Leads fourth-quarter charge

Crabtree brought in two of four targets for 38 yards and two touchdowns in the Ravens' 23-17 wild-card loss to the Chargers on Sunday.

Analysis: Crabtree's numbers took a notable hit once Lamar Jackson took over under center during the latter portion of the season, but he reemerged in significant fashion during the Ravens' furious fourth-quarter comeback Sunday. The veteran possession man gained some rare separation down the right sideline on a 31-yard touchdown reception with 6:31 remaining, and he then came back to secure a seven-yard scoring dart from Lamar Jackson with just under two minutes left, bringing Baltimore within six…read more

Quiet first season in Baltimore

Crabtree caught 54 of 100 targets for 607 yards and three touchdowns in his first season in Baltimore.

Analysis: Compared to career norms, this was a disappointing campaign for the veteran receiver, especially in terms of touchdowns. Three touchdowns marked Crabtree's lowest total ever in a full season and he was coming off a streak in which he had at least eight scores in three straight years. Some of Crabtree's lack of production can be attributed to Baltimore's shift to a run-first offense under Lamar Jackson in Week 11, but that doesn't fully excuse his 6.1 YPT mark or his 9.1 percent drop rate.…read more

Held to one catch

Crabtree caught one pass (four targets) for 20 yards in Saturday's 22-10 win over the Chargers.

Analysis: The only positive that can be said about Crabtree's performance is that at least he didn't go catchless like the week prior. The veteran, along with the rest of Baltimore's starting receiver corps, has seen his fantasy value almost vanish since Lamar Jackson took over as starter. The most you can hope for from Crabtree these days is that he can break free for a big score or see heavy usage around the goal line, neither of which has happened since Week 12 (21 yards and a touchdown). His fortunes…read more

Shut out in Week 15

Crabtree failed to bring in his only target in the Ravens' 20-12 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Analysis: Crabtree was shut out of the stat sheet altogether for the first time this season, with his blanking particularly ill'timed considering it came in the heart of the fantasy postseason. Crabtree had actually shown better chemistry with rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson than fellow wideout John Brown, as he'd notched a trio of grabs in each of the prior three games. He'll look to bounce back from the forgettable outing against the Chargers in a Week 16 Saturday night matchup.

Held in check again

Crabtree caught three of four targets for 31 yards in Sunday's 27-24 overtime loss to the Chiefs.

Analysis: Crabtree moved the chains a few times with nice catches along the sideline, but he also had an offensive pass interference penalty that stalled a drive in the fourth quarter. He's largely been limited to run blocking since Lamar Jackson (ankle) took over at quarterback, averaging 2.5 catches for 23.8 yards the past four weeks. A friendly Week 15 matchup probably won't make much difference unless Joe Flacco (hip) ends up getting the start.

Gathers 36 yards in win

Crabtree caught three of four targets for 36 yards during Sunday's 26-16 win over the Falcons.

Analysis: Yes, 36 yards isn't much, but it's actually Crabtree's highest total since Week 7. The veteran target has struggled as of late, no matter whether it's Joe Flacco (hip) or Lamar Jackson at quarterback. Early during Sunday's game, Crabtree enjoyed some of the benefits of playing with a passer of Jackson's unique skillset as the rookie scrambled out of trouble and hit Crabtree over the middle for an 18-yard catch-and-run. It's hard to pay much attention to any of Baltimore's targets in what has…read more

Nabs touchdown in win

Crabtree caught three of six targets for 21 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 34-17 win over Oakland.

Analysis: Crabtree's big contribution came early in the fourth quarter when he took a quick slant eight yards for a touchdown, putting Baltimore up by two scores. The veteran target looked a little better than last year's one-catch performance, but he's struggled lately with Lamar Jackson and Joe Flacco (hip) throwing him the ball. He hasn't topped 35 yards in a game in four contests. Fans would be right to be excited about Crabtree's first touchdown since Week 6, but his overall performance lately…read more

Limited to one catch

Crabtree converted his three targets into a 7-yard catch during Sunday's 24-21 win over the Bengals.

Analysis: Lamar Jackson's start brought a lot of excitement to Baltimore, but Crabtree probably hopes Joe Flacco (hip) gets better soon. He was targeted fewer than six times for the first time this season. Reading too much into one game is difficult, but the Ravens' run-first approach with Jackson under center and the rookie's apparent rapport with Willie Snead should be noted before placing Crabtree in your lineup. His value depends heavily on who starts Sunday against Oakland, a pass defense that has…read more

Shut down by Steelers again

Crabtree caught three of seven targets for 32 yards in Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Steelers.

