Who Should I Start? Jakobi Meyers or Rashod Bateman

Thursday, July 31, 3:22 PM

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Las Raiders and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers are in contract talks and could be working toward an extension this offseason. The 28-year-old has been excellent relative to his quarterback play since joining the team via free agency in 2023, collecting 158 receptions for 1,834 yards and 12 touchdowns in 31 games. Meyers is just 28 years old and doesn't rely on explosiveness to succeed, so he could have plenty left in the tank. Former Seahawks signal-caller Geno Smith should provide the best quarterback play Meyers has worked with since Tom Brady in his 2019 rookie season, and he continues to be undervalued in preseason fantasy football drafts. Tight end Brock Bowers is likely the clear No. 1 option in the Sin City, but Meyers should establish himself as the No. 2.

Monday, July 28, 4:25 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (illness) was sent home on Monday due to an illness, according to Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. There's no reason to think this will be a long-term absence for Bateman, but he could conceivably miss the next few days of practice as well. The 25-year-old is coming off the best season of his career in 2024 when he recorded 45 catches for 756 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games. Baltimore added some talent to the wide receiver room with the offseason addition of DeAndre Hopkins, but Bateman still profiles as an important piece of the team's offense. The Ravens' low-volume passing offense limits Bateman's fantasy upside, but he has some boom/bust appeal as a flex option in deep leagues due to his ability to make plays down the field.