Who Should I Start? Mike Williams or Rashod Bateman

Thursday, July 17, 2:08 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams, who was recently placed on the training-camp PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, is retiring from the NFL after eight seasons. The 30-year-old entered the NFL as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Chargers following a stellar career at Clemson. He spent the first seven seasons of his pro career with L.A. before playing for the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. Overall, Williams tallied 330 receptions for 5,104 yards and 32 touchdowns. He hangs up his cleats with two 1,000-yard seasons on his resume. Known as a big-play threat, his impact diminished later in his career as he aged and dealt with injury. While he was unlikely to be a significant factor for the Chargers this year, his departure gives Quentin Johnston more breathing room after a slow start to his NFL career.

Friday, November 14, 4:42 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Bateman failed to practice every day this week and will now miss his first game of the season. The 25-year-old has totaled 16 catches for 194 yards and two touchdowns on 31 targets this season as the WR2 behind Zay Flowers. His absence will likely lead to more opportunities for Flowers and tight end Mark Andrews, as well as more snaps for veteran DeAndre Hopkins and Tylan Wallace. It's a tough matchup for Baltimore's pass catchers at Cleveland, potentially in nasty weather, leaving Flowers and Andrews as the only viable fantasy options.