I can definitely understand the apprehension at utilizing lesser-known players in bad offenses, but Auden Tate is in a very interesting spot as we head toward Week 6. Put simply, the Ravens can’t cover anyone right now. Its possible the Week 1 injury to top corner Jimmy Smith was swept under the rug in an eventual 59-7 victory over the Dolphins, yet its very clear that Baltimore’s defense needs the veteran back. In the team’s last three games, the Ravens have surrendered a jaw-dropping 9.0 yards per opponent pass attempt - the worst mark of any AFC squad within that span. Now, that’s a digestible figure when you’re facing Patrick Mahomes in Week 3; however, allowing the struggling Browns and the Steelers’ third-string QB to wreck havoc is an entirely different story.

The problem with the perception of Tate is the quarterback he’s attached to. While Andy Dalton did eventually bail out fantasy owners with two late touchdown passes in a loss to Arizona last weekend — we’re still discussing a man who followed up a horrendous performance on Monday Night Football in Week 4 by compiling just 22 yards in the first half versus an awful Cardinals secondary. Its perfectly fine to be frightened by Dalton. Heck, it’s a completely warranted feeling. Yet, when push comes to shove, Tate’s a high-volume target in an offense that leads the AFC in pass attempts per game (40.8). If you remove the Dalton bias, that’s an enviable position.

Fantasy Football Impact, Cincinnati Bengals WR Auden Tate

I like Tate a lot this week as a pivot play in tournaments. He barely survived his first go-around as chalk last Sunday and it feels like people will be inclined to walk away from the table with the little value they narrowly gleaned. The Ravens are the lone AFC team that has allowed opposing WRs to average more than 200 yards receiving per contest and Tate’s coming out of a game where he played every single offensive snap. He’s merely a FLEX option in season long, but for DFS? I’m all in.

Start/Sit Recommendation

Start.