2007 NFL Fantasy Outlook: Baltimore Ravens

For years, the Ravens have been something of a fantasy enigma and very mysterious. While one area may be strong, another area is usually near the bottom of the league. While they've had great running backs and receivers it seems, the QBs often have been less than stellar. So then, what do the Ravens do? They go out and get a proven QB in Steve McNair, and they do well--but the other areas start to fall off. Ho-hum, c'est la vie in Baltimore.

Let's get to it individually:

QB Steve McNair--Air McNair has certainly lost a step or two, but never question his grit and work ethic. If there's something to be said about him, it's that he will get the job done, no matter how ugly it is. The problem is that this doesn't usually translate well into strong fantasy numbers. While McNair is definitely a winner, in the fantasy world he's nothing more than a strong backup. With some other additions we'll talk about, his numbers could go down even more.

RB Willis McGahee-with Rick Neuheisel as the offensive coordinator, many thought that this would be a boon to McGahee. However, as many inside critics have noted, Coach Brian Billick will still really be the one calling the plays. For McGahee, that is still a good thing--just look at how much Billick used Jamal Lewis over the past few years. Those naysayers who still point out that McGahee is damaged goods are not seeing the forest for the trees--this should be a good, solid year for McGahee.

TE Todd Heap-Still one of my favorite tight ends, he is the silent assassin, racking up numbers left and right that many TEs would gush over. You should also consider that Heap has done this with less than stellar QBs to throw to him. While McNair has never been a QB that favors his tight ends too much (although Erron Kinney used to put up solid numbers), look for Heap to continue to be one of the cream of the crop overall.

WR Mark Clayton/Derrick Mason- While everyone will be seeing if Mason and McNair can conjure up that ole' "Titan" magic, Clayton is the guy people should be watching, and could very well surprise in terms of consistent production. With Mason obviously being in the twilight of his receiving career, Clayton should be the go to guy and put up good numbers. Mason is a bust waiting to happen, both on the field and in the trainer's room.

Overall, the Ravens have some good shots at having some great offensive fantasy players. It's kind of a mystery (as I said, it always is) as to what impact Neuheisel will actually have on the team and if Billick gives up anything to him--if he does, then I would suspect the Ravens will start scoring a lot more, and that will bring many smiles to these player's owners.

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2007 NFL Fantasy Outlook: Baltimore Ravens

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