The Baltimore Ravens lost a close one to the Buffalo Bills 23-20, and one of the many question marks to arise was the use of running backs Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce. While Joe Flacco threw the ball 50 times, Rice and Pierce combined for 24 yards on nine carries. Pierce also added in one catch for two yards.
Ray Rice, Bernard Pierce are fantasy mysteries in Week 4
Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce combined for 24 yards on nine rushes. We break down the fantasy implications as we are just as baffled as you.
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The Ravens trailed 20-7 at one point, but they never trailed by more, which makes the play-calling all the more baffling. Rice was a game-time decision with a hip injury, but there was no indication he had any injury issues during the game. And even if he had, they still had the talented Pierce as a backup. For some reason though, the Ravens went pass heavy
Fantasy impact: Rice rushed five times and was targeted once in the passing game, so it is hard to tell what his injury status is at this point. He was able to start the game, but we don’t know if the limited touches had anything to do with his hip. It will be wise to keep an eye on John Harbaugh’s Monday press conference to get an idea of what was up with the game plan.
The Ravens travel to face the Miami Dolphins in Week 5. The Dolphins entered Week 4 ranked second to last in the league in rush defense. If healthy, Rice remains a must-start each week. We do not know their game plan this coming week, so you have to move forward assuming Rice will be a worthy RB 1 start.
