The 7-3 Ravens will visit the 7-2 Steelers in Pittsburgh this Sunday as one of the more anticipated matchups this season. This classic AFC North rivalry might be different than previous years, as the Baltimore defense is a shell of themselves from last season, being dead last against the past. While they are good against the run, Russell Wilson is playing like how he did in Seattle and has a connection with George Pickens. Lamar Jackson will have a tough test against a top Steelers unit on defense. Unlike last year, he does now have a potential x-factor for this game: “King” Henry.
Ravens vs. Steelers DFS Start ‘Ems
Sep 29, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) runs through Buffalo Bills linebacker Dorian Williams (42) tackle attempt during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Here are a few of the players that we are leaning on heavily in this game. These players are in a good spot to put together a solid performance and have a favorable matchup.
Derrick Henry ($8.1K DraftKings and $9.4K Fanduel)
Although he had a down game last week against the Bengals on Thursday Night, they were selling out to stop the run game in Week 10. The Ravens should feed Derrick Henry early and often to set the tone for this game. The Steelers’ pass rush, even without Alex Highsmith, is still a ferocious unit with T.J. Watt. Establishing the run would slow down their pass rush and could set up play action later in the game for Jackson or on quarterback-designed runs.
Russell Wilson ($5.9K DraftKings and $7.8K Fanduel)
The Ravens’ secondary has been exploitable by basically every quarterback, including Jameis Winston on the Cleveland Browns. Wilson should be able to hit those deep moon balls to Pickens, Mike Williams, and Calvin Austin out of the slot. Even if the run game struggles for Pittsburgh, there should be plenty of opportunities deep and over the middle of the field, which have been weak spots for Baltimore on their defense.
Ravens vs. Steelers DFS Sit ‘Ems
On the flip side of things, here are a few of the players we are sitting in this one.
Rashod Bateman ($4.6K DraftKings and $5.4K Fanduel)
With Joey Porter Jr. likely covering on the outside, occasionally against Zay Flowers but mostly against Bateman, he is a sit for me despite his deep play potential and salary. The Ravens often have used Flowers with designed screens, in motion, and in the slot, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he pops off in this game despite the tough matchup. Pittsburgh’s other cornerbacks include Donte Jackson on the other side and rookie Beanie Bishop Jr. covering the slot.
Nelson Agholor ($3.5K DraftKings and $5.1K Fanduel)
This is a revenge spot for Diontae Johnson and with more time to get accustomed to the playbook, I wouldn’t be surprised if they try to target him early in the game. More snaps for Diontae would mean less for the veteran Agholor, as the hero from last week Tylan Wallace could see more offensive snaps after his performance against the Bengals. Despite his cheap salary, Agholor will need to catch a touchdown to pay off but I would prefer other pass-catching options on the Ravens and Steelers.
Total Apex Lock of the Game
George Pickens ($7K DraftKings and $7.5K Fanduel)
Pickens is a lock this week even at his price tag, as he has the biggest chance to catch a touchdown, or even two against a soft Ravens’ secondary. He also sees enough volume to give him a solid floor compared to other receivers in this game from both teams. With Wilson under center, Pickens has been a wide receiver one for fantasy and even if Marlon Humphrey travels with him, it probably won’t matter. But if Brandon Stephens is on him, it might be a long day for the struggling corner for Baltimore and I would expect a few jump balls going his way.
Total Apex Fade of the Game
Najee Harris ($6.2K DraftKings and $7K Fanduel)
Harris is off the injury report and is good to go for Sunday’s matchup. However, he is dealing with an ankle injury and while Jaylen Warren is questionable with a back injury, I would be off of the Steelers run game entirely. The Ravens have been stingy this year as a top unit against the run and have not let up a single 100-yard rusher in 2024.
Conclusion
Lamar Jackson for fantasy, even at his price, is a contrarian way to play this game, as most of the field might be on Russ due to the price point. I wouldn’t be surprised if Jackson doesn’t have a big game but does do enough to surpass Wilson. The former two-time MVP has been playing lights out and even against an elite defense he normally struggles with historically, the addition of Henry is a different element for the Ravens’ offense. The tight ends Mark Andrews and Pat Friermuth could both be more involved in this game and are cheap ways to access touchdown equity from both teams.
