Baltimore Ravens Week 17 Fantasy Strategy: Navigating the Lamar Jackson Absence
As the NFL season reaches its climax, fantasy football managers face a critical juncture in Week 17. The Baltimore Ravens prepare for a high-stakes showdown against the Green Bay Packers, but a major cloud hangs over the offense: quarterback Lamar Jackson is doubtful to play. With Tyler Huntley likely stepping in, the dynamics for Baltimore’s primary playmakers shift significantly.
Determining whether to start or sit key assets like Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, and Mark Andrews requires a deep dive into how Huntley’s presence alters the offensive game plan and how the Packers’ defense matches up against specific positions.
The Tyler Huntley Effect
While Tyler Huntley is a capable backup, the Ravens’ offense naturally loses efficiency without Jackson. However, Huntley’s history provides a roadmap for expected production. In a Week 8 start this season, for example, Zay Flowers managed seven catches for 63 yards, proving he can still find opportunities in the passing game regardless of who is under center.
Derrick Henry: A Heavy Workload Expectation
Despite what some might call a down season, Derrick Henry remains a powerhouse, ranking as the RB14 overall with over 1,200 rushing yards.
The matchup against Green Bay is challenging, as the Packers’ defense allows the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs. However, the absence of Lamar Jackson likely forces Baltimore to lean more heavily on the ground game to remain competitive. With Huntley at the helm, Henry’s volume is expected to increase, making him a strong starter for Week 17.
Zay Flowers: From WR2 to Flex
Zay Flowers enters this week ranked as the WR12 typically making him a reliable WR2 option. The potential loss of Jackson creates a downgrade for all pass-catchers, but Flowers remains a viable play.
Green Bay presents a middle-of-the-road matchup, currently allowing the 15th-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. While the ceiling is lower without Jackson, Flowers’ ability to produce under Huntley suggests he should stay in lineups, though he is downgraded to a flex play rather than a primary WR2.
Mark Andrews: The Case for Sitting
Unlike Henry and Flowers, the outlook for tight end Mark Andrews is less optimistic for this specific matchup. Given the offensive shifts and the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback situation, the current recommendation is to sit Andrews in favor of more consistent options.
Week 17 Fantasy Verdicts
| Player | Rank/Stat | Verdict | Role Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derrick Henry | RB14 / 1,200+ Yards | Start | Strong RB2 |
| Zay Flowers | WR12 | Start | Flex Option |
| Mark Andrews | TE | Sit | Bench |
Key Takeaways for Managers
- Lean on the Run: Expect a higher volume of carries for Derrick Henry as the Ravens mitigate the loss of Lamar Jackson’s playmaking.
- Adjust Expectations: Zay Flowers is still a start, but move him to your flex spot to account for reduced passing efficiency.
- Monitor the QB: The “Start” verdicts for Henry and Flowers are predicated on the offensive shift caused by Jackson being doubtful.
As Week 17 unfolds, the Ravens’ ability to adapt their offense to Tyler Huntley will define the fantasy success of their stars. While the loss of a superstar quarterback is never ideal, the increased reliance on the running game keeps Derrick Henry in the elite tier of weekly plays.