Analysis: Pittsburgh has had Crabtree's number this year, as he managed only three catches for a season-low 29 yards against the Steelers in Week 4. Luckily for Crabtree's owners, these AFC North rivals won't meet again this season barring a possible playoff matchup. After scoring at least eight touchdowns in each of the previous three seasons, the veteran wide receiver heads into Baltimore's Week 10 bye having made just two trips to the end zone.

Kept quiet in loss

Crabtree caught three of five targets for 31 yards in Sunday's 36-21 loss to Carolina.

Analysis: Crabtree understandably had his lowest targets, catches and yardage totals since Week 4 on a day in which his offense as a whole struggled mightily for most of the game. The 31-year-old has just one week of more than 66 receiving yards on the year and hasn't been the red-zone target he was in Oakland. Nevertheless, the Texas Tech product will try to remedy that in Week 9 at home against Pittsburgh.

Five grabs against Saints

Crabtree caught five of nine targets for 66 yards Sunday against the Saints.

Analysis: The veteran has recorded at least five catches and at least 66 yards in each of his last three games. Crabtree also owns a team-high 30 receptions over that stretch. The drop issues haven't gone away completely, but Crabtree continues to see enough volume on a consistent basis so as to afford him a high floor. He'll face the Panthers on the road in Week 8.

Tallies season high in receiving yards

Crabtree caught six of nine targets for 93 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 21-0 win over the Titans.

Analysis: Crabtree got the scoring started by hauling in a four-yard Joe Flacco pass for a first-quarter touchdown. It was a night of seconds for the nine-year veteran as he led the team in receiving for the second time on the year while also scoring his second touchdown. He'll try to keep up the momentum Week 7 against the Saints.

Leading receiver in Week 5 loss

Crabtree caught six of 12 targets for 66 yards in Sunday's 12-9 overtime loss to the Browns.

Analysis: Crabtree finished as Baltimore's leading receiver, but he'll be kicking himself for dropping what would have been the go-ahead touchdown with one minute left in regulation. The physical wide receiver's crisp route running and ability to create separation should generate a significant number of targets for Crabtree against the Titans in Week 6, but he still hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 1. The lack of touchdowns is disturbing for a player who scored at least eight times in each of the…read more

Shaky against Steelers

Crabtree caught three of eight targets for 29 yards Sunday against the Steelers.

Analysis: This was Crabtree's worst outing of the season, a game marred by some ugly drops from the veteran. Still, he was quarterback Joe Flacco's favorite target, garnering eight targets over the course of the contest. Drops are a part of the equation when it comes to Crabtree as he's tied for the league lead (3) per the Washington Post. Still, it's clear that he has Flacco's trust and his role isn't going anywhere in the Baltimore offense. Crabtree will face a Browns defense that gives up 278 passing…read more

Snags seven passes

Crabtree caught seven of 10 targets for 61 yards during Sunday's 27-14 win over Denver.

Analysis: He might have been wearing different colors, but Crabtree frustrated Denver's defense just as he has in recent years with division-rival Oakland. The veteran receiver has become something of a security blanket for Joe Flacco despite it being his first season in Baltimore. Albeit with a modest 10.3 yards per catch, he leads the team in receptions with 15 and targets with 26. His next challenge will be in Week 5 against a Steelers defense that has been beaten frequently in the passing game thus…read more

Posts 56 yards receiving in loss

Crabtree secured five of 10 targets for 56 yards in the Ravens' 34-23 loss to the Bengals on Thursday.

Analysis: The veteran possession receiver served as an effective complement to the speedier John Brown on the night, and his catch total drew even with those of Willie Snead and Javorius Allen for the team lead. Crabtree has hauled in eight receptions over the first pair of games, providing the type of mid-range presence that he's built his NFL reputation on. He'll look to build on the 16 targets he's already logged when the Ravens face off with the Broncos in Week 3.

Finds end zone in Ravens debut

Crabtree caught three of six targets for 38 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Bills.

Analysis: It was a solid debut from Crabtree and the rest of Baltimore's new receivers as he, John Brown, and Willie Snead all caught touchdowns. Crabtree tied for the team lead in targets as the Ravens opted to spread the ball around to several different options. Crabtree still profiles as the team's No. 1 on the outside, but Snead and Brown will continue to garner targets on a consistent basis as well. Look for Baltimore's passing attack to emphasize spreading the ball around rather than relying on one…read more

Unlikely to play Saturday

Crabtree isn't in uniform for Saturday's preseason contest at Miami, freelance NFL writer Jeff Zrebiec reports.

Analysis: Crabtree has reeled off receptions of 29 and 30 yards this preseason, both of them passes from Joe Flacco. If the connection continues into the regular season, Crabtree would be the best bet among the Ravens' new receiving corps to reach 1,000 yards for the third time in his career (and first time since 2016).

