How to watch, what to watch for Ravens vs. Colts in Week 9

A lot of things have changed since the last time the Colts and Ravens squared off in Week 16 of the 2017 season. Beyond the obvious personnel changes, both teams were outside looking in when the playoffs started that season. Now, they’ll meet as a pair of evenly matched contenders among the AFC’s postseason field.

Both teams have a 5-2 record. The key difference is that the Ravens are trailing the undefeated (7-0) Steelers in the AFC North, while the Colts are tied with the Titans for the lead in the AFC South. Indianapolis is also riding a two-game win streak, while Baltimore is reeling from a disappointing loss to Pittsburgh last week.

Few teams run the ball as well as the Ravens, who lead the league with an average of 178 rushing yards per game. That makes for an interesting matchup against the Colts defense which is allowing less than 80 yards per game on the ground. Of course, this could end up being a real slug fest given how efficient both of these defenses have been. Might be a good one to bet the under. Either way, it should be one of the more entertaining and consequential games on the docket this week.

TV Info

Date: Sunday, Nov. 8
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Channel: CBS
Broadcast map

Notable Statistical rankings (Football Outsiders)

Ravens: 20th offensive DVOA (-1 percent); 5th defensive DVOA (-16.5 percent)
Colts: 22nd offensive DVOA (-1.4 percent); 3rd defensive DVOA (-19.6 percent)

DraftKings Sportsbook odds

Ravens: +1, +100
Colts: -1, -114
Total: 48

Fantasy football start/sit advice

Ravens

J.K. Dobbins, RB, $4,900

With Mark Ingram out of action, Dobbins will again be an essential part of the offense. He had 113 yards last week on just 15 carries, and is the main option among the running backs in the passing game too. It might seem counterintuitive to recommend a running back against this Colts defense, but they’ll have to figure out how to stop Lamar Jackson first and foremost.

Marquise Brown, WR, $6,000

The Ravens passing game is a struggle fest right now. Brown had just one catch last week, and even though it went for a touchdown, the usage numbers just aren’t consistent. You can find better options in DFS at that rate.

Colts

Colts D/ST, $3,300

In a game that has all the makings of a defensive slug fest, you can probably flip a coin and take either defense. But the Colts are pretty good at getting turnovers. They’re tied for first with 11 interceptions this season, and Jackson has four picks in his last four games, including two last week against the Steelers.

Jonathan Taylor, RB, $6,000

The Colts backfield arrangements is one of the most confusing situations in fantasy football. Taylor is the most expensive of the group in DFS leagues, but after an injury knocked him out last week, we saw Jordan Wilkins put forth a solid effort in relief, earning him more snaps this week. Nyheim Hines is also in the mix, mostly as the primary pass catcher.