FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 10/18/2009 11:11pm et

The Associated Press reports Baltimore Ravens RB Ray Rice rushed for 77 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries in Week 6. He also caught 10 passes for 117 yards.

The Huddle Take: Rice continues to churn out huge numbers and provide the Ravens with an explosive playmaking running back capable of scoring at any place on the field. With Willis McGahee getting less carries on offense except around the goal line, Rice should continue to get the bulk of the carries as the workhorse running back in Baltimore for the forseeable future.

Posted: 8/30/2009 12:19am et

Baltimore Ravens RB Ray Rice was a double threat during the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 29, against the Carolina Panthers. He had 10 carries for 32 yards, but also had eight receptions for 67 yards.

The Huddle Take: Rice's performance shows just why the Ravens have been so high on him during the preseason. It is clear that Rice has likely won the majority of the carries and with his receiving ability he could be a dangerous weapon for fantasy owners fortunate to land him in the middle rounds of fantasy drafts.

Posted: 8/17/2009 12:12pm et

CBSSports.com reports the Baltimore Ravens have featured RB Ray Rice in their passing offense during training camp. Rice has been the recipient of many screen passes during drills. The team is likely going to use Rice as a receiver out of the backfield this season. His small stature makes him hard to see when he catches middle screen passes.

The Huddle Take: Rice caught at least three passes in seven of the 13 games he played in last year and added three more in the Ravens' AFC title game loss, so being the team's third down back won't be new to him. However, if that comes on top of being Baltimore's feature back he goes from PPR helper to certifiable fantasy stud.

Posted: 7/22/2009 10:01pm et

The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens RB Willis McGahee said he believes RB Ray Rice will enter training camp as the starting running back.

The Huddle Take: Rice may be considered by some as the odds on favorite to start heading into training camp but the Ravens are likely to use a running back by committee approach with Rolando McClain and Willis McGahee also seeing action. McClain appears to have the most upside and will likely be utilized more in goalline situations which would make him much more of a scoring threat for fantasy teams. Baltimore will likely look to run the ball early and often with many questions revolving around the passing game.

Posted: 6/7/2009 12:29am et

Mike Duffy, of BaltimoreRavens.com, reports Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said he believes RB Ray Rice could be an every-down back this season because he added bulk to his upper body during the offseason. "Not that he wasn't a tackle-breaker last year - he was a tackle-to-tackle runner at Rutgers, that was what he did - but he's come a long way," Harbaugh said. "Now, people see him as a third-down back because of the success he had last year, but I don't think we have any question that he can be an every-down back."

The Huddle Take: It will be interesting to watch how Baltimore handles the Rice-Willis McGahee battle, because with LeRon McClain moving to fullback there are plenty of carries in a very good running game up for grabs.

Posted: 2/5/2009 7:50pm et

The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens RB Ray Rice said he will work on becoming an all-around running back this offseason. 'This offseason, I'm going to do more catching and blocking,' Rice said. 'I'm going to prepare harder because I now know what it takes to play in this league. I'm going to prepare to get the ball in my hands somehow, some way - every way possible.'

The Huddle Take: Rice certainly is saying all the right things and appears to be ready to do what it takes to succeed in the NFL. Even with the talented runner enhancing his skills, he will have plenty of competition for the starting job especially if the Ravens elect to keep Willis McGahee and LeRon McClain on the roster.

Posted: 12/20/2008 10:47am et

The Baltimore Sun reports Baltimore Ravens RB Ray Rice (calf) was limited during practice Friday, Dec. 19. He is listed as questionable for the team's Week 16 game and may be a game-time decision.

The Huddle Take: Look for Rice to likely get some opportunities in Week 16 but also in the mix RB LeRon McClain and Willis McGahee should also get some carries. With the calf injury to Rice a concern all Baltimore running backs could find a three-way split for carries during Week 16 as they face the Dallas Cowboys.

Posted: 12/19/2008 1:36pm et

Baltimore Ravens RB Ray Rice (calf) was limited in practice Friday, Dec. 19, and is questionable for Week 16.

The Huddle Take: LeRon McClain and Willis McGahee will likely share the rushing load against Dallas.

Posted: 12/12/2008 6:09pm et

The Baltimore Sun reports Baltimore Ravens RB Ray Rice (leg) did not participate in practice Friday, Dec. 12. He is listed as doubtful for the team's Week 15 game and will not play.

The Huddle Take: Look for Willis McGahee and LeRon McClain to share the load in what should be a slugfest against Pittsburgh.

Posted: 12/8/2008 9:41pm et

The Baltimore Sun reports Baltimore Ravens RB Ray Rice (ankle) suffered an ankle injury during the team's Week 14 game. He likely will be able to play in Week 15.

The Huddle Take: Rice is part of a rotation, but has had a few decent days, so it is worth noting that he tweaked his ankle. No long term problems, but this week could be iffy.