Big gain Monday

Crabtree caught his lone target for 29 yards in Monday night's 20-19 win over the Colts in the third preseason game.

Analysis: Crabtree found real estate along the left sideline to give Joe Flacco his longest passing play of the night. Their connection helped set up a touchdown to cap Baltimore's third offensive drive. With he and John Brown now in tow, the Ravens have finally upgraded their starting receiving duo, and both players made strong impacts Monday.

Held out of Hall of Fame Game

Crabtree isn't in uniform for Thursday's Hall of Fame Game versus the Bears, freelance NFL writer Jeff Zrebiec reports.

Analysis: In the wake of the Ravens' offseason overhaul at wide receiver, Crabtree is the consensus pick to serve as Joe Flacco's No. 1 option in 2018. That said, Crabtree, along with John Brown and Willie Snead, won't see the field Thursday.

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco suggested that Crabtree has stood out most among the team's new wide receivers during OTAs, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports. "[Crabtree's] the guy," said Flacco. "Because he's got a little different way that he runs the routes. He's really crafty with it, and he knows when to break away from guys and how to get open"

Analysis: Baltimore swapped out Mike Wallace, Jeremy Maclin and Michael Campanaro for Crabtree, John Brown and Willie Snead -- with Crabtree's three-year, $21 million contract easily ranking first among the bunch. While a clear favorite to lead his new team in targets and red-zone opportunities, the 30-year-old wideout may struggle for efficiency in an offense that produced a league-worst 5.7 yards per pass attempt last season. However, he at least seems to be earning Flacco's trust rather quickly, after…read more

Headed to Baltimore

Crabtree has signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Ravens, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: After voiding the deal they had with fellow receiver Ryan Grant, the Ravens moved quickly to scoop up Crabtree, who the Raiders cut to make way for Jordy Nelson. Crabtree isn't particularly fast by NFL standards, but he did manage to log 25 TDs during his three-year stint with the Raiders. Though his reception total dipped to 58 in 14 contests in 2017, the 30-year-old -- who combined for 174 catches in 2015 and 2016 -- should benefit from the fact that he now profiles as QB Joe Flacco's top…read more

Visiting Baltimore

Crabtree is visiting the Ravens on Friday, ESPN.com's Jamison Hensley reports.

Analysis: Crabtree would replace Ryan Grant, whose four-year, $29 million contract was nullified after he failed a physical with the Ravens. The team is badly in need of a wide receiver, as injury-prone John Brown is the only player signed thus far to replace Mike Wallace and Jeremy Maclin. The 30-year-old Crabtree caught 58 of 101 targets for only 618 yards last season, but he nonetheless managed to hit paydirt eight times in 14 games, bringing his three-year total in Oakland to 25 touchdowns in 46…read more

Release paves the way for Nelson signing

The Raiders will release Crabtree, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: With Crabtree on the way out, the Raiders will parlay the resulting cap savings into a deal that will bring former Packers wideout Jordy Nelson to Oakland. While not a burner, Crabtree was productive enough during his three-year stint with the Raiders, logging 25 TDs in that span. His catch total dipped to 58 in 14 games this past season, but in the right situation in terms of volume, Crabtree -- who combined for 174 catches in 2015 and 2016 -- could re-emerge as a PPR factor in 2018.

Crabtree's future with the Raiders is uncertain, even after general manager Reggie McKenzie suggested that the wideout is part of the team's plans, Michael Gehlken of The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Analysis: Oakland may want to retain the 30-year-old wideout, but that doesn't necessarily mean the team is willing to keep him around at his 2018 salary of $7 million. Coming off a season in which he managed just 6.1 yards per target, Crabtree may be asked to accept a pay cut, or at least some form of restructure.

The Raiders plan to retain Crabtree for the 2018 season, league sources informed Vic Tafur of The Athletic Bay Area.

Analysis: Following a disappointing finish to the 2017 season, Crabtree was viewed as a potential trade candidate or salary-cap casualty this offseason with his $7.5 million salary and roster bonus not guaranteed for the 2018 campaign. It's conceivable that the Raiders could ask the veteran wideout to restructure the four-year, $34 million contract extension he inked in December 2015, but after productive meetings with new head coach Jon Gruden over the past month, the 30-year-old looks like he'll remain…read more

Crabtree caught two passes on as many targets for 17 yards in Sunday's 30-10 loss to the Chargers. He finishes his 2017 campaign with 58 receptions (on 101 targets) for 618 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games.

