The Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens were both playoff teams a year ago. The Broncos finished 12-4 and earned a first-round bye in the AFC. The Ravens went 10-6, good for only third in the AFC North, but still managed to snag the second Wild Card. On Sunday, they start their seasons against one another, looking to get back to the playoffs.
Fantasy football advice, Week 1: Who to start/sit for Ravens vs. Broncos
Two of the AFC’s regular power teams open their 2015 seasons against each other.
The Ravens will be without two of their secondary fantasy weapons Sunday, with running back Lorenzo Taliaferro and wide receiver Breshad Perriman both shelved with knee injuries. On the Broncos' side, the only possible fantasy option on the injury report is wide receiver Andre Caldwell, who is (a) unlikely to do much for fantasy players, and (b) probable despite flu-like symptoms.
Sunday’s game between the two teams is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET in Denver. Here’s a look at the game’s fantasy possibilities:
RAVENS
Start 'em: The out-of-nowhere performance of Justin Forsett a year ago looks to continue at the start of this year; he's a must-start. ... No matter what happens with Baltimore year to year, Justin Tucker still gets his kicker points.
Start 'em?: There is something to be said for Joe Flacco possibly in a shootout, but his lack of weapons and traditional upside makes him a super-dicey play. ... You like Steve Smith far more in PPR than in standard, but with not many weapons around him, he's at least a flex option in both formats.
Sit 'em: The injury to Taliaferro leaves Buck Allen as the Ravens' No. 2 running back, but he's nowhere near fantasy consideration right now. ... With Perriman sidelined, the Ravens will have Kamar Aiken and Marlon Brown as their behind-Smith receivers, and that isn't a happy story. ... Both Crockett Gillmore and Maxx Williams come with some theoretical upside, but they are far from fantasy useful as yet. ... The Denver offense might not be at its peak this year, but you still don't love a defense facing the Broncos, meaning avoid the Ravens' defense this week.
BRONCOS
Start 'em: Is Peyton Manning a scarier fantasy option than he ever this year? Absolutely. Does that mean you even consider benching him? Absolutely not. ... C.J. Anderson got a chance to shine last year, and succeeded. If Manning is back to full strength, maybe Anderson doesn't get as many carries again, but you still like a starting running back in a Peyton Manning offense. ... Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders and Owen Daniels are the primary pass catchers for Manning this year, making all good fantasy options. ... Brandon McManus lost his kicking job late last year; he has it back now, and while he's no sure thing, he's still a Manning kicker. ... The Broncos' defense could actually be the team's strong suit this year.
Sit 'em: It's clear that Ronnie Hillman is the team's No. 2 running back, but absent an injury to Anderson, he's not useful for fantasy. ... Cody Latimer is a popular sleeper play this year, but he'll need to show a lot to be a real fantasy option.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Justin Forsett, Justin Tucker, Peyton Manning, C.J. Anderson, Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Owen Daniels, Brandon McManus, Denver defense
Start if you're desperate: Joe Flacco, Steve Smith
Bench: Buck Allen, Kamar Aiken, Marlon Brown, Crockett Gillmore, Maxx Williams, Baltimore defense, Ronnie Hillman, Cody Latimer
