Bucs-Ravens a clash of high-powered offenses
Thu Oct 17 8:17pm ET
Field Level Media
The Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, two of the league's top offenses, could be headed for a shootout in Tampa in an intriguing Monday night matchup.
The Ravens (4-2) are tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for first place in the AFC North, while the Buccaneers (4-2) share the NFC South lead with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Buccaneers are scoring 29.7 points per game, tied for second with the Washington Commanders behind the Detroit Lions (30.2). The Ravens are ranked No. 1 with 453.7 yards per game and are averaging 29.5 points, which ranks fourth.
Conversely, the Ravens and Buccaneers have among the worst pass defenses in the league. Baltimore is ranked 31st, allowing 275.7 yards passing, and Tampa Bay is 28th with 252.3 yards per game.
As a result, there could be plenty of scoring at Raymond James Stadium.
"If you can get a lead and you can make somebody one-dimensional, the gym bag is open," Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said. "You can kind of reach in and pull out anything you want to pull out, those guys start flying around and making plays and you can see the results."
The Ravens have been dominant against NFC opponents, and the Buccaneers are no exception. Baltimore has won five straight against Tampa Bay after losing the first two meetings dating back to 2001.
Baltimore has an even more formidable running attack this season with the addition of All-Pro Derrick Henry, who leads the NFL in rushing yards (704), attempts (119) and rushing touchdowns (eight) entering this week.
Henry is also the first player since Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson in 2005 with at least one rushing touchdown in each of his team's first six games.
"He's one of one," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said about Henry. "Somebody asked me in the (network TV) production meeting this week, ‘Who do you compare him to?' I'm like, ‘Man, who do you compare him to?' I saw the Eric Dickerson article. OK, I think there is some similarity. I remember Eric Dickerson coming up, but after that, and even that, I don't know, man."
Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson, a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, is having another MVP-caliber season. Jackson has completed 118 of 176 passes for 1,529 yards with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions. He is also second on the team with 403 yards rushing with two scores.
Jackson is 22-1 against the NFC opponents, the best mark by a quarterback against an opposing conference in NFL history. Jackson is 2-0 against Tampa Bay.
"There's room for improvement and we just got to keep stacking (wins)," Jackson said.
None of the Ravens' starters missed practice Thursday, so they should be healthy for the matchup against Tampa Bay. Cornerback Arthur Maulet could make his season debut after dealing with knee and hamstring injuries.
Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield is also having an exceptional season. He is 134-for-189 passing for 1,489 yards and a league-high 15 touchdowns with five interceptions entering Week 7.
Mayfield has had two of the NFL's elite playmaking wide receivers at his disposal in Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. The Buccaneers rank 11th in averaging 230.3 yards passing per game.
Godwin and Evans entered Week 7 tied for the league lead with five receiving touchdowns apiece. However, Evans was held out of practice Thursday as a precaution because of a hamstring injury, according to the team's injury report. Tampa Bay All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is limited with a foot injury.
The Buccaneers' running attack is led by rookie Bucky Irving, who has 328 rushing yards. However, second-year player Sean Tucker is also emerging as a playmaker and amassed 192 yards of total offense -- 136 rushing and 56 receiving -- with two touchdowns in a 51-27 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
However, no team has been able to effectively run against the Ravens this season. Baltimore is ranked No. 1, allowing 59.0 yards rushing per game. The team's stout defensive front seven, led by linemen Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones and Michael Pierce, have been fierce tacklers and dominated opposing offensive lines.
"They're physical," Mayfield said of Baltimore's defense. "They want to be the bully, but they have those guys that set the tone for them on all three levels."
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The Paur Report
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons and is officially questionable to return. He had been productive prior to his departure, catching four of seven targets for 99 yards and one touchdown. Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett should operate as the Seahawks' top two receivers for the duration of Metcalf's absence.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley (shoulder) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts and is officially questionable to return. Miami continues to have quarterback issues with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on injured reserve, Skylar Thompson (ribs) inactive, and now Huntley sidelined, too. At the time of his departure, Huntley had completed seven of 13 passes for 87 yards, one touchdown, and zero turnovers. He also had 20 rushing yards on five attempts. Tim Boyle has entered the game and will quarterback the Dolphins' offense until Huntley is able to return.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley (shoulder) has been ruled out for the remainder of Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts. He exited in the second half and was initially listed as questionable to return before being downgraded to out. Miami continues to have quarterback issues with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on injured reserve, Skylar Thompson (ribs) inactive, and Huntley ruled out. At the time of his departure, Huntley had completed seven of 13 passes for 87 yards, one touchdown, and zero turnovers. He also had 20 rushing yards on five attempts. Tim Boyle has entered the game and will quarterback the Dolphins' offense for the remainder of Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is officially active for the Week 7 game.
