Who Should I Start? DK Metcalf or Rashod Bateman

Monday, December 22, 5:59 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf is being suspended for two games without pay due to his confrontation with a fan during their victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon. Metcalf was seen physically confronting the fan during the contest. However, Pelissero noted that the lead wideout is planning to appeal his suspension as he has already reported this same fan to security last season. During their thrilling victory over the Lions, Metcalf brought in just four of his nine targets for 42 yards. However, during Weeks 14 and 15, Metcalf averaged a strong 18.1 PPR points per game and tallied 101.5 yards per game. If Metcalf were to lose his appeal, the team's top wideout would not be eligible to participate in their final two games of the regular season. This would leave Calvin Austin III (hamstring) as the tentative WR1, if he can suit up, as he suffered a hamstring injury on Sunday. With his status potentially in doubt as well, managers should expect both running backs, Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, to see an even higher target share in their Week 17 tilt against the Browns.

Saturday, December 20, 9:15 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has not been a dependable fantasy option throughout the 2025 season, and that trend should continue as he returns from injury in Week 16 against the New England Patriots. Bateman is the overall WR93 in scoring this year, catching just 18 of his 35 targets through 11 games. He has finished with more than two catches in just one game this year, and two of his games have resulted in zero catches. Bateman remains stuck behind Zay Flowers in a wide receiver room that handles a below-average number of targets. This week, he'll face off against a Patriots secondary facing injury-related question marks. Superstar cornerback Christian Gonzalez is healthy, but there's less certainty about Marcus Jones (knee) and Carlton Davis III (hip), who are both questionable. Regardless of their injury statuses, Bateman shouldn't be started in fantasy football this week. He ranks as RotoBaller's WR78 for Week 16.