Unleashing the Fantasy Football Powerhouses: Derrick Henry, Isaiah Likely, and Tee Higgins

In the high-stakes world of fantasy football, every matchup holds the potential to make or break a season. This week, the spotlight shines on the clash between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals, a divisional showdown that promises to deliver fantasy gold. The Yahoo Sports' Fantasy Football Live crew delves into the key players who could tip the scales in this crucial encounter.

Unleash the Beast: Derrick Henry's Unstoppable Dominance

When it comes to fantasy game-changers, there's one name that stands out above the rest: Derrick Henry. The Tennessee Titans' workhorse running back has been a force to be reckoned with, and he's set to face a Cincinnati defense that has struggled to contain the run this season.Henry has been on a tear, surpassing 100 rushing yards in back-to-back games. What's even more impressive is that the Ravens haven't even needed to rely on Lamar Jackson's arm, with the quarterback attempting a mere 33 passes over the last two games. This speaks volumes about the trust the Ravens have in Henry's ability to carry the offense.At 30 years old, Henry is showing no signs of slowing down. He's averaging a staggering 120 rushing yards per game, leading the NFL in both touchdowns and rushing yards. With a yards-per-carry average of six, Henry is delivering a vintage performance that fantasy managers can't help but marvel at.The Cincinnati defense, currently ranked 26th against the run, is unlikely to pose a significant challenge to Henry's dominance. The Ravens' game plan of controlling the clock and leaning on their star running back has been a winning formula in recent weeks, and there's no reason to believe they'll deviate from this approach against the Bengals.

Tight End Treasure: Isaiah Likely's Breakout Potential

While Derrick Henry's prowess is undisputed, another player who could make a significant impact in this matchup is Isaiah Likely, the Ravens' talented tight end. Despite the numbers being down in recent weeks, Likely's potential shines through in the Ravens' run-heavy offense.The Bengals, knowing the Ravens' commitment to the ground game, are likely to commit a significant portion of their defensive resources to stopping Derrick Henry. This could open up opportunities for Likely and fellow tight end Mark Andrews to make plays in the passing game.Likely's ability to catch the ball out of blocking formations makes him a valuable asset in this scenario. When the Bengals inevitably stack the box to slow down Henry, Likely could find himself on the receiving end of quick play-action passes, providing a much-needed boost to fantasy managers.While the Ravens may not be airing it out as much, the tight end position remains a crucial part of their offensive strategy. Likely's potential to capitalize on the Bengals' focus on the run game makes him a tantalizing fantasy game-changer in this matchup.

Bengals' Aerial Assault: Tee Higgins' Resurgence

Turning our attention to the Bengals' side of the equation, Tee Higgins emerges as a player who could make a significant impact on the fantasy landscape. After a slow start to the season, Higgins has found his rhythm in the last two games, and his return to form could be a game-changer for the Bengals' offense.The Bengals' passing attack has looked much sharper in recent weeks, with Jamar Chase and Higgins both making their presence felt. Higgins' return has taken some of the secondary's attention away from Chase, allowing both receivers to thrive.In Week 4, Higgins commanded 32% of the Bengals' targets, catching six passes for 60 yards. This level of involvement suggests that the Bengals are committed to getting their star receiver more involved in the offense.Against a Ravens secondary that has lost some key pieces from last season, Higgins could find opportunities to exploit the vulnerabilities. The Ravens' defense allows the 12th-most receiving yards per play, making them susceptible to the Bengals' aerial assault.With Higgins' proven ability to find the end zone and his growing rapport with quarterback Joe Burrow, fantasy managers would be wise to keep a close eye on the Bengals' star receiver. His potential to break out in this matchup could be the difference-maker for those who have him in their lineups.