Fantasy Football Player Notes

I'm running out of superlatives for Derrick Henry. The ageless wonder continues to thrive and now has four rushing touchdowns in two games. Not only has he continued to dominate defenders, but even in a loss last week, he finished as a top-10 fantasy play. After a disappointing loss to the Saints, the Ravens travel to Dallas in what should be a very high-scoring affair. Coming off a record-setting performance, Dak Prescott and company will have their work cut out for them against Jesse Minter's defense. I expect that the Ravens will want to control this game and keep the ball out of Dak's hands. As a result, expect a heavy dose of Henry against an improved but not scary Cowboys defense.

Rashod Bateman assumed a larger role in the Baltimore passing attack in Week 2 without Zay Flowers. Bateman finished as the WR8 for the week. Bateman had a 29% target share, 88 receiving yards (2.84 YPRR), one red zone target, two deep targets, and a 38.1% first-read share. It was wonderful usage for the talented Bateman. I'm approaching this week as if Zay Flowers will be out again. This will vault Bateman back into last week's workload in a wonderful matchup. Last week, Washington's offense fell apart in the second half with Marcus Mariota under center. Dallas's pass defense in Week 1 is probably a better litmus test for their perimeter corners when evaluating this matchup. In Week 1, Dallas was 17th in yards per target allowed to perimeter wide receivers while giving up the tenth-most receiving fantasy points.

Through two games, Mark Andrews has seen solid usage despite being the TE15 in fantasy points per game. This is related to his zero touchdowns and is not indicative of his play. Andrews has had a 67.6% route share, a 23.2% target share, 2.13 YPRR, one red zone target, and a 30% first-read share. Those are all solid, if not VERY strong, metrics. Andrews should finally get into the end zone this week in a wonderful matchup. Dallas has allowed the eighth-most yards per target and the third-most fantasy points per opportunity to tight ends.

The Ravens desperately need Flowers back. Not only is he an explosive nightmare for opposing defenses, but he is by far this team's best pass catcher. With him out last week and rookie Ja'Kobi Lane missing the season, Lamar Jackson looked desperate for options. Derrick Henry may be the heart of this team, but Flowers is what makes the gears turn. If Flowers is back from his hamstring injury, he faces a very exploitable Cowboys defense. Through two weeks, the Cowboys are allowing the fourth most yards per game. The Ravens are looking to bounce back from a shocking home loss to the Saints, and I expect this offense to come out firing on all cylinders. If he is healthy, Flowers is a top-five fantasy play for me this week.