Baltimore’s Backup a Must-Add ?

Ravens News

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill recorded 117 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on eight touches in Sunday’s 37-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Hill rushed three times for 76 yards and caught five passes for 41 yards. He scored on an 11-yard reception from Lamar Jackson on the opening drive and added a 71-yard rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter. The 71-yard score marked the longest rush of his six-year career.

The performance stood out as one of the few bright spots for Baltimore in a game that saw quarterback Lamar Jackson exit with a hamstring injury midway through the third quarter. Cooper Rush replaced Jackson and played the remainder of the contest. The Ravens also lost multiple defensive starters during the game.

Hill has increased his involvement in the passing game over recent weeks. He caught five passes against Kansas City and has recorded 11 receptions over his last three games combined. The 27-year-old played more than 50 percent of snaps in Week 3 for the first time this season.

Derrick Henry struggled against the Chiefs with eight carries for 42 yards. Hill received more opportunities than usual due to the negative game script that forced Baltimore to pass more frequently while trailing. The Ravens trailed 20-7 at halftime and never closed within one score during the second half.

The 71-yard touchdown came with less than two minutes remaining, and Baltimore was already down by 17 points. Hill broke free against Kansas City’s backup defenders during garbage time. The score provided little impact on the outcome but showcased his speed and ability to create explosive plays.

Hill signed a two-year contract extension with Baltimore in September 2024 worth six million dollars. He has primarily served as the change-of-pace back behind Henry since the veteran joined the Ravens this offseason. Hill has never recorded more than 84 carries in a single season during his career.

Last season, Hill scored at least 11.5 fantasy points in one-third of his contests in PPR formats. His production typically comes in bunches with occasional big games mixed among weeks of minimal usage. The fourth-round pick from Oklahoma State has carved out a role as a satellite back who contributes primarily on passing downs.

Baltimore fell to 1-3 with the loss and faces the Houston Texans in Week 5. The Ravens have dropped three consecutive games after opening the season with a victory. Only five teams in the 14-team playoff era have started 1-3 and reached the postseason.

Hill should be viewed as a low-end RB4 with RB3 upside in PPR leagues moving forward. His fantasy value depends heavily on game script and remains difficult to predict on a weekly basis. Henry will continue to handle the majority of carries when Baltimore controls games, limiting Hill’s opportunities for consistent production.