Who Should I Start? Michael Pittman Jr. or Rashod Bateman


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
8.2 0.0 0.0 3.6 34.6 0.2

Michael Pittman Jr. News

Michael Pittman Jr. a Good Fit With Steelers?

Tuesday, March 10, 7:19 AM

The Athletic's Mike DeFabo believes that newly acquired wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., a player with good size (6-foot-4, 223 pounds), physicality, and pedigree, will be a good fit with the Pittsburgh Steelers. If the Steelers re-sign quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the 42-year-old future Hall of Famer "seems to prefer veterans who understand the nuances of route running, how to read coverages and what it takes to prepare for an opponent." Pittman, who should slot in as the No. 2 behind DK Metcalf, "checks a lot of those boxes." The 28-year-old will receive a new three-year, $59 million contract with the Steelers after being acquired from the Indianapolis Colts on Monday. Pittman did lead the Colts with 80 catches last year and had a career-best seven touchdowns, but his yardage total (784) was down for a second straight season. His 2026 fantasy value hinges on whether Rodgers returns for another season in Pittsburgh.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
7.7 0.0 0.0 2.9 33.8 0.2

Rashod Bateman News

Rashod Bateman Falls Out of Favor in Baltimore

Wednesday, February 18, 6:45 AM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman had a very underwhelming 2025 season, catching just 19 of his 38 targets for a career-low 224 yards and two touchdowns. Missing four games impacted his stats slightly, but it's concerning that he had fewer yards over 13 games in 2025 than yards over just six games in 2022. His 1.5 catches and 4.3 fantasy points (PPR) per game are both new career lows. Interestingly enough, Bateman remains under contract with the Ravens through 2029, so he'll have plenty of opportunities to bounce back next season and beyond. It does work in his favor that DeAndre Hopkins and Isaiah Likely are both free agents, but Bateman will still have to compete for targets behind Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, and any other pass-catchers the Ravens bring in. He can be avoided in all redraft leagues next year, and dynasty managers should be willing to drop him when the 2026 roster crunch comes around.


Michael Pittman Jr. vs. Rashod Bateman

Still trying to decide between Pittman Jr. and Bateman? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Michael Pittman Jr. is projected to score 8.2 points this week while Rashod Bateman is projected to score 7.7 points.