Baltimore Ravens running back Bernard Pierce (concussion) is listed as probable for Sunday's game vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. He will play and start in the season opener.
Bernard Pierce listed as probable for fantasy opener
Bernard Pierce is probable for Sunday’s opener against the Bengals. We break down the fantasy implications.
Larry French
The Ravens won't have Ray Rice due to his two-game suspension, which means Pierce is all set to be the featured back. They have a new offensive system and will look to turn around one of the worst rushing attacks in recent memory, having averaged a league-worst 3.1 yards per attempt last season.
The Bengals do have a very good defense from a points allowed standpoint, but they were just 16th in rushing yards allowed per game. The Ravens are still expected to use a different approach to their passing attack, which hopefully will open things up for their running game.
Fantasy impact: He’s a featured back, so he’s someone most fantasy owners should be starting. Pierce’s ceiling isn’t going to be too high, making him more of a RB2 in most formats. Ray Rice owners will be rooting against Pierce because Rice has been outplayed by Pierce for the past season or so.
