Ravens vs. Steelers: Week 5 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em - Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews, Zay Flowers, Kenny Pickett, Najee Harris, George Pickens

Welcome to our Ravens vs. Steelers fantasy football start 'em, sit' em matchups analysis article for Week 5 of the 2023 NFL season.

Read our matchups analysis, player breakdowns, and lineup recommendations for the matchup and set those winning lineups. Good luck RotoBallers!

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers

Spread: Ravens -4.5
Implied Total: Ravens (21.25) vs. Steelers (16.75)
Pace: Ravens (24th) vs. Steelers (7th)
Ravens Off. DVOA: 30.5% Pass (10th), 14.6% Rush (4th)
Steelers Off. DVOA: -18.3% Pass (30th), -32.7% Rush (31st)
Ravens Def. DVOA: -21.5% Pass (4th), -23.2% Rush (6th)
Steelers Def. DVOA: 4.1% Pass (13th), -13.3% Rush (14th)

Matchups We Love

Lamar Jackson (QB, BAL)

After only six rushing attempts in Week 1, Jackson has averaged almost 12 carries per game in the past three contests. The timing matches the loss of J.K. Dobbins, which could indicate a lack of faith in their other backs. It may also have been an adjustment by the coaching staff. In either case, it's unleashed his production on the ground with 182 yards and four touchdowns in that stretch. They hammered the Browns last week, who were playing without Deshaun Watson, and now they get the Steelers, who may be without Kenny Pickett. It sets up as another smash spot for Jackson.

The most accurate QB on targets past the sticks this season

Lamar Jackson 🎯 pic.twitter.com/bMPtajFC0q

— PFF (@PFF) September 27, 2023

Mark Andrews (TE, BAL)

Andrews had a throwback performance, hauling in all five of his targets for 80 yards and both passing touchdowns Jackson threw. They were without Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman, which may have helped to concentrate the targets.

Matchups We Hate

Steelers RBs

Najee Harris did well against the Texans as anticipated, totaling over 100 scrimmage yards in part thanks to a 32-yard reception. It was good to know he can deliver top-20 numbers in a plus matchup, but that's not the case this week. Facing Baltimore, he's back in the flex range with a low floor. Jaylen Warren outscored him in full-PPR scoring by catching all six of his targets. Warren is averaging 4.5 receptions per game, which makes him a viable flex play in those formats with less excitement in half-PPR.

Ravens RBs

It's not a great situation for either backfield in terms of matchups. Also, working against this group is the number of players involved. Gus Edwards remains the lead back, but Justice Hill, Melvin Gordon III, and of course Jackson are all getting in on the action. They've also handed at least one rushing attempt each game to Zay Flowers and are expected to get rookie Keaton Mitchell on the field for the first time. Edwards is still a flex play because he'll see the most work and have a shot to score, but the ceiling is capped without a touchdown.

Other Matchups

Zay Flowers (WR, BAL)

Speaking of Flowers, he's been the other beneficiary of injuries to their receivers. They didn't need to throw much considering the score was 21-3 at halftime, but he trailed only Andrews in targets, receptions, and yards. Bateman practiced in full both days, so he's likely to return, while Beckham is more of a question mark. The game script might not foster a need to be aggressive again in Steel City, but he's the clear-cut No. 2 option, which is worth a look as a flex-level receiver.

George Pickens (WR, PIT)

It's hard to say whether Mitch Trubisky taking over is a better situation for the offense, but it's probably not worse. Pickett practiced in full on Thursday, so he seems like he'll overcome the knee issue to play. It's going to be difficult for the offense to keep this one close, but there should be sufficient passing volume for Pickens to get his shot as a top-36 receiver with big-play potential.

Notable Injuries

Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle)
Rashod Bateman (hamstring)
Diontae Johnson (hamstring)
Kenny Pickett (knee)
Pat Freiermuth (hamstring)

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