Both the Baltimore Ravens and the Miami Dolphins are 7-5 and right in the middle of the AFC's mad dash for a playoff spot. The Ravens are tied for second in the AFC North; the Dolphins are the same in the AFC East. With one of these teams falling to 7-6 Sunday, the game between the two teams looks like something of a loser-leaves-town match.
Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 14: Ravens vs. Dolphins
Neither of these teams can really afford any more losses, but that’s not the way football works.
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The Ravens had both running back Justin Forsett and wide receiver Torrey Smith on the week's injury report with knee issues, and both missed practice time over the course of the week. Both are expected to play Sunday, but neither is a sure thing. For the Dolphins, wide receivers Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline and tight end Charles Clay were on the week's report. Clay is the biggest question mark, with his status for Sunday up in the air.
The Dolphins play host Sunday. The game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, and here’s a look at the fantasy names to consider:
RAVENS
Start 'em: His injuries are a concern, but assuming Justin Forsett plays Sunday, he's shown more than enough this season to be an every-week RB1. ... Justin Tucker's an every-week starter at kicker.
Start 'em?: The injury for Torrey Smith is frustrating; he had played himself into decent flex territory at least, but the ailment could cost him that. ... The loss to suspension of Haloti Ngata takes the Ravens' defense from reasonable starting territory to a desperation play.
Sit 'em: He had 23 fantasy points in Week 13, but before that Joe Flacco had averaged only 11.8 over his last five. He's outside starting territory, especially against an elite defense. ... Steve Smith Sr. has basically fallen off the fantasy radar with his recent struggles. ... Owen Daniels, too, has played himself off the starting radar.
DOLPHINS
Start 'em: He's only a marginal real-world kicker, but Caleb Sturgis has been very productive for fantasy. He's a starter. ... The Dolphins' defense has been elite almost all season, and that looks to continue.
Start 'em?: Every time Ryan Tannehill makes you think he's put it together, he falls back again, like he did in Week 13. He's a mid-range QB2. ... Lamar Miller has been good, but far from great lately, and the Ravens have an elite run defense. ... Mike Wallace and Jarvis Landry are both poised to take advantage of a generous Baltimore pass defense, though neither appears to have significant upside.
Sit 'em: Even if he's healthy, Charles Clay would be tough to use for fantasy; with his injury concerns he's definitely off the board.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Justin Forsett, Justin Tucker, Caleb Sturgis, Miami defense
Start if you’re desperate: Torrey Smith, Baltimore defense, Ryan Tannehill, Lamar Miller, Mike Wallace, Jarvis Landry
Bench: Joe Flacco, Steve Smith Sr., Owen Daniels, Charles Clay