Fantasy Spin: Smith-Schuster has become one of the main options in the passing game and should see a good amount of targets again this week. He can be at least a flex option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of this weekend. The 25-year-old has been quite productive in the Commanders' up-and-coming offense, posting 393 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns through five games so far this year. He'll rank as a low-end RB1 for fantasy football in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (concussion) exited Sunday's game to be evaluated for a concussion and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest. At the time of his departure, he had registered one tackle, bringing his season total to 52. Ty'Ron Hopper should handle more defensive snaps for the duration of Walker's absence.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jaylon Carlies (ankle) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. He had initially been evaluated for a calf issue, but after additional testing, it was determined that he had an ankle injury and would not be able to return. Carlies had been quite productive prior to his departure, tallying five tackles and bringing his season total to 21. The rookie also registered his first career sack. Grant Stuard should see more defensive snaps with Carlies done for the day.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (coach's decision) is inactive for Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers. He was activated from the non-football injury list several days ago and did not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game, which means he's a healthy scratch this week. This shouldn't be a major surprise given that he's buried behind Kareem Hunt, Samaje Perine, and Carson Steele on the depth chart. Edwards-Helaire can be left on waivers in most fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is officially active for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of kickoff. The veteran receiver is coming off an impressive seven-catch, 130-yard performance prior to the Chiefs' Week 6 bye. So far, he has shown that he's capable of handling increased opportunities with Rashee Rice (knee) sidelined. Smith-Schuster, Travis Kelce, and Xavier Worthy figure to lead the Chiefs' pass-catching attack on Sunday afternoon. Smith-Schuster is a viable WR3 in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers rookie first-round wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (chest) is active for Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. He had been listed as questionable but was expected to play after being activated from the non-football injury list. The rookie pass-catcher, who will make his NFL debut on Sunday, was sidelined for the first six weeks after being shot during an armed robbery attempt. He'll presumably operate as the 49ers' No. 3 receiver behind Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel this week.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson (Achilles) suffered an Achilles tendon injury during the Week 7 game and has been ruled out.
Fantasy Spin: It appeared to be a serious injury, and Watson could be out for the rest of the season. It is not known if Dorian Thompson-Robinson or Jameis Winston will be the starter moving forward, but neither will be more than a No. 2 fantasy quarterback.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals after suffering a serious-looking, non-contact injury during the second quarter. He was having one of his best games of the year at the time of his departure, completing 15 of 17 passes for 128 yards. He also took two sacks. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Browns fear Watson tore his Achilles, which would end his season. Dorian Thompson-Robinson replaced Watson late in the first half, and he will presumably remain Cleveland's starting quarterback going forward. Jameis Winston, who is inactive as the Browns' emergency third quarterback this week, could also compete for playing time going forward.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (back) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders. He had cleared concussion protocol a few days ago but was still questionable for Week 7 with a back issue. Ultimately, he'll have to wait at least one more week before returning to the lineup. Ja'Tavion Sanders and Ian Thomas should operate as Carolina's primary tight ends this Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) has been declared inactive for the Week 7 game.
Fantasy Spin: The team were hoping that Kupp would be ready to play, but it seems like he needs a bit more time before he is ready to play. Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington will be the main receivers for the Rams and can be flex options in leagues.
From TheHuddle
The San Francisco 49ers have declared QB Joshua Dobbs, OG Ben Bartch, PK Jake Moody, TE Brayden Willis, LB Jalen Graham, WR Jauan Jennings and CB Darrell Luter Jr. inactive for Week 7.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ribs, hamstring, ankle) is officially active for Week 7 against the Washington Commanders. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of this weekend. Johnson figures to operate as the Panthers' top receiver and could thrive with a favorable matchup and a negative game script. He has played quite well with Andy Dalton under center and will continue to rank as a mid-to-low fantasy WR2 this week.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (shoulder) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans. He had initially been listed as questionable before being downgraded. The veteran pass-catcher finishes Week 7 with one target and zero receptions. Even if he's able to get healthy in time for Week 8, he'll remain off the fantasy radar in his role behind Amari Cooper, Khalil Shakir, and even Keon Coleman.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) is officially inactive for Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as doubtful entering the weekend, so this update is not much of a surprise. The 27-year-old will miss his second consecutive game after starting the season with 25 catches, 273 yards, and one touchdown over the first five weeks. With Meyers sidelined and Davante Adams traded to the New York Jets, Tre Tucker and DJ Turner should handle additional opportunities in the passing game.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers have declared DL A'Shawn Robinson, LB Claudin Cherelus, LB Josey Jewell, LB Jadeveon Clowney, OG Taylor Moton, TE Tommy Tremble and LB Jon Rhattigan inactive for Week 7.
From TheHuddle
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) is officially active for Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice on Friday. White will presumably operate in tandem with Alexander Mattison, who has played well so far this season. Mattison has more fantasy appeal than White given the former's productivity around the goal line and in pass-catching situations.
From RotoBaller
