Baltimore Ravens - Fantasy News

Should I Start Mike Wallace in Week 14?

by Derek Norton

12/8/17

NFL

Baltimore Ravens

Mike Wallace

After Mike Wallace’s first three games of the season netted a total of three receptions for 21 yards, he didn’t look like the sort of player who was going to be worth using in any fantasy platform.

But a run of good performances has the Baltimore Raven at least looking like a decent option. His hit-or-miss style always makes him a volatile player, but a missing piece in Pittsburgh’s defense could work in his favor on Sunday Night Football.

Why Should I Start Mike Wallace?

Wallace has surpassed his Week 14 projection (8.5 Dober points) in three of the last four weeks. He’s seen an increase in looks, too. Despite receiving five targets or fewer in eight of his first nine games, Wallace has gotten at least seven in each of his last four contests. As Baltimore’s leading receiver, he’s the team’s best shot at moving the ball through the air.

The Steelers have given up quite a few touchdowns to wide receivers since their Week 9 bye. They’ve allowed a score to a receiver in each game and two scores in three of four contests. They weren’t against particularly good passing offenses, either. Their four opponents (Indianapolis, Tennessee, Green Bay and Cincinnati) rank 28^th, 24^th, 27^th, and 26^th in passing yards, respectively.

Part of that is because of the absence of Joe Haden, who has missed the last three games. Since his injury, the Steelers have given up five touchdowns of at least 39 yards. That doesn’t include the 61-yard score A.J. Green had on Monday night that came back on a penalty. Nothing makes Wallace happier than facing a defense that tends to get beaten deep.

Why Should I Bench Mike Wallace?

The Ravens have arguably the worst passing offense in the league. Their 5.5 yards per pass attempt is the lowest in the NFL by far. The next-worst teams are the Browns and Giants, who average 6.1 yards per attempt. Those squads are statistically closer to 24^th-ranked Dallas (6.5) than they are to the Ravens. Another one-catch game is definitely in play.

Wallace has done well against the Steelers in Baltimore but has struggled in Pittsburgh. In two trips to Heinz Field, he’s averaging three catches for 20 yards with no touchdowns. Joe Flacco has failed to throw more than one touchdown pass in each of his last four Pittsburgh games and the Ravens scored just nine points in their first meeting.

The Steelers have been one of the toughest teams for wide receivers to pick up yards against this season. The position averages 132.7 yards per game against them, which ranks 26^th in the league. That could be trouble for a Baltimore offense that has enough trouble getting yards through the air as it is.

Should I Make Mike Wallace a Week 14 Fantasy Starter?

Yes. You can never start Wallace with confidence, but he’s dangerous as long as the Steelers are giving up deep scores with regularity. Yes, a two-catch, 20-yard performance is a distinct possibility. But if you’re willing to take the chance, Wallace has a great shot at being the next receiver to victimize Pittsburgh’s secondary.

Week 14 Fantasy Prediction: Mike Wallace Over 8.5 DFPs