Who Should I Start? Rashod Bateman or Matthew Golden

Friday, January 2, 9:28 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (illness) is listed as questionable but is expected to suit up for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bateman is likely to play despite missing practice all week due to a lingering illness. The Ravens are likely going to wait and see how Bateman feels closer to game time before making a final decision. Even if he's active, Bateman isn't a reliable fantasy option. Since Week 11, Bateman has hauled in three receptions for 30 yards. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for help, even if Bateman is active. The absence of Bateman would mean slightly increased value for DeAndre Hopkins and Tylan Wallace in a must-win game that will decide the AFC North division.

Tuesday, January 6, 6:24 PM

Green Bay Packers rookie first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden (Achilles) should be good to go for Wild-Card weekend against the division-rival Chicago Bears this Saturday night after being listed as a full participant at Tuesday's practice. Golden played all of the team's offensive snaps in the Week 18 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, with the Packers resting some of their regulars, but the 22-year-old still wasn't able to capitalize with Clayton Tune running the offense. Golden caught one of his three targets for only eight yards to close out what was a disappointing first year in the NFL. The Texas product was a popular rookie breakout candidate in the preseason, but he ended up with only 29 receptions for 361 yards and no touchdowns in 2025. Green Bay's receiving corps is pretty healthy heading into the playoffs, making Golden pretty hard to trust in fantasy lineups.