Nov 11, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens receiver Torrey Smith (82) celebrates with tight end Ed Dickson (84) after scoring on a 20-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter as Oakland Raiders safety Matt Giordano (27) lay on the ground with an injury at M
Vital Info
Opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
Location: Heinz Field (Away)
Record: 7-2
Quarterback
Is there a more frustrating fantasy quarterback than Joe Flacco? He can be truly mediocre and then all a sudden he hits you with a performance like he had against the Raiders – 341 yards for 3 TDs and a pick. That’s 29 points in standard leagues – his highest score of the year. Don’t go ape just yet – we have seen this before from Flacco and it wouldn’t surprise me if he were to completely wet the bed against the Steelers. I’d put him in the same range as Tony Romo this week.
Running Back
Ray Rice is one of those few no-brainer must start players every week. I don’t care if it’s the Steelers, the Bills, the Chiefs or the Harlem Globetrotters. Bernard Pierce has been getting more involved but Rice just motors on and puts up points.
Wide Receiver
When I look at Torrey Smith, I see Megatron upside. Big shoes to fill for sure but that’s where he’s headed. For now he’s a mid WR2 but a solid starter and a player to target in dynasty and keeper leagues. Start him with reasonable confidence this week – if nothing else he’ll have at least one catch for 40 yards more likely. Anquan Boldin on the other hand might be just another guy now – he plays a fundamental part of the Baltimore offense but it just doesn’t involve him having big production. Leave him on your bench if you can but don’t drop him unless you have to.
Tight End
Flacco’s big week meant good things for Dennis Pitta but like Flacco you just cannot trust him – he’s around the bottom of the top 10 in that mess of guys you may or may not play. I can see this with confidence – I’m gonna stay away from Pitta this week. Speaking of staying away, Ed Dickson shouldn’t be on your roster. Wouldn’t surprise me to see him gone from this team next year.