The 2013 Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens profoundly rely on their running game and running back Ray Rice contributes heavily to the success of their offensive unit. Rice, who is a three-time Pro-Bowler, has been with the Ravens since his start with the NFL in 2008. The 5’-8” Rice speedily rushed his way to finish 2012 ranking sixth for running backs in fantasy points.
2012 Stats | Rush Yds | Rush TD's | Rec Yds | Rec TD's | RB Rank |
| 1,143 | 9 | 478 | 1 | 6th |
2013 Outlook
The Ravens are a run-first team which means that as long as the 26-year-old Rice is healthy, he should see the bulk of the running back work in 2013. He does share the field with fellow running back, Bernard Pierce, but look for Rice who has averaged 4.5 yards per carry over the past two years to dominate the lead running back role.
For the past four years, Rice has been in the top 10 for running backs. He has accumulated more total yards for any running back in this four-year timespan. Rice also leads all running backs in both receiving yards and catches for this period of time. The Ravens lack in possessing an elite wide receiving crew, so that means quarterback Joe Flacco will continue to keep Rice heavily involved in both rush plays and receptions.
Dynasty Outlook
If you are looking to draft a prime running back who will produce top fantasy points each week, one could not do a whole lot better than Rice. Besides being an excellent rush player who excels at dodging defenses, Rice, who will not be available to draft past round one, is especially valuable in points per reception (PPR) leagues. Last year for running back receptions, Rice finished quite impressively catching the third most receiving yards for running backs.
Between rushing yards, touchdowns and receptions, Rice should continue to thrive in the fantasy points department each week as an efficient RB1. The Ravens, who won the Super Bowl last year, will not likely be looking to change their offensive gameplan anytime soon; which should ensure that Rice remains a viable player for your 2013 fantasy team.
Projected 2013 Statistics: 1,220 Rush Yards, Eight Rush TD’s, 548 Rec. Yards, Three Rec. TD’s