Jaire Alexander is inactive for the Ravens at Cleveland after a limited week of practice and a rough Week 1 showing against Buffalo, where he allowed a big gain and drew a costly DPI. Ravens coach John Harbaugh emphasized practice time as a key factor in his early-season form and said they’ll give him opportunities to bounce back. New starter Chidobe Awuzie filled in as the No. 3 corner last week. Baltimore also ruled out Keaton Mitchell, Patrick Ricard, Isaiah Likely, Carson Vinson and David Ojabo, with Ricard and Likely out again. Cleveland will be without two-time All-Pro right tackle Jack Conklin, a notable matchup edge for Baltimore’s pass rush. For fantasy, Alexander’s inactivity could tilt pass-game volume toward the Browns’ receivers, while the Ravens’ depth pieces may reshape snap shares on defense and special teams.

Meanwhile, Bills veteran Keon Coleman produced a notable late-game gain against Baltimore the prior week, highlighting the volatility of Ravens secondary depth and the impact of practice time on coverage. This game sets up a ball-control, multi-RB approach for Baltimore if Mitchell is healthy but sits again, leaving the backfield in flux. The confluence of these inactives and practice narratives creates a week-to-week puzzle for fantasy managers in lineups and DFS lineups alike.

Buffalo leans into a true team-first passing attack in 2025, spreading targets across Palmer, Moore, Shakir, Kincaid, Knox, Cook and other options after Diggs’ departure. Josh Allen’s efficiency and timing remain the engine, with 2024’s franchise-record scoring powered by broad distribution rather than a single superstar. Baltimore’s revamped secondary—Alexander likely out, with Wiggins, Humphrey, Awuzie and Hamilton delivering playmaking depth—tests Buffalo’s depth but also highlights the Bills’ collective approach as a path to victory in Week 1 at Highmark.

Buffalo’s matchup against Baltimore hinges on whether the new receivers can sustain the spread-minded attack, and whether Allen can exploit the Ravens’ still-improving secondary without a top target carrying the load. The Ravens answered in 2024 by tightening the back end, setting up a contrast between Buffalo’s multi-pronged corps and Baltimore’s strength-on-strength defense, setting the stage for a nuanced, chess-match season opener.

Texans cut Arthur Maulet, a 32-year-old cornerback, as teams trim to the 53-man limit. Maulet spent two seasons with Baltimore, earning a two-year extension after 2023, but a knee injury in 2024 limited him to three games and Baltimore saved $2.25M in cap space.

When healthy, Maulet pressed from the slot and could rush the edge, but durability has been the barrier. Baltimore’s corner depth remains strong with Humphrey, Awuzie, Alexander and Armour-Davis, leaving Maulet with an uncertain path to a new NFL home in 2025.

Baltimore’s 90-man roster for the second preseason tune-up with Dallas signals a reshuffling of roles as the club juggles a tight roster window ahead of the August 27 cuts. With Lamar Jackson sidelined, Cooper Rush steps into extended QB reps to showcase command behind Devin Leary, who is pushing for a third quarterback spot. The Ravens added DeAndre Hopkins, Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie, injecting veteran talent across WR and the secondary to balance a roster loaded with competition at RB, TE and along the line. Baltimore’s plan centers on building consistency in the passing game while evaluating a wave of rookies and undrafted bets for the 53-man slate.

The Baltimore Ravens have made significant moves this offseason, especially in their secondary, solidifying their defense with the acquisitions of Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr confirmed that both players will be utilized together, negating any competition among them. However, rumors persist about Marlon Humphrey potentially shifting inside, which could further tweak the Ravens' defensive alignment.

This combination of talent positions the Ravens' secondary as a formidable unit. With Alexander's elite coverage skills and Awuzie's versatility, their addition brings depth and experience. The Ravens appear poised to enhance their defensive strategy, leveraging both players' strengths to adapt to opposing offenses.