Patrick Smith
Ray Rice is expected to sit out Week 17 with the Ravens having already wrapped up an AFC North title. We break down the fantasy implications.
Ray Rice is expected to miss the Baltimore Ravens' regular season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Having wrapped up an AFC North title and their spot in the playoffs, the Ravens apparently don't want to risk injuring their star running back.
If Rice sits, he will finish the regular season with 254 carries for 1,138 yards and nine touchdowns, and 61 receptions for 478 yards and one touchdown. He was productive, though he didn't quite live up to his own lofty standards. Rice had his fewest yards scrimmage since his rookie year.
Fantasy Impact: Fantasy owners should remove Rice from their lineup and give backup Bernard Pierce a look as a Flex option. Pierce is coming off a 123-yard rushing performance in Week 16 against the New York Giants and could put up big numbers once again against a Bengals squad that is also cemented for the playoffs.
As for Rice, he should once again be one of the first running backs off the board during fantasy drafts next season. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron was fired in large part because he didn't give Rice enough touches. Don't expect the Ravens to repeat the same mistake.
For more fantasy info, head over to the SB Nation Fantasy War Room 4-8:30 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. Check out SB Nation's own Fantasy Football game, Pick 6!
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