Keaton Mitchell’s much-anticipated Week 9 appearance was a breath of fresh air on the field. His explosive 40-yard touchdown run through the Seahawks’ defense left everyone in awe. “Oh, they’ve found something today,” exclaimed Jim Nantz during the CBS broadcast. Fantasy managers have been eagerly waiting for the undrafted rookie out of Eastern Carolina, known for his 4.37 speed after a remarkable preseason debut with a 31-yard run. With a stunning 138-yard performance on just nine carries, Mitchell has certainly captured the attention.
However, making a move for Mitchell amidst the Ravens’ busy backfield could be a challenge. Gus Edwards, despite limited carries, managed to make a significant impact, scoring two touchdowns with just five carries. Justice Hill, on the other hand, had the most carries among the Ravens’ running backs but trailed behind with almost 100 yards less than Mitchell.
As the second half of the season approaches, securing a player like Mitchell from the waiver wire is crucial for fantasy teams. Although Mitchell showed immense potential, the fear of handling too many running backs in a team, ultimately complicating touchdown scoring predictions, remains.
However, Mitchell’s active field presence during a competitive game against the Seahawks is a promising sign, indicating that he could be the game-changer many fantasy managers are searching for. Still, the situation remains complex, as Mitchell’s number of snaps and touches may not be ideal for making decisive lineup changes during fantasy playoffs.
Meanwhile, a sneak peek at each player’s involvement against Seattle suggests that Hill’s role in the passing game could be noteworthy. Edwards, known for his physicality, particularly inside the five-yard line, remains an essential part of the team’s goal-line situations.
With Edwards and Mitchell expected to start against the Browns, the Ravens’ critical game offers a chance for both players to establish their prominence in the backfield. On the other hand, the Browns’ backfield presents an interesting dynamic, with Jerome Ford seizing control from the running backs hierarchy in a recent game against the Cardinals. This indicates that Ford is a consistent starter, while Hunt’s prospects rely heavily on touchdown scoring.
Rhamondre Stevenson’s utilization, despite a promising 64-yard run, remains problematic, as he is yet to meet the high expectations set for him at the beginning of the season. Additionally, a trip to Frankfurt to face the Colts could provide a breakthrough for Stevenson.
