2014 Review

Quarterback Joe Flacco was likely used in two-quarterback format leagues, or as an occasional backup last year. He had some quality QB1 performances sprinkled with some lower-level production. Flacco finished the 2014 season as the 13th ranked fantasy quarterback where he passed for 3,986 yards and 27 touchdowns compared to 12 interceptions.

The Ravens produced a fantasy surprise in that of veteran running back Justin Forsett last year. By Week 4, Forsett was one of the hottest waiver wire players to target. His best performance came from Week 12 where he rushed for 182 yards and scored two touchdowns. In the end, Forsett generously rewarded those who acquired him and he finished the year ranking eighth overall in fantasy points. He accumulated a total of 1,374 yards and scored nine touchdowns.

Former Ravens’ running back Bernard Pierce and second-year rusher Lorenzo Taliaferro completely took a backseat to Forsett once the season got underway.

As for the receivers, Torrey Smith, now with the San Francisco 49ers and Steve Smith led in fantasy points. Torrey finished 19th to Steve’s 20th fantasy ranking. Despite the close ranking, the fantasy points were earned differently. Torrey tallied 49 catches, 767 yards and had 11 touchdowns. Steve excelled in catches (79) and yardage (1,065) but only had six touchdowns.

Veteran Additions

The Ravens added backup quarterback Matt Schaub to the roster during the free-agency period. He is unlikely to have any fantasy impact to the team unless Flacco, who has yet to miss a game in seven seasons, goes down. If that becomes the case, turn the other direction. Schaub’s limited production over the past few seasons with his former teams was horrendous.

NFL Draft

The Ravens selected wide receiver Breshad Perriman in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. This was not a surprising pick considering the departure of Torrey Smith. Perriman comes from a 2014 college season from Central Florida where he put up 50 receptions, 1,044 yards and nine touchdowns. He averaged an incredible 20.9 yards per catch.

He looks to be poised to play opposite veteran Steve Smith and could have a substantial impact to the team right away. Perriman should be drafted as a WR3 who may surprise later down the road

The team also drafted tight end Maxx Williams in the second round to fill the void left by Dennis Pitta who is still recovering from hip surgery. He could make a nice late-round draft pick should Pitta remain out for the foreseeable future.

Potential Breakout Star

Wide receiver Marlon Brown could find himself in a larger role this season. Smith Sr. is not getting any younger and at the age of 35, the team will use him sparingly moving forward. Smith will not get the 134 targets he saw in 2014.

Brown stands 6-foot-5 and has the potential to make long plays down the field. It would not be shocking to see Brown in a larger role this season drawing more looks from Flacco. He should be drafted in later rounds and stashed until he breaks out.

Potential Disappointment

If Pitta is ready to roll at the beginning of the season, he will be returning coming off of two back-to-back hip surgeries. One more fall or wrong tweak to his bum could spell disaster for the aging tight end. Pitta’s star fantasy season from 2012 where he totaled 669 yards and seven touchdowns is long behind him. Do not draft him with the expectation he will produce the fantasy points he did that year.