Baltimore needs to see what dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson can do when given the reigns. It’s time for the Ravens, losers of their last three and trailing divisional opponents Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, to make a change. Joe Flacco enjoyed an early-season renaissance, leading the Ravens to a 3-1 start while throwing for 1,279 yards and eight touchdowns to two interceptions. But the wheels fell off in an ugly 12-9 Week 5 loss to Cleveland in which Flacco failed to throw a TD. Since that game the Ravens are 1-3, and his production dropped significantly. He’s thrown for 915 yards and four TDs to three INTs during that four-game span.
With Baltimore coming off its bye and the flailing Flacco nursing a hip injury, Jackson’s role should increase significantly. Coach John Harbaugh indicated that Jackson, who has played mainly in two-QB sets, could lead entire series under center going forward.
Jackson, who at 19 became the youngest player to win the Heisman award, brings rushing ability Flacco can only dream of. The first-round pick out of Louisville has rushed 28 times for 139 yards (5.0 yards per carry) in limited action. Despite his 12.4-percent snap share, Jackson ranks No. 12 in rushing among QBs. His eight red zone carries rank No. 7.
Jackson hasn’t been asked to throw the ball much (12 attempts) but his college resume shows he’s a capable passer. He recorded back-to-back seasons with more than 25 passing TDs and 3,000 passing yards. His college QBR (85.0) ranks in the 89-percentile. Jackson deserves a shot to start in his rookie campaign, and also deserves a spot on fantasy football rosters.
Say Hello
Running Back
Rashaad Penny, Seattle (17-percent owned, Yahoo!). He showed what he’s capable of when given enough touches to make a difference. Penny carried the ball 12 times for 108 yards and a TD against the Rams, averaging an eye-popping 9.0 YPC. It marked his best game yet and the 12 carries were a season high. He outcarried Mike Davis, who was filling in as the lead back for the injured Chris Carson (hip). Predicting Seattle’s backfield proves difficult with Carson returning to action this week. But coach Pete Carroll said Penny looked just like the player the Seahawks drafted him to be. It’s a good indication Penny gets more work going forward, and he might have done enough to supplant Davis.
Jacquizz Rodgers, Tampa Bay (0-percent owned, Yahoo!). A deeper league PPR add, journeyman Jacquizz led the Bucs with eight catches in Week 10. His eight targets doubled his previous season high and tied DeSean Jackson for the team lead. Rodgers’ 102 receiving yards were one short of Chris Godwin’s mark (103). But he’s seldom used as a runner, seeing one carry in Week 10 with coach Dirk Koetter calling plays.
Wide Receiver
Josh Reynolds, Los Angeles Rams (3-percent owned, Yahoo!). An ACL tear sent Cooper Kupp to injured reserve, meaning Reynolds is the next man up for the Rams. Reynolds previously stepped up while Kupp sat out in Weeks 7-8 after spraining his MCL. He played 88.1- and 94.3-percent of the snaps, respectively, and in Week 8 he went off (3-42-2). Playing on the pass-happy Rams, who rank No. 2 in total offense and No. 5 in passing, Reynolds should absorb the bulk of Kupp’s target share.
John Ross, Cincinnati (16-percent owned, Yahoo!). Ross scored his third TD of the season against New Orleans despite missing most of the previous four games with a groin injury. He led the team with six targets in A.J. Green’s (toe) absence. He draws a tough matchup this week against Baltimore, but will be a WR3/flex option regardless.
Tight End
Jonnu Smith, Tennessee (1-percent owned, Yahoo!). Smith, listed as an add last week, is carving a role for himself. From Week 6 on, Smith has caught 8-of-9 targets for 101 yards and two TDs. He’s scored in back-to-back games as Marcus Mariota has the Titans offense operating at a high level. For now, Smith is a TD-dependent dart throw. But at 6-3, 248-pounds his red zone appeal is promising as the Titans trend upward on offense.
Waive Goodbye
Running Back
Jamaal Williams, Green Bay. Aaron Jones finally took over the Packers backfield in Week 10. He ran wild (15-145-2) while Williams gained three yards on three carries.
Wide Receiver
Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams. A torn ACL cut Kupp’s sophomore season short, and he lands on IR.
Quarterback
Joe Flacco, Baltimore. Since Week 5’s loss to Cleveland in which Flacco failed to throw a TD, the Ravens are 1-3, and his production has dropped significantly. He’s thrown for 915 yards and four TDs to three INTs during that four-game span.
