Fantasy Footnotes: Ravens lean on Owen Daniels and Bernard Pierce
Every gameday during the regular season, theScore's fantasy editors recap the most important news and notes from around the league.
Pierce reclaims Ravens backfield
Bernard Pierce owners can breathe a big sigh of relief thanks to his heavy workload on Thursday night.
He had 22 carries for 96 yards and the Ravens really leaned on him in garbage time with a big lead. Justin Forsett had just eight carries and Lorenzo Taliaferro didn't get a touch, so John Harbaugh quickly abandoned his idea of a committee backfield.
However, Pierce had trouble punching it in near the goal line.
Bernard Pierce got four carries inside the Steelers' five-yard line. Zero touchdowns.
— Patrick Daugherty (@RotoPat) September 12, 2014
It took a while for Pierce to get going and a touchdown would have been nice, but just knowing he looks to be the guy going forward will have to do for now.
Ravens turning to Owen Daniels in red zone
The Ravens gave the Steelers a lot of two-tight end looks, and Owen Daniels was the benefactor.
Daniels had a pair of touchdowns and offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak was clearly calling plays for him in the red zone. He ended up finishing with five grabs for 28 yards.
It's unlikely that Joe Flacco will all of a sudden make Daniels his favorite target, but it's an indication he should be a bigger part of the offense going forward.
Other Notable Fantasy Lines
Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens
21-of-29 for 166 yards, 2 TDs
It was a much more efficient performance from Flacco this week, but the 166 yards leave a lot to be desired.
Steve Smith Sr., WR, Ravens
6 catches, 71 yards
He seems to be building chemistry with Flacco and got several red zone targets.
Torrey Smith, WR, Ravens
1 catch, 10 yards
Steve Smith is stealing some of his targets, but he was essentially nonexistent Thursday night.
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers
23-of-37 for 217 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT
His receivers didn't give him much help and Antonio Brown missed most of the first quarter getting checked out for a concussion, but Big Ben didn't really push the ball downfield.
Le'Veon Bell, RB, Steelers
11 carries for 59 yards, 5 receptions, 48 yards
Bell was the lone bright spot for the Steelers offense. He seems to be a three-down back at this point with Roethlisberger actively looking for him on passing downs.
Injury Ward
Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers
Brown missed most of the first quarter while being evaluated for a concussion and still finished with seven catches for 90 yards on 12 targets. He looked to be healthy upon his return and is still a top option going forward.
Waiver Wire Targets
Owen Daniels, TE, Ravens
He's likely available in your league and given his history with Kubiak, Daniels figures to be a red zone factor all season. Don't expect the world from him, but he could haul in his fair share of touchdowns as the year progresses.