Who Should I Start? DeAndre Hopkins or Rashod Bateman

Saturday, October 4, 2:19 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has been limited to the lowest-usage role of his career so far in 2025, recording five catches for 112 yards and two touchdowns on seven targets through four games. Hopkins has yet to play more than 35% of the offensive snaps in any of Baltimore's games. With Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) sidelined for Week 5, it will be tough to trust that backup QB Cooper Rush will be able to get Hopkins the downfield and end zone targets he needs to be effective. Additionally, the Ravens face one of the NFL's best pass defenses in the Houston Texans, who have allowed the second-fewest number of touchdown passes (three) in the league. Hopkins should be avoided by fantasy managers in Week 5.

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.