Week 1 vs. Denver
Javorius Allen, nicknamed “Buck,” is a versatile rookie who may get a chance to show what he can do in Baltimore’s new offense this week. Backup Lorenzo Taliaferro is hampered by an MCL sprain and may not be active for the Ravens first game against the Broncos.
Allen isn’t much of a fantasy option as long as he’s behind starter Justin Forsett, who will get the bulk of the touches in the Ravens offense, but he does have a chance to win the backup job in a limited role. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on Allen for the next couple of weeks as he tries to prove he’s the better handcuff for Forsett owners.
Javorius Allen, nicknamed “Buck,” is a versatile back coming off a very productive final year at USC. He ran for nearly 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, and the Ravens were happy to see him available in the 4th round of the draft. Allen begins the season low on the depth chart, but he has an intriguing skill set in new offensive coordinator Marc Trestman’s offense.
Fantasy Upside
Allen is probably already at least as good a receiver as any other back on the Ravens roster. He caught 63 balls the last two seasons at USC, and he’s proven the ability to contribute on every down at the college level. Allen is a talented runner, and if given the opportunity, he could thrive in Trestman’s system, which allows backs to get the ball in space as well as take advantage of play action opportunities.
Fantasy Downside
Justin Forsett isn’t likely to relinquish his job as the lead back in Baltimore after finally breaking out last season, and second year player Lorenzo Taliaferro showed promise last year in the backup role. This means Allen may not see the field as a rookie, making him a very risky option for fantasy owners.
Bottom Line
Allen is an intriguing option because he arguably fits Trestman’s scheme better than Forsett, a slasher, or Taliaferro who is a banger. Allen may not play much this year, making him very risky for owners to grab, but if injuries befall the Baltimore backfield, an owner who stashed this rookie might get a pretty amazing surprise. He has value as a stash option in leagues with enough roster spots and dynasty leagues.
Update:
Allen should get his opportunity to shine for the rest of the preseason with Taliaferro sidelined with a minor injury that may keep him out of the first week or so of the season. This is Allen's chance to win the backup job to Forsett and fantasy owners should keep an eye on the young kid.
