D'Onta Foreman is set to take the field for the Cleveland Browns against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 4:30 PM ET, with significant expectations weighing on the running back as injuries have left him as the lead back for Cleveland.
With both Jerome Ford (ankle) and Pierre Strong Jr. (concussion) sidelined, Foreman is stepping up at a pivotal moment. This Week 18 matchup has increased stakes as the Ravens are competing for the AFC North title.
Foreman's performance should be watched closely, particularly for fantasy football enthusiasts. Foreman’s rushing yards prop is over/under 40.5, compared to his season average of 22.8 yards per game. So far this season, he has surpassed the 40.5-yard mark only three times out of nine games, indicating the difficulty he may face against the formidable Ravens' defense.
The Ravens boast the number one run defense, allowing just 81.6 rushing yards per game, which heightens concerns about Foreman's ability to be productive on the ground. Despite showing flashes of potential, he has struggled, averaging only 3.8 yards per carry across his last three games and not scoring any rushing touchdowns this season.
According to the data, Foreman has out-paced his rushing yards prop total twice this season, which does not build confidence for those considering putting him on their fantasy roster. Adding to the complexity, the Browns' run offense ranks among the bottom five, averaging just 97.0 rushing yards per contest.
The Ravens, now positioned for the playoffs with everything on the line, have seen improvements on defense. They now rank 10th for pass defense success rate and lead the league in scoring defense for this season, demonstrating their capability to limit effective rushing games.
Recent reports suggest Foreman is expected to take on the lead-back role, but his ceiling is capped. Analysts are ranking him as a mid-range RB3 for fantasy purposes, recommending cautious optimism. His fantasy point projection stands at around 11.6 points, which seems moderate for those still seeking valuable options for their championship lineups.
When assessing Saturday's match, keep in mind the Browns' current offensive struggles. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, the Browns’ quarterback, has not thrown any touchdowns this season, raising doubts about the effectiveness of their overall offense. They are averaging only 27.2% fewer points per drive this term compared to last season, indicating potential futility against the Ravens.
Aside from Foreman, fantasy managers are keeping tabs on the Browns and Ravens players who might shape the game. Ravens' Mark Andrews, coming off strong performances, remains highly regarded as he leads among tight ends with touchdowns this year, making for another enticing option against Cleveland's porous defense. Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of other role players extends to those backing Foreman.
Despite his established talent, Foreman’s situation is precarious. The Browns are reeling after recent losses, raising concerns over how effectively they can Implement offensive strategies against the Ravens' tenacious defense.
To conclude, D'Onta Foreman's upcoming performance promises to stir interest, wrapping up the regular season for the Browns. Enthusiast fantasy players will need to weigh the risks, especially against the Ravens' impressive statistics and momentum.