Who Should I Start? Rashod Bateman or Bucky Irving

Wednesday, December 17, 1:47 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle) is back at practice on Wednesday, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Bateman will most likely be listed as limited on Wednesday, but it gives him a chance to play in Week 16 against the New England Patriots on Sunday night after he missed the Week 15 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The 26-year-old isn't on the fantasy radar during the fantasy playoffs, even if he's able to return this weekend for the Ravens. He has been extremely disappointing after a career year in 2024. In 11 games in 2025, Bateman has only 18 receptions for 217 yards and two touchdowns on 35 targets. If Bateman is active this Sunday night against New England, he's unlikely to be very involved in what has been a pretty lackluster Ravens offense. Bateman has had over two catches in a game this year only once, back on Sept. 22.

Wednesday, December 17, 10:13 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving took on the majority of the workload in Week 15, totaling just 71 scrimmage yards on 17 attempts. Since returning from shoulder and foot injuries in Week 13, Irving has totaled 233 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 53 attempts, averaging 13.4 PPR points per game. While he started the season as the primary workhorse in this Buccaneers' offense, Irving has been limited to just 54% of the snaps, while backups Rachaad White (43% and Sean Tucker (14%) have been factors. Irving faces the Carolina Panthers defense in Week 16, which has allowed the tenth-most fantasy points to running backs this season. In his only two games against the Panthers in his career, he has had over 185 scrimmage yards in both outings. In a must-win game for the Buccaneers and with his favorable history against Carolina, look for Irving to unleash in Week 16.