Coaching History: Last Three Years
Head Coach: Sean McVay (LAR ’22-24)
Offensive Coordinator: Mike LaFleur (LAR ’23-24, NYJ ’22)
2024 Record: 10-7
Team Summary
The Baltimore Ravens have a scheme fit to their best players – a mobile QB, strong RBs, and several talented TEs (not to mention the strong OL). The Ravens run most of their plays with either multiple RBs or TEs on the field (12, 21, 22). This allows them to remain committed to the run, but find deep passes to punish their opponents when the box is stacked.
If you’re looking for a fantasy difference maker, the Ravens are one of the few teams that truly boast strong options at all positions. Lamar Jackson is one of the top QB options with the dual threat ability to rack up points on the ground or through the air. Derrick Henry, despite his age, is still one of the most feared RBs in the league, especially when he is able to build up momentum. Teams would love to have either Mark Andrews or Isaiah Likely in their TE room, and Zay Flowers is one of the top slot WRs as well. Given the strong history of offensive prowess over the last few years, Baltimore is a team that should be targeted heavily in fantasy drafts.
While Lamar Jackson has been known specifically for his legs, 2024 saw a huge leap in passing efficiency. This created the perfect storm for fantasy scoring, and with the offense essentially intact from the previous year, there is a strong likelihood that this will continue. Despite the Ravens being one of the most run heavy teams, don’t shy away from their passing game, as there will be plenty of scoring to go around. Expect OC Todd Monken to continue to develop Jackson’s passing as opponents continue to try anything and everything to slow down the ground game.
2024 Ranks (2023 Rank)
- Points: 20th (8th)
- Yards: 15th (7th)
- Passing Attempts: 14th (14th)
- Passing Yards: 10th (10th)
- Passing TDs: 16th (15th)
- Rushing Attempts: 16th (12th)
- Rushing Yards: 24th (11th)
- Rushing TDs: 15th (8th)
2024 Positional Market Share
The Rams have one of the most concentrated rushing attacks in the NFL. Not only do their QBs not run much (less than 7% of total carries), but Kyren Williams received over 70% of the team’s rush attempts. That likely won’t change (much), as Sean McVay has tended to prefer feeding a single RB throughout games when possible.
Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp were the clear top options for the Rams. Behind those two, Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell, Tyler Johnson and Jordan Whittington all rotated in as the third WR throughout the season depending on health and situation. The targets could have been even more concentrated with Puka and Kupp, but each missed time throughout the season. Despite Kupp joining the Seahawks, Puka won’t see a huge upgrade in target share because the team brought in Davante Adams to replace Kupp.
Depth Chart:
- QB: Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo
- RB: Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Jarquez Hunter
- WR: Puka Nacua (Z), Davante Adams (X), Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield
- TE: Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson
- Bold – Fantasy relevant
- Highlighted – Priority target
Player Breakdowns
Matthew Stafford
Los Angeles Rams • QB • #9
Stafford isn’t a great fantasy QB. In fact, he hasn’t finished as a QB1 since 2021, when he led the Rams to their Super Bowl victory. However, he is still extremely fantasy relevant, as he is very important for the Rams’ other weapons. Don’t look to draft Stafford, except in 2QB leagues. Even if needed, he has been battling a back injury throughout training camp and may not be available for the whole season.
Jimmy Garoppolo
Los Angeles Rams • QB • #11
Garoppolo should be rostered in all 2QB leagues, as it seems unlikely that Stafford will play all 17 games. He won’t be a great play, but QB is still the highest scoring position, so any time you have the opportunity to start and extra one, you probably should. It may only be a couple games, but if it adds a few wins to your season, it can be the difference between the playoffs and moving on to basketball season.
Kyren Williams
Los Angeles Rams • RB • #23
Kyren recently received a 4-year contract extension with the Rams. While he isn’t the most athletic RB, he fits the system well and has earned McVay’s trust. He should dominate RB opportunities as long as he remains healthy and should be drafted as an RB1.
Puka Nacua
Los Angeles Rams • WR • #12
While Stafford playing is good for Puka, he is probably the weapon that should be least impacted if Stafford were to miss games. Puka ranked 1st in YPRR (3.59) among all WRs that ran at least 15 (!!) routes. His 0.38 TPRR was 1st among WRs that ran at least 40 routes. His 1st Read Rate was 5th (34.8%) while former teammate Cooper Kupp came in at 13th (31.7%). Nacua did add Davante Adams as competition, but even with competition, Nacua is one of the elite WRs in the game and should be treated as such.
Davante Adams
Los Angeles Rams • WR • #17
Adams joins the Rams providing a true X WR for the offense. He should be one of the focal points of the offense, as the Rams’ offense is extremely condensed to their top players. Adams actually finished ahead of Puka Nacua in 1st Read Rate (35.1%), but he had much less competition between the Raiders and the Jets. Adams posted a solid 2.19 YPRR (26th). Expect Adams to produce as a WR2, which makes sense as he is being drafted as WR16.
