Who Should I Start? Brandin Cooks or Rashod Bateman

Saturday, December 21, 12:24 PM

Despite the fact that Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks has scored a touchdown in two of the last three games, he remains a very volatile flex option for fantasy managers in Week 16 heading into a Sunday night showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Since returning in Week 13 from a knee injury that required surgery, Cooks has seven receptions on 15 targets for 53 yards and two touchdowns. In the four games he played with quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) before his knee injury, Cooks had only nine catches (19 targets) for 91 yards and one touchdown. It's safe to say the 31-year-old veteran is showing serious signs of decline as a deep threat in the NFL, and he's highly dependent on getting into the end zone. The Bucs defense has been a plus matchup for receivers this year, although they've stiffened up in recent weeks. Cooks' limited volume makes him one to avoid.

Saturday, December 21, 3:24 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (foot) is officially active for Saturday's divisional tilt against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bateman popped up on the injury report on Wednesday as a non-participant but was able to upgrade to limited participation on Thursday. He carried a questionable tag into today's game but was able to clear protocol. Last weekend, Bateman brought in three of his five targets for 80 yards and two scores. Over his past eight games, he has found the end zone five times and averaged 47.6 yards per contest. Fantasy managers should expect him to continue to operate as the No.2 wide receiver alongside Zay Flowers. Bateman should be viewed as a solid flex option in 14+ team formats and a high-upside, high-risk option in DFS facing a tough Pittsburgh secondary.