Who Should I Start? Josh Jacobs or Rashod Bateman

Wednesday, May 14, 3:06 PM

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs enjoyed a productive first season with the organization in 2024, rushing 301 times for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns to go along with 36 receptions for 342 yards and one score through the air. The former first-round pick out of Alabama looked like he could be headed for a decline in his last of five seasons with the Raiders in 2023, but his improved offensive environment proved to be significant. Packers running back coach Ben Sirmans gave Jacobs praise in a media availability on Wednesday. "He looks even better this year than he did last year at this point," Sirmans said. "His quickness right now, cutting ability going through the drills, he looks better than he did last year at this time." Jacobs finished as the RB5 in half-PPR setups last year, so the positive report is promising heading into next season. He should be firmly in the RB1 mix again for fantasy football purposes.

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.