Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or Rashod Bateman

Saturday, December 13, 12:19 AM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen enters the Week 15 road game against the Kansas City Chiefs on a decline, having caught all three of his targets for just 22 yards last week. Since Week 7, Allen has only caught 19 passes compared to 44 in the first seven weeks. The Chiefs, who have allowed the ninth fewest passing yards this season, are a tough matchup, though the potential questionable status of their top defensive back, Trent McDuffie (knee), could slightly help the passing game. However, with the offensive line battered, Justin Herbert playing injured, and the team leaning on the run, Allen's floor and ceiling are considerably lower. RotoBaller ranks Allen at WR53 this week. Unless the Chargers fall behind early by multiple scores or if fellow wide receiver Quentin Johnston (groin) is ruled out, Allen remains an unreliable WR5 who should only be started in deeper leagues.

Sunday, December 14, 12:13 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle) is officially inactive on Sunday against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. Bateman was a mid-week addition to the Ravens' Week 15 injury report and will now sit out a crucial divisional clash this weekend. The 26-year-old had the best year of his NFL career in 2024, but he has not continued that momentum into 2025, as he's caught just 18 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns on 35 targets through 11 games this year. His absence against a porous Bengals defense will create more opportunities for veteran DeAndre Hopkins, who won't be a terrible sleeper choice as a WR4/flex in Week 15. Bateman was limited in Thursday's practice before sitting out on Friday. It remains to be seen if he'll be ready to return in Week 16 against the New England Patriots. He is currently rostered in only 14% of Yahoo leagues.