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Below is an excerpt from the latest edition of Yahoo’s fantasy football newsletter, Get to the Points! If you like what you see, You can subscribe for free here.
The preseason dragged on, and bad weather pushed the Chiefs and Ravens back 20 minutes for Thursday’s opener.
Never mind. This instant classic was worth the wait.
The Chiefs beat the Ravens 27-20 in what will surely go down in history as one of the games of the year. Baltimore missed a touchdown on the final play by nearly half a toenail, when Isaiah Likely caught a pass in the back of the end zone but failed to get both feet in bounds. Had Likely scored, the Ravens would have tried to steal the game with a 2-point attempt.
Here’s what you need to know:
Isaiah will probably steal the show
He probably posted a monster 9-for-11-1 line on 12 attempts, while Mark Andrews was limited to two short receptions. He was probably a fun option for a tight end with potential all summer, but the angle was largely tied to what he could do if Andrews got hurt.
It was proven Thursday that Likely can be a force even if Andrews is healthy; as a hybrid target, Likely could essentially be Baltimore’s No. 2 wide receiver while he has TE eligibility. Likely is a modest 25% of players in Yahoo leagues; that number will increase in next week’s waiver race.
Baltimore’s offensive line is in trouble
The officiating crew made an example of Baltimore left tackle Ronnie Stanley, calling him three times for illegal formation. It’s a new point of emphasis in the rules. But even when Baltimore lined up correctly, blocking was a problem. It encouraged very short passes in the first half and reduced the effectiveness of running back Derrick Henry (13-46-1). Henry’s volume will be much safer when Baltimore plays a weaker opponent; the Raiders will dial him up in Week 2.
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Lamar Jackson finally found his footing (273 passing yards, 122 rushing yards) and Zay Flowers (6-37-0) could have had a much stronger night; Jackson didn’t catch him for an easy touchdown on the penultimate play of the game. Justice Hill was used for a surprising six receptions, and deserves a look when more advanced leagues run their next waivers.
Rashee Rice and Isiah Pacheco devour the volume, Xavier Worthy sweeps in a minor role
Rice was spectacular on his 7-103-0 night, catching seven targeted passes and doing dynamic work after the catch. Though Pacheco had just 3.0 yards per carry, he absorbed 17 touches for 78 yards and a score and consistently made yards after contact. Samaje Perine was limited to just one catch on two targeted passes, perhaps because he had just joined the team. Rice and Pacheco’s brass felt the joy of instant validation.
Worthy had just four snaps, but they included an electric 21-yard touchdown on his first touch and then a 35-yard touchdown reception courtesy of a defensive breakdown. Just what Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes needed: a speedy player to terrorize opposing defenses. The Chiefs host the Bengals in Week 2.