Analysis: Crabtree logged just 17 snaps in the Raiders' gloomy season finale, resulting in a spell of frustration from the starting receiver as he totaled two catches on five targets throughout the last two games combined. Despite such a disappointing conclusion for the 30-year-old, Crabtree's eight touchdowns and 58 receptions led the team in 2017. Although his contract includes two more years with the Raiders, Crabtree's future may not be concrete as the team elected to fire head coach Jack Del Rio…read more

Not on injury report

Crabtree (hamstring) isn't listed on Wednesday's injury report for Sunday's game against the Chargers, Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Analysis: Crabtree was bothered by his hamstring during Monday's 19-10 loss to the Eagles, failing to haul in any of his three targets while logging an unusually low 45-percent snap share. His quick recovery is good news for the Oakland offense heading into a tough Week 17 matchup against a hot Chargers defense that still has everything to play for. The Chargers put top cornerback Casey Hayward on Amari Cooper (ankle) in the first meeting between these teams, limiting the third-year wideout to five…read more

Dealing with hamstring issue

Crabtree was bothered by his hamstring during Monday's 19-10 loss to the Eagles, Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Analysis: This helps to explain why Crabtree was held without a catch on three targets and saw limited playing time in the second half. Another update should be available Wednesday afternoon when the Raiders release their initial injury report for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Crabtree was targeted three times and didn't catch any passes in Monday's 19-10 loss to the Eagles.

Analysis: The zero-catch day marked Crabtree's worst performance of the season, not counting the Nov. 26 game against the Broncos when he was ejected after five plays for unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness. The invisible showing was especially surprising given that Crabtree had been targeted a combined 30 times over the previous two weeks. Crabtree probably won't get shut out again in Week 17, but a matchup against a tough Chargers secondary doesn't set the veteran up well to deliver a…read more

Crabtree caught seven of 17 targets for 39 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Cowboys.

Analysis: Crabtree again saw a massive workload with Amari Cooper (ankle) out of the lineup, seeing most of his action in the short-to-intermediate area of the field. Both of his scores came from within yards of the goal line, and he's now up to eight touchdowns on the year, one short of his career high. If Cooper is again forced to sit in Week 16, Crabtree should again be a target magnet while operating as quarterback Derek Carr's clear-cut No. 1 option. However, he'll be up against the Eagles'…read more

Crabtree caught seven passes on 13 targets for 60 yards in Sunday's 26-15 loss to the Chiefs.

Analysis: Crabtree's target total marked a season best in his return from a one-game suspension, while fellow starting wide receiver Amari Cooper missed a majority of the contest due to an aggravated left ankle injury. Crabtree's increased involvement didn't translate to fantasy prosperity, however, as he averaged just 4.6 yards per target and etched a long reception of 13 yards. If Cooper is forced to miss additional time, Crabtree could be in line for a similar level of volume in Week 15 against the…read more

Reinstated from suspension

Crabtree (suspension) was reinstated to the active roster Monday.

Analysis: The Raiders made do without Crabtree and Amari Cooper (ankle, concussion) in Sunday's 24-17 win over the Giants, getting big games from Marshawn Lynch and Cordarrelle Patterson, with Clive Walford, Seth Roberts and Johnny Holton also chipping in. Crabtree may find himself ideally positioned in Week 14 against the Chiefs, potentially facing one of the worst pass defenses in the league without Cooper around to compete for targets. Even if Cooper does make it back, both wideouts would be in a good…read more

Ban cut in half

The NFL reduced Crabtree's suspension from two games to one Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Crabtree was punished after a scuffle broke out with Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib on Sunday in which both players threw punches during multiple encounters. With his initial ban cut in half, Crabtree will sit out Sunday against the Giants before preparing for a Week 14 matchup at Kansas City. With Amari Cooper (concussion/ankle) ailing at the moment, the Raiders promoted wide receiver Isaac Whitney from the practice squad to bolster depth behind Seth Roberts, Cordarrelle Patterson and Johnny…read more

Suspended two games

Crabtree was suspended Monday two games without pay for violating the league's unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness rules, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Crabtree got into an altercation with Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib on Sunday that resulted in punches thrown by both players. Talib was also suspended two games, though it's likely both will appeal. If the suspension stands, Crabtree will miss Week 13 and Week 14 -- the first week of the fantasy playoffs in most formats. Seth Roberts figures to step into the starting lineup in Crabtree's absence.

Booted from game Sunday

Crabtree was ejected from Sunday's game against the Broncos, Vic Tafur of The Athletic Bay Area reports.

Analysis: On the second play of the Raiders' second possession, Crabtree and Aqib Talib became embroiled in a shoving match down the left sideline that resulted in both throwing punches. Because the fight induced three ejections -- also, Talib and Raiders guard Gabe Jackson, who shoved an official -- Crabtree will likely be facing some sort of punishment this week. With Crabtree gone, the offense will turn to Seth Roberts, Cordarrelle Patterson and Johnny Holton to complement Crabtree's fellow starting…read more