The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were a popular sleeper pick in some NFL circles entering the season, while the Baltimore Ravens were a team many worried about. However, through five weeks, the Ravens are 3-2, while the Buccaneers sit at 1-4 and tied for last place. One team looks to continue its early-season success while the other hopes to find some when the two play Sunday.
Fantasy football advice, Week 6: Who to start/sit for Ravens vs. Buccaneers
Neither of these teams has really lived up to expectations. That’s good for one of them, but bad for the other.
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From a fantasy perspective, the Ravens appear to be pretty close to healthy. The Buccaneers have a few more concerns. Quarterback Josh McCown is still out and has been replaced, while wide receiver Vincent Jackson has been missing practice with a rib injury, but is expected to play. Wide receiver Mike Evans, dealing with a groin injury, was expected to miss several weeks, but has been upgraded to questionable and could play Sunday.
The two teams play at 1 p.m. ET Sunday in Tampa Bay. Read on for a look at the fantasy names worth considering in the game:
RAVENS
Start 'em: No one saw this coming, but Justin Forsett has placed himself at the top of the Ravens' trio of running backs, and is a low-end must-start right now. ... We've probably seen the best of Steve Smith Sr. this season, but even if he falls off a bit, he's a fine WR2. ... He's a low-end starter, sure, but Owen Daniels still slots as a starting tight end. ... Justin Tucker has averaged more than 10 fantasy points a game since his rough Week 1. He's an easy starting kicker.
Start ‘em?: The Ravens’ defense has only had one good game, but against a middling offense, there’s potential there.
Sit 'em: After a good Week 4, with 25 fantasy points, quarterback Joe Flacco came back with only seven in Week 5. He's averaging barely 14 fantasy points a game so far, not worth a start in fantasy. ... With Forsett's development, running backs Lorenzo Taliaferro and Bernard Pierce are relegated to little more than roster depth. ... At this point, there's not a lot of reason to even roster Torrey Smith in fantasy, let alone consider starting him.
Start in every league: Justin Forsett, Steve Smith Sr., Owen Daniels, Justin Tucker
Start if you’re desperate: Defense/special teams
Bench: Joe Flacco, Lorenzo Taliaferro, Bernard Pierce, Torrey Smith
BUCCANEERS
Start ‘em: The new quarterback in Tampa Bay helps Vincent Jackson, who now slots as a strong flex play
Start 'em?: He slots as a possible flex play mainly because the position has been a bit of a wasteland; running back Doug Martin has been disappointing.
Sit 'em: He's an improvement on McCown, and he helps the team's other receivers but Mike Glennon isn't really a fantasy starter in his own right. ... We haven't heard the last of Bobby Rainey this season, but as long as Martin is carrying the majority of the load, Rainey's off the radar. ... Even if Mike Evans makes it back onto the field, you can't possibly trust him for Sunday. ... Austin Seferian-Jenkins has far more value than Brandon Myers for the rest of the season, but neither tight end offers much relevance right now. ... Patrick Murray has had far more kicking opportunities the last couple weeks, but in general you'll find more value elsewhere. ... The Buccaneers' defense hasn't had a negative game yet, which is nice, but it also hasn't score more than six in a game. Find more upside.
Start in every league: Vincent Jackson
Start if you’re desperate: Doug Martin
Bench: Mike Glennon, Bobby Rainey, Mike Evans, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Brandon Myers, Patrick Murray, Defense/special teams
