The Baltimore Ravens have been riddled by injuries so far in the 2023 season. I know. This shouldn’t come as a surprise. It feels like every year, we talk about the Ravens having unfortunate injuries to their team.
But with running back J.K. Dobbins out for the rest of the season and Justice Hill already declared out for Week 3, who is the right back to start in the Ravens offense? Is Gus Edwards the man for the job? Or is veteran Melvin Gordon about to remind fantasy football managers of his name? Let’s dig in and find out.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer and Start/Sit Optimizer to help you make the right decision!
Gus Edwards’ Fantasy Outlook This Week
Gus Edwards has quietly been a very strong running back in the NFL for the last four years. In his career, Edwards has 519 total carries. He has averaged 5.2 yards per attempt on those carries.
While the Ravens have constantly used multiple running backs, Edwards has been one of the most efficient. He has taken advantage of opportunities throughout his career and has been a handcuff on many fantasy teams because of this.
MORE: RB Fantasy Injury Report Week 3
With Dobbins and Hill both out this week, it appears that Edwards will be the starting back for the Ravens. And I am excited to see what he can do with this opportunity.
In Week 2, Edwards had 10 carries for 62 yards and a touchdown. If the Ravens hand Edwards the ball more than just 10 times when they face off against the Indianapolis Colts, the running back has a chance to have a great performance.
I fully expect Edwards to be a top rusher in Week 3 if he is given the opportunity. The question that remains is whether Edwards will be a bell cow or just a complementary option in the Ravens offense.
Melvin Gordon’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
Well, it’s 2023, and Gordon is still a back we are talking about for fantasy teams! The 30-year-old running back has had a very successful career in the NFL, totaling over 6400 yards rushing and over 2400 yards receiving in his career. He has 69 total touchdowns since he entered the NFL.
But what does Gordon realistically still have left in the tank? Is his opportunity to be involved in the Ravens’ offense due to talent or simply due to the fact that the Ravens have been riddled with injuries?
Gordon was not even on the active roster in the first two weeks of the Ravens’ season. The chance for his success seems very minimal in Week 3. While Gordon has been very good in his career, I don’t think his first game of the 2023 season is going to be one worth him starting on fantasy rosters.
The fact is, Gordon is only going to be active on Sunday because the Ravens have run out of other options. I don’t think I would start him in almost any league with any format. You would really need to be in a pinch for Gordon to see your lineup this week.
Which of the Baltimore Ravens RBs Should You Start?
This one really isn’t a contest for me. If you have both Ravens running backs on your roster, the easy start is going to be Edwards.
Edwards has been an insanely efficient running back in his career. He has taken his opportunities and literally ran with them. I expect the bulk of the carries on Sunday to be in Edward’s hands.
MORE: Week 3 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet
While quarterback Lamar Jackson may have some rushing attempts, if he is handing off the ball, I expect it to be to Edwards. Gordon could be involved as a relief for Edwards during the game and could even steal some goal-line carries. But I can’t see him being super involved in the Ravens offense.
The reality is Edwards is the more efficient and younger back. He has the skill set to take this Ravens offense to a level Gordon can’t at this point in his career. Gordon is simply a reliable veteran back who can fill carries where they are needed.
Give me Edwards on the Ravens offense this weekend.