KC Chiefs vs Ravens: The best fantasy advice for Week 2
By Kole Berrey
Start of the Week: Mecole Hardman
I know. I know. We have all, at one point, been there and done that with Mecole Hardman, both as a real life wide receiver and a fantasy player. I don’t think Hardman has any fantasy value long-term here, but there are a few interesting nuggets that make me really want to start Mecole Hardman this week.
First, the Ravens just gave up 400 passing yards to Derek Carr on Monday Night Football. Yes, that Derek Carr. Zay Jones and Bryan Edwards both had catches for 30+ yards against this Ravens secondary. They gave up multiple chunk plays to role players with speed. See what I am getting at here?
There is also an interesting statistic in Kansas City’s recent history against Baltimore that suggests Hardman could have success this weekend. In his entire career, Hardman has had three games with 18+ fantasy points. Two of those three were playing against Wink Martindale and this Ravens defense. It seems that the Ravens have always focused on the Chiefs top options, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, while also sending blitzes Mahomes’ way. This is a recipe for a secondary receiver to get open for a big touchdown, and recent history has shown that to be Hardman.
Last, it appears that the Ravens are dealing with an injury bug at the moment. Cornerbacks Marcus Peters is already out for the season with a torn ACL, Jimmy Smith didn’t play against the Raiders, and now Derek Westry and Marlon Humphrey are on the injury report. It is never good having a ton of injuries in the secondary against the Chiefs, so there will be opportunity for Hardman to get loose in the secondary and do some damage.
*Disclaimer: If Byron Pringle breaks free for a long touchdown, I am counting that as a win and you can’t stop me. If it is Demarcus Robinson, I will take double losses.