NFL
Denver Broncos vs Baltimore Ravens Preview
Both teams enter Week 3 of the NFL season following important division matchups. The Baltimore Ravens were thoroughly outplayed by the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. Andy Dalton torched the Ravens secondary for four touchdowns in the first half (with three to wideout A.J. Green).
Ravens defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale on Broncos QB Case Keenum: “They’re paying him $36 million. So he’s a quarterback in this league.”
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 20, 2018
Denver, on the other hand, showcased their grit in a 20-19 victory over the Oakland Raiders. Down 12-0 at halftime, Case Keenum rallied the Broncos throughout the 2nd half to secure a one-point victory. Keenum has been a capable and productive QB for the Broncos and will look to continue his success in Week 3. The Ravens, however, are five-point favorites going into Sunday’s matchup.
#Broncos are five-point underdogs against the #Ravens this week. Unexpected. https://t.co/wv5RGd0rqq
— BroncoTalk (@BroncoTalk) September 18, 2018
Ground and Pound
Baltimore has made it very clear that getting Alex Collins and the running game going is a huge priority. The Ravens have been noticeably pass-heavy through the opening two weeks of the 2018 season. Baltimore opening up the playbook is hardly shocking, though, given their offseason moves. Alex Collins, however, remains a top weapon on the Ravens offense — despite managing a mere 48 yards on 16 rushes this season.
On the other side, Denver has developed an explosive two-headed monster in their backfield. Tailback Royce Freeman and rookie Phillip Lindsay – the league’s third-leading rusher – have been electric through the first two weeks. Denver looks to keep dominating on the ground as they make their trip to Maryland. The Broncos are currently averaging 157 rushing yards-per-game, the second-most in the NFL.
Phillip Lindsay has been electric through the first 2 weeks of the season for #BroncosCountry , averaging 8.9 yards per touch: pic.twitter.com/A8p1A4Bhil
— Brandon Thorn (@VeteranScout) September 17, 2018
Playoffs?
Yes, we’re already talking playoffs (playoffs?!) with 15 weeks of football left to play. This game could provide a crucial momentum boost to either team as they approach mid-season. A 3-0 Broncos team would certainly be better positioned to contend for the top of the AFC West with the Kansas City Chiefs. Denver would also, undoubtedly, be a shoe-in for an AFC Wild Card.
Meanwhile, with the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers both starting the season slow, Baltimore has a chance to regain some confidence and hold second place in the AFC North. Baltimore will also benefit from the ten days of rest prior to Sunday’s high-stakes matchup. Both teams and their fans should be in for an intense battle on Sunday.
Fantasy Implications
With Andy Dalton managing the huge first half that he did against the Ravens secondary, Case Keenum should be a borderline start this week. Keenum is an even stronger starting candidate for teams in deeper and/or two-QB leagues. Denver RB Phillip Lindsay remains an appealing waiver option and was the highlight of TSJ’s take on Week 3 Waiver Wire Pickups.
For the Ravens, WR John ‘Smokey’ Brown has a touchdown in each of the first two games. ‘Smokey’ will look to continue that streak and warrants flex-to-WR2 consideration in most formats. Alex Collins, Emmanuel Sanders, and Demaryius Thomas also deserve consideration going into this week 3 matchup.
Date: Sunday, September 23, 2018
Time: 1:00 pm Eastern Time
Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
Team Records:
Denver Broncos 2-0-0
Baltimore Ravens 1-1-0
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Photo Credit: Travis (travisdean35) via Flickr
