Who Should I Start? Rashod Bateman or Calvin Austin III

Saturday, October 11, 10:31 AM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has a chance to be the WR1 this week with Zay Flowers (shoulder) listed as questionable. Unfortunately, that won't move the fantasy value needle too much while Lamar Jackson (hamstring) remains sidelined. In Week 5, he saw three targets, but didn't register a single reception. As long as the offensive line continues to struggle, Bateman isn't likely to see many downfield throws, especially in a simplified offense for Cooper Rush. As of right now, he's projected to finish around WR72 in half-PPR formats, so there are probably better options on the waiver wire for fantasy managers in need of a flex.

Monday, October 13, 1:14 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) is considered questionable to play on Thursday night in Week 7 against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. Austin injured his shoulder in the Week 4 win over the Minnesota Vikings in London, but then was unable to play in Sunday's victory over the Cleveland Browns, despite having the Week 5 bye to heal up. The matchup on Thursday will be a good one against Cincy, but it sounds like Austin could be in line to miss a second straight game. If he cannot go this week, his next chance to return will be for a Week 8 contest against the Green Bay Packers. In the 23-9 win over Cleveland in Week 6, DK Metcalf unsurprisingly led Pittsburgh's receiving corps, with Darnell Washington stepping up as the No. 2 with three catches for 62 yards on five targets. If Austin is out again on Thursday, Washington will have some deep-league streaming appeal in a plus matchup.