All QB projections   •  Current QB rankings   •   All BAL projections   •  BAL team report   •  BAL Stats

QB Kyle Boller, Baltimore Ravens

HT: 6-3, WT: 225, Born: 6-17-1981, College: California, Drafted: Round 1, Pick 19

2008 Projections

 Click here to go to the Kyle Boller spotlight, our staff's most detailed analysis.

Best Case

What is the best case fantasy scenario for a sixth year quarterback who has never thrown for more than 3000 yards or 13 TDs in any season? Boller is in the last year of his contract with two inexperienced QBs as competition, so he has every incentive to showcase his skills. Plus, the coaching staff may determine it is beneficial to rookie Joe Flacco's progression to learn from the sidelines this year. A reasonable possibility exists for Boller to win and keep the starting position (at least until the team is eliminated from post-season contention). The Ravens provide solid protection by the offensive line, and the offense is balanced by a good running game. If the WRs and TE Todd Heap stay healthy, the passing game could improve this year. In a best case scenario, Boller will be a passable fantasy QB2 to be used in spot play behind an elite starter.

Worst Case

Despite being selected in the first round in 2003, Boller has only occasionally been the team's starter. He completed 16 games in only one season (2004). It can be argued he continued to receive limited opportunities because he was hand picked by Brian Billick. Well, new HC John Harbaugh has no such allegiance. In fact, he has every reason to want Joe Flacco to win the starting role. Boller's downside is that he might not see a single start this year. Even if he plays regularly in 2008, Boller might put up the fantasy bust numbers he put up his entire career. He averages 145 pass yards and less than a TD per game. In a five year career, he has only one 300-yard passing game (his rookie year) and he has three or more TDs in only five games. Despite his size, he has only two career rushing TDs (none since 2005). Todd Heap is habitually a member of the injury report, and the team is lost if Heap goes down again. Derrick Mason is aging rapidly, and 2006's sophomore sensation Mark Clayton regressed in 2007. The team's best chance for success is a large dose of Willis McGahee.

Outlook

Kyle Boller could be heading into the best statistical year of his career or the worst. Whichever of those extremes he produces, it will take an unforeseen performance for him to be a worthwhile contributor to your fantasy squad. His sixth year with the Ravens is likely his last. That means you should not count on his availability down the stretch of your fantasy season.

Relevant Articles

2008 Schedule

2007 Game Summaries

Week 1 - Boller entered the game with less than five minutes to play and his team trailing by seven points. A few of his passes were inaccurate, but we can't find much fault with his performance given he was thrown in the game with little warning and nearly led his team to the tying score. In fact, he completed a pass to TE Todd Heap in the end zone for an apparent game-tying TD, but the play was nullified by a very questionable penalty. Shortly afterward, Boller again threw to Heap in the end zone for what would have been another game tying TD catch, but the ball bounced off Heap's shoulder and was intercepted to end the final Ravens threat.

Week 2 - Boller took full advantage of his starting opportunity, leading the Ravens' offense effectively and efficiently while throwing for two scores and producing no turnovers. He had a great deal of chemistry with veteran receiver Derrick Mason and All-Pro tight end Todd Heap, passing to each at least four targets more than any other Raven. Both of Boller's scoring strikes came in the first half; the first went to McGahee near the goal line, and the second was a perfectly executed pass to Heap at the end of the first half. He directed the Ravens' offense with confidence and made good decisions. Boller targeted and completed passes to eight different receivers. He was protected well by his offensive line and didn't suffer a single sack or big hit. Boller completed 65.7% of his passes for 5.3 yards per attempt.

Week 3 - Boller had to shake off some rust when he was inserted in the game in the fourth quarter, but he recovered well to lead his team to victory. His initial drive was a three and out, followed by a series where he took a couple of sacks, but it was the last drive of the game that everyone will remember. He hit his preferred targets of tight end Todd Heap and wide receiver Derrick Mason for crucial yardage that ultimately staged Matt Stover's winning field goal. Boller is a good fit as the backup quarterback in Baltimore.

