Who Should I Start? Jerry Jeudy or Rashod Bateman

Saturday, August 16, 12:34 PM

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and running back Jerome Ford are not expected to play in the team's second preseason game on Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Browns beat writer Kelsey Russo. In addition, the Browns are expected to hold out rookie RB Dylan Sampson. Jeudy's last chance to play in the preseason will come next Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams, as he also didn't play in the preseason opener last week. In regards to the RB situation, the Browns are being mindful not to thin out their RB room even more with rookie second-rounder Quinshon Judkins still unsigned as he deals with legal matters. Jeudy will be the unquestioned WR1 again in 2025, although his fantasy upside will remain limited with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco running the offense. Ford figures to have an elevated backfield role if Judkins is not ready for the start of the season.

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.