Who Should I Start? Noah Brown or Rashod Bateman

Friday, September 26, 3:06 PM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (groin, knee) has officially been ruled out for Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons. Brown has managed to play in just two games so far in 2025, recording three catches for 36 yards on seven targets. With both Brown and star Commanders wideout Terry McLaurin (quad) sidelined in Week 4, Washington will turn to Deebo Samuel Sr., Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, and Chris Moore to anchor its wide receiver corps. Even with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) also ruled out, Samuel Sr. profiles as a must-start fantasy wide receiver in Week 4 due to his massive target upside. Brown should remain off the radar of fantasy managers.

Saturday, October 4, 2:28 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman had just one catch in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs, bringing his season-long totals to 10 receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets. Baltimore's passing game will be shorthanded in Week 5, as Cooper Rush will replace Lamar Jackson (hamstring) at quarterback in a tough matchup against the Houston Texans. Houston's defense has allowed the seventh-fewest passing yards (790) and second-fewest number of passing touchdowns (three) in the NFL. Bateman is typically reliant on downfield targets for production, which may be tough to come by with Rush under center. At best, Bateman profiles as a desperation deep-league flex option in Week 5.