The Baltimore Ravens have upgraded their defense prior to the 2019 NFL trade deadline, acquiring cornerback Marcus Peters from the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams announced the deal and will acquire linebacker Kenny Young and an undisclosed 2020 draft pick.

Fantasy football analysis

This is a step up for the Ravens, which is something to factor in when your fantasy receivers are facing off against them. The Ravens defense has struggled this season, and the pass defense in particular has been a problem. Football Outsiders ranks the pass unit 21st in efficiency, compared with 18th for the rush defense. It adds some value to the Ravens fantasy defense, but the opposition is where the big impact is. Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Carr just weren’t quite enough. Peters comes over as the fifth ranked cornerback in coverage snaps per reception at Pro Football Focus. He ranked 18th among all cornerbacks in coverage grade. The Ravens upcoming schedule includes:

Week 7: @ Seahawks
Week 8: BYE
Week 9: vs. Patriots
Week 10: @ Bengals
Week 11: vs. Texans
Week 12: @ Rams

The Rams are dealing with a host of issues in the secondary and their defense is suffering as a result. They placed Aqib Talib on injured reserve and Troy Hill currently ranks 97th in coverage grade among all cornerbacks. If you’ve got receivers facing the Rams, they become all the more intriguing as fantasy options.

Week 7: @ Falcons
Week 8: vs. Bengals
Week 9: BYE
Week 10: @ Steelers
Week 11: vs. Bears
Week 12: vs. Ravens