Week 13 Fantasy Football: Smith Out, Ravens Game Impact
Week 13 of the fantasy football season brings a significant shakeup with Lamar Jackson's injury and the resulting impact on the Baltimore Ravens' game. This means major fantasy implications for those who rostered Jackson and those facing off against his opponents. Let's break down how this absence affects your fantasy lineup and what you should consider for your Week 13 decisions.
Lamar Jackson's Absence: A Fantasy Earthquake
The news of Lamar Jackson's injury sent shockwaves through the fantasy football world. His absence significantly alters the Ravens' offensive approach and makes Tyler Huntley's performance crucial for fantasy owners. Huntley's skillset differs from Jackson's, affecting the team's offensive strategy and the potential point production of other players. We'll look deeper into how this change impacts key players.
Impact on Ravens Offensive Players
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Tyler Huntley: He becomes the focal point of the Ravens' offense. While a capable quarterback, Huntley's fantasy value is considerably lower than Jackson's. Expect a run-heavy approach, limiting his passing attempts and overall fantasy points. His rushing potential is a slight upside, however.
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Mark Andrews: Andrews' targets might decrease slightly with Huntley at quarterback. However, he remains a top tight end option due to his consistent role in the offense. He's still a solid start, but manage expectations.
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J.K. Dobbins/Gus Edwards: The Ravens' running game should see an increase in volume with Huntley under center. This makes both Dobbins and Edwards viable fantasy plays in Week 13, especially in PPR leagues. Their success will depend heavily on the game script.
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Rashod Bateman/Devin Duvernay: The wide receivers will likely see a decrease in targets. Huntley’s preference for shorter routes may impact their fantasy value. They are risky starts in Week 13.
Opponent's Perspective: A Week 13 Advantage?
Facing the Ravens in Week 13 presents a unique opportunity for opposing defenses. With Huntley at quarterback, their chances of forcing turnovers and limiting the Ravens' offensive output increase. This makes opposing defenses potentially strong streaming options in fantasy. Keep a close eye on the matchup to assess this potential.
Week 13 Fantasy Football Strategies
Considering Lamar Jackson's absence, here are some key fantasy strategies for Week 13:
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Waiver Wire Prowl: Check your waiver wire for potential replacements at quarterback and other impacted positions. Look for quarterbacks in favorable matchups, even if they are not top-tier players.
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Trade Considerations: If you are lacking a top-tier quarterback, explore trade possibilities.
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Adjust Expectations: Understand that the Ravens' offense will likely function differently. Lower your expectations for some players and focus on matchups.
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Flex Decisions: Consider players on the Ravens' defense, whose value may increase slightly with the change of quarterback.
Q&A: Your Week 13 Fantasy Questions Answered
Q: Should I drop Mark Andrews? A: No. While his production may slightly decrease, he remains a valuable tight end.
Q: Is Tyler Huntley a viable QB1? A: No. Huntley is a low-end QB2 at best. Manage your expectations.
Q: Who are some good waiver wire options this week? A: It depends on your league and available players. Check your waiver wire for QB streamers in favorable matchups.
Q: Should I start the Ravens' defense? A: It depends on their opponent's offensive capabilities. Consider the matchup before starting them.
Conclusion: Navigating the Week 13 Changes
Lamar Jackson's injury drastically alters the fantasy landscape for Week 13. Adaptability and careful consideration of matchups are key to navigating this change. Remember to adjust your expectations, utilize the waiver wire effectively, and make informed decisions based on the latest news and analysis. Good luck in your Week 13 matchups!