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We’ve previously published an article series analyzing and grading all the NFL defenses, division by division. Now we’re going to look at the strength of schedules of each NFL team, division by division, to help you identify players with the best matchups vs. the league’s weakest defenses.
Today we provide AFC North strength of schedule analysis. For each team, we will identify players that we like and don’t like. You will see four categories: players to target, players to avoid, players to buy and players to sell. Let’s get to it.
Editor’s Note: Be sure to read more about fantasy football strength of schedule (SOS) analysis, broken down by division and team, to prepare for your drafts and dominate your leagues.
AFC North – Strength of Schedule Breakdown
AFC North Opponents in 2015: AFC North, NFC West, AFC West
Baltimore Ravens – Players to Target and Avoid
The Ravens defense was surprisingly strong in 2014, and could improve even more in the coming year if CJ Mosley can take another step forward. The offense should also see some improvement with the additions of Brashad Perriman at WR and Marc Trestman at OC, which could bode well for Joe Flacco and company. Justin Forsett, who broke out in a big way last season, also stands to benefit from Trestman’s pass happy scheme.
As for the Ravens schedule, an early season stretch in which the purple and black face the Broncos, Bengals and Steelers could prove troublesome right out of the gate. Things calm down after that, but a Week 14 match-up against the Seahawks and a tilt against the Chiefs a week after makes for a foreboding fantasy playoff schedule.
Players to Reach For
Forsett emerged as a solid option at RB last season, and could be even better this year. For a reason why, look no further than Matt Forte. The Bears RB caught more than 100 passes in 2014, and Forsett is an equally adept pass catching back. That equates to plenty of catches and plenty of balls in space for Forsett. He could be a PPR monster.
Players to Avoid
Whoever mans the TE position for Baltimore may be avoided. The Ravens face a plethora of difficult passing defenses this season and have much better options on the outside.
Players to Look to Buy Low
The Ravens don’t offer many players that appear to be buy-low candidates at first glance. Perriman’s physical tools make him the best option, though. The raw yet talented wide-out may struggle early on, yet could become a beast as he grows more acclimated to the NFL.
Players to Look to Sell High
Father time is—and always will be—undefeated. If Steve Smith Sr. has a strong first couple of weeks, and he very well could, selling high may be a good idea as his production is likely to dip as the year drags on.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Players to Target and Avoid
A strong passing offense in 2014 should be back in 2015 and a rebuilding defense on the other side of the ball could mean plenty of points to be had from Steelers offensive players this season. Antonio Brown and Laveon Bell remain top options at their respective positions, and Ben Roethlisberger should continue to provide great value at the QB position. If the Steelers schedule, which contains a slew of strong opposing offenses, lives up to how it looks on paper—that could all be an understatement.
The Steelers open up the NFL season against the Patriots, then embark on a relatively smooth first month and a half before facing the Cardinals, Chiefs and Bengals in that order near mid-season. Week 14 and Week 15 match-ups against the Broncos and Bengals, two of the NFL’s best pass defenses a year ago, may prove a bit eerie for fantasy owners, however.
Players to Reach For
Despite his suspension and place on the depth chart, Martavis Bryant is more than worth reaching for in later rounds. A unique talent on a team that will be throwing the ball, Bryant looked great in the pre-season and could provide huge playmaking ability in 2015.
Players to Avoid
From a fantasy perspective, the only real hole on this Steelers team is the defense. A lackluster pass rush and a middle-of-the-pack secondary make them a position to avoid.
Players to Look to Buy Low
If Roethlisberger stumbles in any way over the first few weeks, try to grab him. He’s got better weapons surrounding him this season than he has in a while, and he’ll need to use them too.
Players to Look to Sell High
If Markus Wheaton breaks out in the absence of Bryant over the first few weeks of the season, the young wide-out could be an excellent sell high.
Cleveland Browns – Players to Target and Avoid
The Browns were much improved in 2014 from a real life perspective, but lacked any true fantasy studs on offense. That same fact remains true today. Dwayne Bowe, one of the team’s biggest off-season acquisitions, may not even make the 53-man roster, and a committee at RB could very well kill whatever remaining fantasy appeal the Browns offense has. In fact, only two Browns players are owned in more than 25% of ESPN leagues—yes, only a quarter—and they’re both RBs.
As for the schedule, an opening stretch against the Jets, Titans and Raiders could actually see Cleveland off to a good start in 2015, and may inflate Josh McCown and company’s statistics in the early going too. Things get a little tougher from there, though, and Week 15 and Week 16 match-ups against the Seahawks and Chiefs are as ugly as it gets.
Players to Reach For
There’s barely even a player worth drafting on the Browns, much less one worth reaching for. Duke Johnson, owned in about two-thirds of leagues, is the only name that comes to mind. He could provide some solid value if either Isaiah Crowell or Terrance West get hurt.
Players to Avoid
Everyone on offense not named Duke or Isaiah.
Players to Look to Buy Low
If either of the Cleveland RBs falter early on, they could ride the pine for a long time after. Don’t buy low on anyone.
Players to Look to Sell High
Crowell could actually prove a valuable trade chip if he gets off to a strong start. Johnson should push for carries as the season wears on and injury is always a concern.
Cincinnati Bengals – Players to Target and Avoid
The Bengals’ offense played most of last season with its number one weapon either on the sideline or less than full health. With AJ Green now back and healthy in 2015, Andy Dalton and the rest of the offense should be in the top half of the league in terms of production, and if Jeremy Hill can build on last season’s breakout rookie campaign, this could be a dangerous unit in Cincy.
Unlike most of their divisional rivals, the Bengals get their toughest match-ups out of the way early on in the season. That paves the way for Week 14 and Week 15 tilts against the 49ers and Steelers, neither of which boast particularly intimidating defenses.
Players to Reach For
AJ Green is going among the top receivers, but may not be going high enough. He lead all WRs in yards per route run last season, and could push for top-overall WR honors in 2015.
Players to Avoid
Mohamed Sanu was solid last season, but the return of Marvin Jones will likely cut his targets and production in half. He’s a late round flier if anything.
Players to Look to Buy Low
It’s doubtful Hill struggles early on given Week 1 and Week 2 match-ups against the Raiders and Chargers, but if he does, don’t hesitate to buy low. It’s well within reason to expect a top-10 finish from the young back this season.
Players to Look to Sell High
Andy Dalton is an average QB year in and year out, but he does have a few great games here and there and could take advantage of those weak first couple of match-ups. If he does, try using him to move up a tier at QB.
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