Who Should I Start? Rashod Bateman or Matthew Golden

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.

Tuesday, October 7, 3:45 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden has seen an incremental upward trajectory over the past several weeks for the Packers and for fantasy managers. Golden is coming off his best week yet, with a season-high six targets, plus five receptions for 58 yards. He's also starting to see the field regularly with route shares of 82 percent and 72 percent in his last two games. In addition, Golden's first-read target shares have increased substantially, going from three total first-read targets in the first two weeks of the season to nine in the next two contests. Interestingly, Golden was used much more in the slot in Week 4, flipping his role with Dontayvion Wicks, who had been used in the slot more since Jayden Reed (clavicle, foot) was injured. That could prove to be a launching point to get Golden in more jet motion and use him in space for YAC opportunities. After the Packers' bye in Week 5, Green Bay hosts the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. With the continued upward climb of Golden, he's a big-time upside flex play for fantasy managers this week.