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Justice Hill 2025 NFL Redraft Outlook: Reliable Third-Down Option for Monken
- Dec 15, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (43) scores a touchdown reception during the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Justice Hill is a vital third-down pass-catching weapon for Todd Monken and Lamar Jackson, who excels in pass protection, which may allow him to maintain the pure backup role. Even after Keaton Mitchell’s explosive preseason outing.

But let’s be honest here, when fantasy football managers think about the Baltimore Ravens backfield, their eyes immediately gravitate toward that thunderous force known as Derrick Henry and not someone like Justice Hill. And who can blame them?

The King dominated the league with 16 rushing touchdowns last season, bulldozing through defenses like they were made of paper. But while everyone’s mesmerized by Henry’s highlight reel runs, there’s a scrappy veteran quietly putting together a case for fantasy relevance that deserves your attention.

Justice Hill 2024 Stats and Fantasy Production

Here’s what the so-called experts aren’t telling you about Hill’s 2024 campaign. Despite playing second fiddle to a future Hall of Famer, this guy managed to crack double-digit PPR fantasy points in five of his first 14 games. That’s not lucky, that’s legitimate production from a backup running back who knows how to maximize his opportunities.

But here’s where it gets really interesting, and where Hill separates himself from your typical third-string running back. When the Ravens needed a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield, Hill stepped up in a big way. The man averaged 9.1 yards per catch and hauled in an absolutely ridiculous 92% of his targets. Those aren’t fluky numbers; that’s elite-level efficiency that screams, “throw me the damn ball more often.”

Think about what that means for a second. In an era where running backs are expected to be swiss army knives, Hill has proven he can be trusted in crucial passing situations. That’s the kind of versatility that keeps you on the field, even when you’re sharing a backfield with King Henry himself.

Alex Kay from Bleacher Report recently ranked Hill as the 25th-best “handcuff” running back for fantasy purposes heading into 2025. Twenty-fifth! That ranking feels like a slap in the face to a player who’s been quietly reliable for five straight seasons in Baltimore.

Sure, Kay makes the obvious point about Henry’s dominance closing the door on fantasy relevance for other Ravens backs. But that analysis misses the bigger picture. Hill isn’t just some random backup waiting for an injury to matter; he’s carved out a legitimate role in one of the NFL’s most potent rushing attacks.

The Ravens didn’t just stumble into having one of the league’s most acclaimed running back rooms. They built it deliberately, and Hill has been a cornerstone of that construction project for half a decade. You don’t stick around Baltimore for five years without proving your worth to a coaching staff that demands excellence.

Justice Hill 2025 Fantasy Outlook

Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (43) scores a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Now, I’ll give you this: Keaton Mitchell is lurking in the shadows, hungry to reclaim some of that rookie magic he showed before getting sidelined. The kid’s got speed and elusiveness that can’t be taught, and he’s definitely going to push for more touches in his third NFL season.

But here’s what separates Hill from Mitchell right now: experience and trust. Hill has been through the wars with this Ravens organization. He’s proven he can handle the pressure of meaningful snaps in a playoff-caliber offense. Mitchell’s still trying to prove he can stay healthy and consistent over a full season.

This is where the rubber meets the road for fantasy managers who actually pay attention to value. While everyone’s drafting the big names in the early rounds, Hill represents exactly the type of late-round flier that can make or break your season.

CBS Sports’ fantasy team gets it, acknowledging that Hill “provided flex value surprisingly often” despite Henry’s overwhelming presence. That’s not an accident; that’s a player who understands his role and maximizes every opportunity he gets.

Here’s the reality that should have savvy fantasy managers salivating: Hill’s going to be readily available on waiver wires across the country. That means when bye weeks hit or injuries inevitably strike your roster, you’ve got a proven commodity sitting there for free.

The Ravens’ offense isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Lamar Jackson‘s dynamic playmaking ability creates opportunities for skill position players throughout the depth chart. Hill has already proven he can capitalize on those opportunities, even in limited action.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Fantasy Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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