According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Ravens RBs Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins have tested positive for COVID-19.
[esi cache="public" adrotate group="1" ttl="60"]
JK Dobbins, Mark Ingram test positive for COVID-19
As a result, both Ingram and Dobbins are being placed on the reserve/ COVID-19 list and will miss Thursday’s Thanksgiving nightcap against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
With both Ingram and Dobbins sidelined indefinitely, Gus Edwards will act as the Ravens’ RB1 for the foreseeable future.
Second-year rusher Justice Hill, along with rookie practice squad back Ty’Son Williams could also garner usage — more so Hill — as well if the Ravens maintain their three-headed monster approach to their backfield. Four-headed, if we include Lamar Jackson.
Fantasy Football Fallout
It finally looked like the Ravens backfield would gain clarity following Sunday’s Week 11 loss to the Titans.
Dobbins dominated Ravens running backs in all major statistical categories. He carried the ball 15 times for 70 yards and a touchdown while hauling in both of his targets for 15 yards.
Ingram and Edwards combined for eight yards on five carries. Neither back drew a single target.
Although Dobbins’ fantasy managers rejoiced, believing it was finally time for the upside rookie to take over control, their celebration did not last long thanks to this COVID news.
Entering Thursday night’s matchup at the Steelers, it is safe to assume Edwards will be the guy.
Williams has made his pro residence on Baltimore’s practice squad thus far, and Hill has only logged one touch this season, a 3-yard reception, despite being active for six games since Week 4.
Meanwhile, for Edwards, he’s been a mainstay in the Ravens’ backfield all season long, mostly handing between-the-tackles work.
On the season, Edwards has carried the ball 82 times for 370 yards and 3 touchdowns, adding another 42 yards on three receptions. He’s only been targeted 7 times all year.
Hill could contribute on passing downs, though it shouldn’t be enough to garner fantasy relevancy for Week 11 unless you’re taking a desperation shot, notably in a point-per-reception league.
In nine games played this season, Edwards has drawn 10+ carries four times, including three times in his past five games. In each of those four games in which Edwards handled 10+ carries, he’s finished with at least 73 rushing yards or scored a touchdown. All three touchdowns have come in the aforementioned five-game time period since week 6.
Despite his four games with 73 rushing yards or a touchdown, Edwards has only finished with 10+ PPR points one time, which was back in Week 8 against the Steelers. Edwards finished as the RB14 that week with 14.7 PPR points, going for 87 total yards and a touchdown on a season-high 16 carries.
Since the start of 2019, only two running backs have rushed for 100+ yards against the Steelers. One was Edwards back in Week 17 of the 2019 season (21 carries for 130 yards). The other, Dobbins, earlier this year in that Week 8 matchup.
Ravens-Steelers Betting Fallout
Edwards was hot leading up to Week 9. He scored a touchdown in three straight games from Week 6-9. In all of those games, he drew at least 11 carries. It is safe to say that Edwards is a lock to get at least 10 carries on Thursday.
With more clarity in the Ravens’ backfield now, it is safe to wager Edwards’ anytime touchdown prop against the Steelers.
You can also wager Edwards’ rushing yards prop, especially if it is a low and inviting total. After all, in Edwards’ past two games versus the Steelers, he’s rushed for 87+ yards.
[esi sportsbookgrid num=3 ttl=”0″]
Prepare Week 12 betting tips and plan
- Read our latest NFL news, analysis, tips, predictions and betting tips.
- Learn how to bet on sports, including strategies, key terms, and betting process.
- Watch videos of our latest NFL analysis and predictions from experts.
- Choose the sportsbook and betting offer that fits your budget and strategy.
