Who Should I Start? Rashod Bateman or Pat Freiermuth

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.

Friday, September 26, 9:13 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has been quiet to start the season and will look to get back on track against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. While the Vikings have been middle-of-the-pack against opposing tight ends through three weeks, Freiermuth could see a boost in opportunities given Pittsburgh's injury report. Fellow tight end Jonnu Smith (hip) and running back Jaylen Warren (knee) are questionable to suit up after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. Each has been a reliable short-area target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, so if either of them misses this international bout in Ireland, Freiermuth would likely absorb some of those looks. Fantasy managers should monitor the situation, but in a matchup that projects to be low-scoring, Freiermuth remains a risky play and is best considered a stash or backup option.