Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Rashod Bateman

Friday, December 19, 6:15 PM

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has been in an awful slump over the last few weeks. In the previous three games, Jefferson has been held to six receptions for 37 yards and hasn't scored a touchdown during that span. The 26-year-old clearly isn't on the same page as quarterback J.J. McCarthy right now. The upside is too high for fantasy managers to keep Jefferson on the bench this weekend. He has a favorable matchup against the New York Giants in Week 16. A secondary that has allowed the fifth-most yards to wideouts this season. The duds aren't due to a lack of ability, but because of inconsistent quarterback play. Despite the rough stretch, Jefferson comes in as RotoBaller's WR22 in the latest rankings and will try to break out of his slump in a plus matchup vs. the Giants in Week 16.

Wednesday, December 17, 1:47 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle) is back at practice on Wednesday, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Bateman will most likely be listed as limited on Wednesday, but it gives him a chance to play in Week 16 against the New England Patriots on Sunday night after he missed the Week 15 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The 26-year-old isn't on the fantasy radar during the fantasy playoffs, even if he's able to return this weekend for the Ravens. He has been extremely disappointing after a career year in 2024. In 11 games in 2025, Bateman has only 18 receptions for 217 yards and two touchdowns on 35 targets. If Bateman is active this Sunday night against New England, he's unlikely to be very involved in what has been a pretty lackluster Ravens offense. Bateman has had over two catches in a game this year only once, back on Sept. 22.