Week 6 - Boller started in place of the injured (but active) Steve McNair. He was efficient for the most part, but did nothing to scare a pedestrian Rams pass defense. The big surprise was the amount of longer passes thrown. He was able to spread the ball around to his three receivers, with Mason getting the most looks and receptions. He completed one medium-long pass (34 yards) to Demetrius Williams, but his other longer passes were due to after the catch yards.

Week 7 - Boller started for Steve McNair, who is less than 100 percent. Boller completed 58 percent of his passes and threw a touchdown to Derrick Mason. Boller had an up and down game. He was seven for 14 in the first half, when the Ravens were shut out. Boller started the second half strongly; he completed his first eight passes after halftime. However, Boller finished only six for his last 14 passes and was unable to get Baltimore into the end zone in crunch time. Boller's best moments came on passes requiring him to display his arm strength. His fifteen yard laser to Derrick Mason threaded its way through three defenders and into the end zone. Boller also threw a strike to Demetrius Williams to convert a fourth and ten into a first down. Another pretty throw was a perfect pass to Derrick Mason for a 27 yard gain on a third down and 11 play.

However, Boller had his share of throws that were off target. Boller displayed a tendency to rush throws without setting his feet. One example is his rushed pass attempt to Musa Smith on a fourth and short play that sailed wide and sealed the Ravens' fate. Boller scrambled once and picked up seven yards on a third down and six play. He was also targeted in the end zone on a trick play. Mark Clayton took an end around handoff from Boller. Clayton then threw attempted to hit Boller for a touchdown. Boller came very close to catching the ball; however, it sailed just off his fingertips.

Week 10 - Boller replaced Steve McNair in the fourth quarter and led the Baltimore Ravens to their only score of the game. Boller was eight of nine for 89 yards. Boller may end up starting the rest of the season at this point; monitor the site for the latest news on that front.

Week 11 - Boller looked downright awful during the first half, struggling to find open receivers and drawing boos from the Baltimore crowd. By the second half, Boller had found a rhythm and timing with his receivers that all began on the first drive of the third quarter. On this drive, Boller and Derrick Mason hooked up three times and drove 75 yards for a touchdown. As the game progressed, Boller became more and more comfortable running the offense, and began to connect with other receivers including Devard Darling and Quinn Sypniewski. Finally, Boller was very composed and in control as he led the Ravens down the field late in the fourth quarter, a drive that set up a 47 yard field goal that gave the Ravens the lead.

Week 12 - Boller had a highly accurate game, but his throws went for minimal gains. He completed 63.6% of his passes, and averaged 5.8 yards per attempt. Boller's favorite target was Derrick Mason, whose 15 looks were nine more than the second most thrown to Ravens player. His lone touchdown pass went to fullback LeRon McClain. Boller threw no interceptions, lost one fumble, and was sacked four times.

Week 13 - Boller arguably played his best game of the season as a leader. He only made one mistake all night and was generally very accurate considering the wind. His mistake was an interception in the second quarter that would have likely led to points, which may have cost the Ravens the game, though.

Week 14 - Boller had a rough game. He threw three interceptions and only one touchdown, and even that came in garbage time. This lone score was a four yard toss to Devard Darling once the game was well out of reach. Boller's preferred targets were his starting wide receivers, Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason. He was constantly harassed and pressured by the Colts from four, and made some bone-headed throws to compound his problems. Boller was sacked four times and lost a fumbles, making his responsible for four turnovers in the game.

Week 15 - Boller played a majority of the game, but left late in the fourth quarter with a reported mild concussion. While in the game, Boller was relatively inaccurate, as he barely completed over half of his attempts. His preferred targets were wide receivers Derrick Mason and Devard Darling. Mason was his primary target on short to medium routes, while Darling saw several deep looks. Boller finished the game with an average of 8.4 yards per attempt. He hit Mason for a 17 yard touchdown in the second quarter, and was credited with a third quarter interception when Darling dropped a ball that fell right into cornerback Michael Leman's hands.