Week 11 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Alex Collins scored a touchdown against the Steelers before the bye last week, but he only carried the ball nine times for 35 yards. Collins should continue to be the primary two-down back in Baltimore, but with Javorius Allen, Gus Edwards, and Ty Montgomery all in play for snaps and touches, it’ll be hard for Collins to excel, particularly in PPR formats.
This week, Collins has some upside against a Bengals defense that allows the third-most fantasy points per game to the running back position. Cincinnati got torched by the Saints last week and if Baltimore can get a small lead early on, Collins could get a ton of work. He’s a borderline RB2 option in most leagues.
Week 9 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Alex Collins had 13 touches, including a pair of receptions, for 63 yards and a touchdown last week against the Panthers. The Ravens were limited to only 13 carries from the running backs on the day as they fell behind early in a lopsided defeat. Collins hasn’t been a workhorse by any means, but he averages 14 touches per game and has six touchdowns this season.
This week, Collins may take a backseat to the passing game, considering they’ll be facing a potent Steelers offense that ranked fifth in the league in points per game. Only the Ravens defense allow fewer fantasy points per game to opposing runners, meaning it may be a tough day for Collins. He scored a touchdown against them earlier this season, but had only 11 carries for 42 yards on the ground. That seems like a likely scenario again this week, making him a fringe RB2 option in deep leagues.
Week 8 at Carolina Panthers
Alex Collins struggled last week with only 48 yards on 14 touches, including three receptions. The Ravens only ran the ball 23 times, including four rushes by the quarterbacks. It was good to see him get the bulk of the work, as Javorius Allen only had three carries and three targets.
Collins should get a little more work against the Panthers this week, as the Ravens try to set the tone with the running game. The Panthers have been fairly stingy against the run, allowing the seventh-least fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, making it hard to count on Collins for big production. However, if you’re looking for a high-floor player likely to get over a dozen touches, Collins has low-end RB2 value.
Week 7 vs. New Orleans Saints
Alex Collins only had 54 yards on 19 carries last week against the Titans, but he scored a pair of touchdowns, helping the Ravens to a shut-out victory. Collins is risky, as he shares time with Javorius Allen – and possibly Gus Edwards – but he also has a high floor each week because he averages 14.2 touches per game.
The Saints have allowed the sixth-least fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season, largely because the offense is so good they force opposing teams to throw the ball. While the Ravens defense has been excellent this year, expect a similar outcome this week, with Baltimore forced to throw the ball more than they’d like to. That makes Collins a low-end RB2 or flex option at best.
Week 6 at Tennessee Titans
The timeshare continues, as Alex Collins got 12 carries last week against the Browns, compared to eight carries for Javorius Allen. Collins also caught one pass and ended up with 66 yards from scrimmage. His lack of usage is concerning, although he has had double-digit touches in all but one game this year.
This week, Collins is a risky start against a surprisingly effective Titans defense that has allowed the fifth-least fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this year. Collins has a high floor, particularly in standard league formats, but a low ceiling as well due to his timeshare situation, making him a low-end flex or RB3 option in most leagues. Fantasy owners should look elsewhere if possible this week.
Week 5 at Cleveland Browns
After single-digit carries in each of his first two games this season, Alex Collins has carried the ball 29 times and caught four passes over his last two games. While that’s still not the kind of output one would hope for from a reliable RB2, it’s good to see Collins getting consistent work. He’s also scored a touchdown in all but one game this year, including a three-yard receiving score against the Steelers last week.
Collins will face a Browns defense this week that just got tore up by Marshawn Lynch and has surrendered an average of 27 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Collins’ workload will always make him a risk, but if the Ravens get up early, it’s very possible they ride Collins late. He has a high floor as a low-end RB2 or flex option, with additional value in standard and touchdown-only leagues.
Week 4 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Alex Collins had 18 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown against the Broncos last week, and added three receptions for six yards as well. Though not a lot of production, it was good to see Collins active at all in the passing game. It was also good to see him get 21 touches compared to nine for Javorius Allen.
The Steelers have allowed the fourth-fewest amount of fantasy points to opposing running backs so far this year, but that may be a bit skewed due to the pass-heavy games they’ve been a part of. This week, Collins should be considered a low-end RB2, particularly in standard leagues, as these two teams typically beat each other up.
Week 3 vs. Denver Broncos
In Week 1, Alex Collins got limited work because the Ravens blew out the Bills. In Week 2, Collins only had nine carries for 35 yards, largely because the Bengals ran up the score in the first half, causing the Ravens to attempt 55 passes. Collins did catch three balls on four targets and add 55 receiving yards to his day, but he’ll need to do better than 12 touches to be a viable RB2, as he was drafted to be.
This week, Collins will face a Broncos defense that has allowed 78 yards per game on the ground so far this year and gave up a rushing touchdown to Marshawn Lynch last week. Expect Collins to get more of a workload in what should be a fairly even-matched game. With Javorius Allen getting work in the passing game, Collins is a low-end RB2 in most leagues, with a little more value in standard formats.
Week 2 at Cincinnati Bengals
Alex Collins scored a touchdown last week against the Bills, but he only had seven carries for 13 yards on the day. While his workload was concerning for fantasy owners expecting Collins to be the lead back for the Ravens this season, it’s hard to take too much from a Week 1 blowout. The Ravens won 47-3 and were up by 27 points after the first half. Additionally, Kenneth Dixon is banged up and may miss time.
Expect a more even game and a full workload for Collins this week against the Bengals. Cincinnati held the Colts to only 75 yards on the ground last week, but that was with limited talent in the backfield. Collins should find more room and be a solid RB2 option in most leagues.
Week 1 vs. Buffalo Bills
Alex Collins was the most impressive of the Baltimore backs last season, averaging 4.6 yards on 212 carries. He also scored six touchdowns and caught 23 passes. Collins begins this season as the starter, and while he may not have a long leash, he should get every opportunity to thrive in a revamped offense.
To start the season, Collins has a great matchup against the Bills. No team allowed more fantasy points per game to the running back position than Buffalo last year and the Bills lost their leading tackler in Preston Brown. Collins should be good for borderline RB1 numbers this week and should be active in all leagues.
