AFC North Dynasty Capsule: Baltimore Ravens

For years, the formula to beat the Ravens was to simply find a way to score 17 points against them. Historically, their offense has had a difficult time matching the dominance of their defense. This has made Baltimore one of the tougher teams to find talent on from a dynasty fantasy football perspective.

In 2009, things began to change as the Ravens offense really began to click under second year quarterback Joe Flacco and multi-threat running back Ray Rice. Having an offense capable of putting points on the board did the Ravens team wonders as they made the playoffs and steamrolled the Patriots before losing to the future AFC champion Colts.

This year brings even more hope to Raven fans as they’ve finally addressed the wide receiver position by adding veteran Anquan Boldin from Arizona.

What does the future hold for the Ravens and dynasty league owners of their fantasy stars? Let’s find out in today’s edition of the dynasty capsule.

Players in their Prime

Ray Rice, RB

Rice had a solid rookie season in 2008 when he produced 454 yards on just 107 carries, giving his dynasty league owners hope for the future. Rice blew all those expectations out of the water by posting 1,339 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, to go along with an amazing 78 receptions for another 702 yards, and one score.

At just 23 years of age, Ray Rice is a premier commodity in dynasty leagues. He’s an easy selection in the top four of new dynasty drafts and is in the mix with Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, and Maurice Jones-Drew to be the No. 1 pick in those startups, especially those that reward points for receptions.

Anquan Boldin, WR

He finally got his wish and was sent packing from Arizona to be a No. 1 option on another team. The Ravens are the beneficiary of a player who has produced five 1,000 yard seasons and has 44 career touchdown receptions in just eight NFL seasons.

The injury bug tends to strike him at any time as he’s played in all 16 games just twice in his eight-year career. Boldin is seemingly worth the risk, though. As a No. 1 receiver in an offense becoming much more versatile, he should have his fair share of chances at 1,200 yards and double digit scores the next few seasons.

Boldin is an easy choice for a No. 2 receiver in dynasty leagues and has the upside to be a No. 1 as well.

Rising Players

Joe Flacco, QB

It would be easy to look at Flacco’s numbers and say he belongs with the players in their prime. After all, he posted 3,613 yards, with 21 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions in 2009. The problem with putting him there is that we’ve not yet seen the best of Flacco.

At just 25 years old, he’s simply not fully realized his potential. With Anquan Boldin being added to Ray Rice, he’s going to have the ability to find more open spots to get the ball to a playmaker. The results should be fantastic.

Flacco is an easy choice to be a No. 2 quarterback in dynasty leagues, but don’t be surprised if he makes a big leap this season and finishes in the top 12 signal callers for fantasy points. His future is very, very bright.

Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson, TEs

The Ravens went with not one, but two tight ends in the draft.  Pitta is BYU’s all-time leading pass catcher and seems to be more polished running routes. Dickson has a clear advantage blocking, but has the ability to catch passes as well.

Keep an eye on this position battle, as one of these two players will likely soon replace the aging Todd Heap and become Flacco’s safety valve.

Players with Falling Values

Derrick Mason, WR

He’s back for at least one more go around, but things are drastically different for Mason now with the addition of Boldin. He’ll be the clear second wide receiver option on passing plays and likely third option overall when you consider Ray Rice coming out of the backfield in most passing formations.

Mason has been a dynasty league fixture for nearly a decade. At 36, his value now is as a No. 3 or No. 4 wide receiver at best.

Willis McGahee, RB

The long, strange trip of Willis McGahee continues this season. Most expected the Ravens to cut ties with McGahee this offseason, but they surprisingly decided to retain him. That’s great news for the Ravens, and bad news for his dynasty owners.

Barring a Ray Rice injury, McGahee is going to spend a lot of time watching from the sidelines again this year. He may have one last shot in him, but it’s likely not going to be in Baltimore. When you consider he’s 29 years old, his options for resurrecting his value are going to be very slim in the future.

At this point, McGahee is simply a handcuff to Rice in dynasty leagues.

Todd Heap, TE

Heap is going to look back at his career and simply wonder what could have been. He’s a superior athlete and one of the most natural pass catching tight ends the league has ever seen. Unfortunately, his career has been full of injuries.

He was still productive last year with 53 catches, 593 yards, and 6 touchdowns. Those numbers would have been really disappointing a few years ago, but at age 30, those are pretty realistic expectations now.

Heap is a No. 2 tight end for competing teams only. If you’re rebuilding, there are many other options to build around.

LeRon McClain, RB

You have to really respect LeRon McClain. He went from being the lead back in  2008, rushing for 902 yards and 10 touchdowns, to a blocking fullback again in 2009. Unfortunately, respect isn’t a stat measured in fantasy football.

McClain is still young at just 25, but the Ravens are locked into him being a fullback and possible short yardage compliment to Ray Rice. In fact, it would likely be McGahee who steps into a prominent role should Rice get hurt.

McClain belongs on waiver wires in shallow leagues.

Marc Bulger, QB

After being beaten to a pulp in St. Louis for the past few seasons, Bulger will be more than happy to hold a clipboard for Joe Flacco. He really only has value to Flacco owners with dynasty teams who have no other real options at the quarterback position.

Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams, WRs

These two were once thought to be the future starters at wide receiver for the Ravens. Now it seems they’re both squarely on the roster bubble. Oh, how cruel the NFL can be.

Sleepers

Donte Stallworth, WR

Stallworth is likely going to be used as a situational deep threat for the Ravens this season. After sitting out last season, he’s showing a real desire to work hard and turn his life around. Whether you like him or not, he’s not going away any time soon in Baltimore. He could work his way into a more prominent role later in the season and beyond.

Troy Smith, QB

The addition of Bulger should have sunk his value, but it actually didn’t. This could just be the perfect time for the Ravens to finally give Smith the trade he’s wanted for so long. His value will be dependent on the team who could possibly acquire him, but it’s a situation worth monitoring.

Super Sleeper

Jalen Parmele, RB

If Parmele can stick as a kick returner this year, it’s very possible he could replace McGahee as Ray Rice’s handcuff as early as next season. He has a lot of ground to make up, but he also has some ability.

Summary

The Ravens offense is finally showing the ability to keep up with their defense. There’s a lot to like from this team from a dynasty fantasy football perspective. Ray Rice, Joe Flacco, and Anquan Boldin all have chances for some great years ahead and there are some other young players to keep an eye on as well. Utilizing the right players on this team could leave your dynasty roster flying high.