Who Should I Start? Aaron Rodgers or Rashod Bateman

Friday, September 5, 5:48 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will take the field for the first time in black and gold against the New York Jets in Week 1. While Rodgers will surely be motivated to face the team he spent the last two seasons with, this simply isn't a matchup to target for fantasy production. The Jets surrendered the fifth-fewest passing yards and 11th-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2024, and they were even tougher on the position the year prior. In addition, this contest carries the lowest-projected point total of the week. All things considered, Rodgers was solid last season, but he scored as a top-12 fantasy QB just six times. The 41-year-old should only be considered in superflex leagues as a low-end QB2 on Sunday.

Friday, September 5, 10:20 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman finally flashed a bit of the talent last season that the team has been patiently awaiting. Entering his fifth year, Bateman more than doubled his career touchdown total last season as he hauled in nine touchdown passes. He also registered career highs in targets (72), yards (756), and yards per target (10.5). With that being said, Bateman is often third in the receiving pecking order, behind Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews. Isaiah Likely (foot) has already been ruled out, but the Ravens picked up DeAndre Hopkins in the offseason. That leaves Bateman as a touchdown-or-bust type of option against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. RotoBaller's projections currently have him down for around eight fantasy points in PPR formats, which would only make him relevant in deeper leagues.