Fantasy
11/17/23
3 min read
2023 Fantasy Football: Impact of Mark Andrew's Season-Ending Injury
Mark Andrews is one of the few premium tight ends in fantasy football. We’ll discuss options to try and replace him in fantasy and his impact on other Baltimore Ravens.
How to Replace Mark Andrews
You won’t be able to find any one-for-one replacement for an elite tight end like Andrews at a reasonable cost. The easiest option will be to grab his backup, Isaiah Likely, off waivers next week. Likely is a good athlete who had a 100-yard spike game late last season.
Apart from that, his production has been very volatile even when he’s seen role expansion. Given the very limited waiver wire options at tight end in most leagues, most managers might have to grab Likely and hope for the best.
Jake Ferguson and Dalton Schultz are the two most affordable options that could give you some stability at the position. In most situations you’d have to trade for Ferguson or Schultz, check out our trade value chart for ideas.
Logan Thomas could be available in some leagues, which warrants mentioning because Washington leads the league in pass attempts. Thomas has at least five targets in five of his last six games. If you can get him on waivers, be aggressive as we’re nearing the end of the season. Like Ferguson and Schultz, you may be able to get Thomas in a reasonable trade.
How Does Andrews’ Loss Impact Lamar Jackson?
Lamar Jackson is not a very voluminous passer, only throwing for more than 250 yards twice this season. Andrews has been Jackson’s favorite and most trusted pass catcher his entire career. Jackson’s volume can’t be much lower than it already is, but his efficiency and overall production will take a hit without Andrews.
The loss of Andrews will especially hurt in the scoring zone. Overall, Jackson’s fantasy production largely depends on his ability to score and his prowess as a rusher. Andrews’ absence will reduce Jackson’s already limited value as a passer in fantasy.
How Does Andrews’ Loss Impact Ravens' Wide Receivers?
Zay Flowers already had a significant role in Baltimore's passing attack, but now he’s the top option. Consider Flowers a top-24 option at the position going forward, especially in full PPR.
Odell Beckham Jr. is a matchups-based option with a very low floor, but he had more than 100 yards receiving for the first time last Thursday. Andrews’ absence means more targets, and that could make Beckham a volatile WR3 option going forward.
Rashod Bateman had one catch for a 10-yard score against the Bengals last Thursday. He remains a stash only in the deepest of leagues.
How Does Andrews’ Loss Impact Ravens' Running Backs
The Ravens have the most rushing yards per game in the league this season. Jackson is certainly a big part of that, but Gus Edwards has eight rushing touchdowns over his last four games. Andrews’ absence shouldn’t have a major impact on running game volume, but it could result in even more scoring zone opportunities for Ravens running backs.
