Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Rashod Bateman

Friday, October 31, 4:50 PM

The Minnesota Vikings have struggled immensely in recent weeks, but wide receiver Justin Jefferson remains a clear WR1 with his team set to travel to Detroit in Week 9. Even though Detroit has had the better of the division matchup in recent years, Jefferson has tormented the Lions during his career. In just 10 games against Detroit, Jefferson has more than 1,200 yards, 72 catches, and four touchdowns. Detroit ranks 26th against half-PPR receivers this season, largely because it has surrendered 14 receiving touchdowns in seven games. Notably, Minnesota will bring back starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle), but a second-to-last sack rate behind a beaten-up offensive line remains a major concern. The Lions will see the return of starting cornerback Terrion Arnold (shoulder), but Jefferson still should be starting in every format, as usual.

Thursday, October 30, 11:04 AM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has registered just one week finishing in the top 36 of his position. That came back in Week 3 against the Detroit Lions when the Ravens were in a shootout that ended in a 30-38 loss. Lamar Jackson is back under center, which automatically increases Bateman's value, but the matchup isn't the best. The Miami Dolphins are ranked as the number-one defense against opposing receivers, and they tend to play zone more often than not, which doesn't play to Bateman's strong suit. Since the fifth-year pro is always a threat to take a deep-ball to the house, he still presents some flex appeal, but is a risky option compared to others that are likey on the waiver wire.