RISKY START – Ravens DEF

This may seem an odd call, especially considering how explosive Deshaun Watson has been this season. Watson has been a QB1 in six of his nine games this season and has exceeded 30 fantasy points in five of those games. But there are reasons why the Ravens defense may be a good selection.

Watson is enjoying better protection this season, after enduring a sack on 10.9% of his dropbacks in 2018. His sack rate has dropped to 7.6% this season. But he has still been sacked multiple times in six games and has taken three or more sacks in five of these games.

14.6% of the Texans offensive drives have ended in a turnover, which is the 6th highest rate in the  NFL this season. The Ravens lead the NFL with five defensive touchdowns, and in Marcus Peters, they have a player who can hurt opponents after a takeaway. He leads the NFL in interception return yards with 188 and has a league-leading three touchdowns on interception returns. In four career games against the Texans, Peters has four interceptions and eight passes defended.

If you have other options on your waiver wire, like the Oakland Raiders or New York Jets, you may want to start them over the Ravens. But if you are left with no alternative, then the Ravens may pleasantly surprise you this week.

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