Who Should I Start? Mike Evans or Rashod Bateman

Friday, September 5, 8:52 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans missed three games last season and still was able to keep his 1,000-yard streak alive. Evans is Mr. Reliable and he has earned that title after 11 straight seasons with 1,000 receiving yards or more. Fantasy managers should expect Evans to continue having success in 2025. The Bucs are shorthanded at wideout to begin the season with Chris Godwin (ankle) and Jalen McMillan (neck) both out. That being said, Evans is expected to be leaned on heavily in the passing game. The Atlanta Falcons aren't known for their elite defense, so fantasy managers should be able to count on Evans as a WR1 for Week 1. There should be plenty of opportunities for the 32-year-old as he looks to make it 12 straight seasons with 1,000 receiving yards.

Friday, September 5, 10:20 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman finally flashed a bit of the talent last season that the team has been patiently awaiting. Entering his fifth year, Bateman more than doubled his career touchdown total last season as he hauled in nine touchdown passes. He also registered career highs in targets (72), yards (756), and yards per target (10.5). With that being said, Bateman is often third in the receiving pecking order, behind Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews. Isaiah Likely (foot) has already been ruled out, but the Ravens picked up DeAndre Hopkins in the offseason. That leaves Bateman as a touchdown-or-bust type of option against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. RotoBaller's projections currently have him down for around eight fantasy points in PPR formats, which would only make him relevant in deeper leagues.