Fantasy Upside
Joe Flacco has played all 16 games in all but one of his 10 seasons, including in each of the last two years, making him one of the most durable quarterbacks. He is only a year removed from a career-high 4,317 passing yards, and he may have the best supporting cast of his career with the additions of Michael Crabtree, Willie Snead, and John Brown in free agency. The drafting of Hayden Hurst in the first round might solidify a tight end position that’s been in flux the past couple of years.
Fantasy Downside
Flacco has never really been a consistent fantasy producer and it’s hard to believe he’ll suddenly become a solid starter at age 33. Additionally, while he’s the unquestioned starter going into the season, largely due to a $24.75 million cap number, the Ravens drafted Lamar Jackson in the first round. If the offense sputters and the Ravens find themselves out of contention early, the fans will be clamoring for a change. Flacco also lost his starting center in the offseason.
2018 Bottom Line
Flacco does have some upside with the new weapons available, but his history of inconsistent fantasy production gives him limited value in most fantasy leagues. He will likely be a matchup-based streaming option throughout the season or a borderline-QB2 in large leagues that use multiple quarterbacks. In most leagues, he shouldn’t be drafted.
