After finishing 2023 with a disappointing loss to the Texans in the playoffs, the Ravens return hungrier than ever to make the Super Bowl. This offseason, they added Derrick Henry to bolster their running attack, which should pay huge dividends in the playoffs. Even with Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins not there anymore, look for the Ravens to be a run-first team, with Lamar Jackson adding a lot with his mobility and a stifling defense that gets to the quarterback.
I have argued on more than one occasion that Jackson was not the league’s MVP last season. However, he did play extremely well when it counted the most: in the fantasy playoffs. Jackson still has incredible mobility, but my biggest fear with him is that he just doesn’t have a tremendously talented receiving corps to throw the ball to. Jackson is still being drafted as one of the top-five quarterbacks, but with Derrick Henry now a Raven, I can’t say that I’m willing to take him that early.
This may arguably be the best offensive line that Derrick Henry has ever played behind. We’ve been talking about Henry slowing down for years, but that just hasn’t happened, and it’s easy to see how, in 2024, he can pick up where he left off and run for over 1000 yards and double-digit touchdowns. I’m not very interested in Henry in any dynasty formats, but if I’m trying to win this year, I think there’s a lot of value to be had. As of right now, he’s going in the third round, but I can see him providing late first-round numbers, which could make him a steal in fantasy drafts.
Flowers stood out as a terrific young rookie last season. When Mark Andrews was out for a few weeks, he stepped up and became the Ravens’ WR1. Baltimore lost Odell Beckham to free agency (Miami), and rookie WR Tez Walker is young and still learning the route tree, so this should be Flowers’ team. Look for him to get about 80 to 90 receptions and about 1000 yards. In PPR formats, he’s still an outstanding second receiver.
When you think about #1 receivers, you don’t often think about tight ends, but just like with Travis Kelce (Chiefs), Mark Andrews is the Ravens #1 receiving option. Andrews missed seven games due to injury last season, but he’s still only 28 years old and Jackson’s favorite red zone target. In years past, he normally would be selected in Round 3, but as of right now, he is going in Round 5. That’s pretty good value for someone who is likely to lead the team in touchdowns and, quite possibly, receptions as well.
When Andrews missed time at the end of last season, Likely stepped in and had touchdowns in five of the six games that he started. He’s a freakish athlete who is still learning the position, and he’s one of my favorite best ball targets. Instead of drafting players like Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor, I’d much rather have Likely, as he not only will have similar numbers to those receivers, but his value will skyrocket if Andrews should miss anytime again.
2024 really feels like the Ravens last hurrah. Their team is getting a little older, and now they’ve added one of the top running backs in football to a team that was very close to making a Super Bowl last season. If Derrick Henry can summon up one more terrific year, there may be a sea of purple in the crowd at next year’s Super Bowl.
