Who Should I Start? Rashod Bateman or Ashton Jeanty

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.

Monday, September 8, 3:52 AM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty's NFL career started with a victory, though his efforts had little to do with the outcome. The Boise State product had 38 rushing yards on 19 carries and two receiving yards on two catches in the Raiders' 20-13 win over the Patriots in their 2025 season opener. Despite the disappointing stat line, fantasy managers should be encouraged by Jeanty's usage. The highly-touted rookie dominated the backfield opportunities, not only taking the lion's share of rushing attempts but finishing with an 86% snap share. Fantasy managers who took a chance on the sixth-overall pick from the NFL Draft might have to wait a bit longer before their investment pays off. Jeanty has a challenging matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2.