So rookie quarterback Troy Smith will start after all, which really can't be bad for fantasy or reality purposes. Baltimore has lost it's second "Super Bowl" of the season and they needed some kind of spark for the final two games of the season. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks are coming off of a sleeper, which means that the Walrus will probably have them ready for this game. Interestingly enough, three of the Ravens' four wins this season have come against the NFC West.

Troy Smith, QB: Straight up -- if you are starting Troy Smith at this point in the season, you are playing for a consolation prize. That consolation prize might be your first victory of the season but it's difficult to gage how Smith will do. I would assume we'll see a lot of handoffs, but Smith's ability to scramble could be useful in the red zone -- a place where the Ravens have struggled mightily this season.

Willis McGahee, RB: Smith starting won't hurt Willis McGahee too much. It's not like the Ravens' quarterbacks have threatened opposing defenses to this point so McGahee will once again be the focus. The other argument I've heard frequently this week is that the Ravens should be playing from behind for most of this game. That's true, but again, that has also been true most of the season. You have to start McGahee if you own him -- ignore the matchup. I received a few questions as to whether some owners should start Steven Jackson against the NFL's No. 1 defense on Thursday night and Jackson finished with 100+ total yards (85 rushing, 21 receiving) and a touchdown.

Mark Clayton, WR: So I was off with my hunch on Mark Clayton last week, but I'll carry it over to this week. When Smith came into the game, I noticed that he was looking for Clayton with regularity. That should continue this Sunday. Sometimes when a new quarterback comes in, he uses a simplified type of thinking: get the playmakers the ball. Clayton is a very risky sleeper start at this point and there are better options as your third wide receiver -- even if you like my hunches.

Derrick Mason, WR: Derrick Mason is just 87 yards short of 1,000 and registered his fourth touchdown last week. He hovers around the No. 3 fantasy wideout spot but he doesn't find the end zone enough to consistently leave him in your lineup. If you are in a point-per-reception league, use him; if not, find somebody better.

Todd Heap, TE: If I was handicapping whether Todd Heap would play at all, I'd set the line at +150. If I was setting the line as to whether he'll have a fantasy impact, it would be closer to +400. Heap is still dealing with a hamstring injury and considering he's a building block for the future, why rush him out? He's been limited in practice by the injury, Smith is making his first NFL start and the Ravens have nothing to play for, so if you are relying on Heap for your fantasy team, you are also probably playing for nothing.

Ravens Defense: This is a tough matchup for the Ravens' defense. Back-to-back road games and this time they get an angry team that dozed off last week and is one of the few teams in the NFL still playing for something. The Seahawks are a passing team and the Ravens will probably be without starting cornerback Samari Rolle and will be without Chris McAlister, who's been placed on injured reserve. Rookie corner Willie Gaston -- no relation to the antagonist from Beauty and The Beast -- is expected to start again. Good luck. The Ravens' defense needs to be benched for other options this week.