Who Should I Start? Rashod Bateman or Jalen Coker

Friday, May 9, 10:15 PM

While searching for a wide receiver, the Dallas Cowboys looked into a trade for Baltimore Ravens wideout Rashod Bateman, sources told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. The talks between the two teams didn't go far, though, and Dallas ultimately ended up acquiring pass-catcher George Pickens after this year's NFL draft. Bateman attracted interest from a receiver-needy team after a career year in 2024 in which he caught 45 of his 72 targets for 756 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (14 starts). It was nice to see from the 25-year-old former first-rounder, but fantasy managers probably shouldn't expect more growth in 2025, especially not in the touchdown department. The Ravens remain a run-first offensive operation, and the addition of veteran DeAndre Hopkins won't help Bateman's cause. Zay Flowers should once again lead Baltimore in targets if he stays healthy.

Saturday, January 4, 12:39 PM

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker has mainly been a stash candidate in dynasty/keeper fantasy leagues in his first season in the NFL. He heads into the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons with only 25 catches for 416 yards and two touchdowns on 39 targets over 10 games played. That has been good enough to make him the WR74 in average half-PPR points per game (6.6), so it's safe to say he wasn't rostered in most standard-sized fantasy leagues in 2024. However, the 23-year-old could make some noise as a WR4/flex sleeper in the final game of the regular season this weekend against a Falcons defense that has allowed the sixth-most half-PPR points per game to opposing wideouts this year. Although the undrafted rookie had only 35 yards in last weeks loss to the Bucs, he finished second on the team in receiving behind veteran Adam Thielen.