Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or Rashod Bateman

Friday, September 26, 4:50 PM

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen should be kept out of starting lineups when his team takes on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday in Ireland. Now that receiver Jordan Addison (suspension) is back in the fold, Thielen is likely to see a significant decrease in snaps. Even with high snap rates in the first three weeks, Thielen caught a meager two passes. At this point, it's fair to wonder if he'll earn more snaps or targets than fellow receiver Jalen Nailor, to say nothing of Addison, top receiver Justin Jefferson, and tight end T.J. Hockenson. Given his lack of production and his situation on the depth chart, Thielen can be sent to waiver wires in standard redraft leagues.

Friday, November 21, 5:51 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle) was unable to practice all week and has been officially ruled out for the Week 12 contest this Sunday against the visiting New York Jets. Bateman will miss his second straight game after suffering a high-ankle sprain in the Week 10 win over the Minnesota Vikings, but the team is optimistic he'll have a chance to play in next week's Thanksgiving Day game on Thursday versus the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. Fantasy managers won't exactly be holding their breath for Bateman, as he's been unreliable in 2025 with just 16 catches for 194 yards and two touchdowns on 32 targets after a career year in 2024. With Bateman out again this weekend, Zay Flowers, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tylan Wallace will have additional opportunities in the passing game, as will tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely.