Who Should I Start? Rashod Bateman or Emeka Egbuka

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.

Sunday, October 5, 8:17 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka caught all seven of his targets for 163 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 5 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The 22-year-old posted the highest reception and yardage totals of his young career, and he also scored his fifth touchdown in as many games. Egbuka has shown that he can handle matchups against opposing defenses' best cornerbacks, and he has established himself as Baker Mayfield's favorite target over players like Chris Godwin and Cade Otton. Egbuka should be deployed as a mid-range WR1 in fantasy football going forward. He has achieved must-start status and remains a fantasy staple regardless of his matchup. Look for him to dominate once again next week against the San Francisco 49ers.