Who Should I Start? Allen Lazard or Rashod Bateman

Tuesday, October 7, 11:32 AM

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (personal) did not travel with the team to London for their Week 6 matchup against the Denver Broncos due to personal reasons. The team announcement states that Lazard's game status is not affected, but it's unclear at this point whether he will be available on Sunday. The 29-year-old has recorded four catches for 24 yards and a touchdown on six targets so far this season. If he is unable to play, it could mean more playing time for Jets wideouts Arian Smith, Josh Reynolds, and Tyler Johnson. Either way, Lazard should remain off the radar of fantasy managers in Week 6 against Denver.

Saturday, October 4, 2:28 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman had just one catch in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs, bringing his season-long totals to 10 receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets. Baltimore's passing game will be shorthanded in Week 5, as Cooper Rush will replace Lamar Jackson (hamstring) at quarterback in a tough matchup against the Houston Texans. Houston's defense has allowed the seventh-fewest passing yards (790) and second-fewest number of passing touchdowns (three) in the NFL. Bateman is typically reliant on downfield targets for production, which may be tough to come by with Rush under center. At best, Bateman profiles as a desperation deep-league flex option in Week 5.