Fantasy Football Player Notes

Last year, Zay Flowers posted career-best marks across the board with 86 receptions, 1,211 receiving yards, and a WR12 finish in fantasy points per game. It was amazing to see for a player who also ranked eighth in target share (27.7%), 11th in receiving yards per game (71.2), seventh in yards per route run (2.61), and tenth in first-read share (33.3%, per Fantasy Points Data). While Flowers also saw 19 deep targets last year, the big concern with him is his touchdown upside. Flowers has never had more than five receiving touchdowns in any season, and with only 11 red zone targets last year, it's tough to project a huge spike in that this season, but there could be hope with the arrival of offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. I'm not projecting that Doyle heads into this season drawing up more usage for Flowers near the goal line, but it can't possibly get any worse than it has been previously. Flowers is a strong WR2 with WR1 upside again this year.

Ja'Kobi Lane has been the talk of training camp and preseason football. He could easily be a late-round dart that hits in 2026, with a clear path to targets for a talented receiver behind Zay Flowers. Mark Andrews is a giant question mark, and Rashod Bateman has off-field issues that could lead to a suspension. I don't expect the Ravens to morph into a high-volume passing offense this season, but Lane could still have weekly value in fantasy even if the target volume is capped. During his final collegiate season, Lane ranked 52nd in yards per route run and 27th in receiving grade (per PFF).

Rashod Bateman could be subject to an NFL suspension in 2026 stemming from a family violence arrest in June.

2026 4th-rounder Elijah Sarratt may have been overshadowed by Baltimore's earlier selection of Ja'Kobi Lane, but the former Indiana receiver offers an intriguing pathway to Year 1 relevance. Sarratt enters a crowded, run-heavy offense, yet his strong production profile, early breakout age, and red-zone skill set could help him carve out a role quickly if Mark Andrews continues declining. The Ravens already have their No.1 WR in Zay Flowers, so expectations should remain tempered, but Sarratt's ability to win contested catches and earn targets gives him sleeper appeal. Among Baltimore's rookie receivers, he might be the better value bet relative to cost.