when he lines up in the slot—even for a gifted first-round pick and Gilbert and a nickel-suited Skrine:

Pro Football Focus' Pete Damilatis noted how crafty and elusive Smith was in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers' reputable defense:

At least Gilbert is preparing as though he knows better than to antagonize the motor-mouthed Smith, via Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram:

What also helps Smith's Week 3 outlook is that he and the Ravens had an extra few days to prepare for what should prove to be an inferior foe, after beating Pittsburgh last Thursday.

Baltimore is in a new offense under offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, whose play sheet is as lengthy as any you'll see around the NFL.

The adjustment to Kubiak's complex system has gone over in seamless fashion, already producing exceptional results and promoting instant rapport between Smith and Flacco.

USA TODAY Sports

If Smith doesn't get double-digit points in non-PPR leagues at Cleveland, it would be considered a massive letdown. There is no reason he shouldn't continue producing like a No. 1-caliber fantasy wideout with how often Flacco is counting on him.

Smith fantasy owners can rejoice moving forward, too, because the ultra-competitive star will be facing his old Carolina teammates in Week 4 at home. Bet on Smith coming to play next Sunday. The Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a grand total of zero wins entering Week 3, so Smith ought to be big on the road in those respective forthcoming games too.

The later in the season it gets, the more Smith and Flacco will be on the same page. Based on their roaring start in Kubiak's offense, that's a scary thought to entertain for the AFC North, the rest of the NFL and any of Smith's fantasy opponents.

Steve Smith's Projected Week 3 stats: 9 receptions (12 targets), 105 yards, TD