Who Should I Start? Rashod Bateman or Quentin Johnston

Wednesday, February 18, 6:45 AM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman had a very underwhelming 2025 season, catching just 19 of his 38 targets for a career-low 224 yards and two touchdowns. Missing four games impacted his stats slightly, but it's concerning that he had fewer yards over 13 games in 2025 than yards over just six games in 2022. His 1.5 catches and 4.3 fantasy points (PPR) per game are both new career lows. Interestingly enough, Bateman remains under contract with the Ravens through 2029, so he'll have plenty of opportunities to bounce back next season and beyond. It does work in his favor that DeAndre Hopkins and Isaiah Likely are both free agents, but Bateman will still have to compete for targets behind Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, and any other pass-catchers the Ravens bring in. He can be avoided in all redraft leagues next year, and dynasty managers should be willing to drop him when the 2026 roster crunch comes around.

Saturday, February 21, 10:59 AM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston got off to a scalding start to the 2025 season and looked to be on his way to a breakout campaign. Across the first four games of the year, Johnston recorded 22 catches for 339 yards and four touchdowns on 37 targets. However, the 24-year-old cooled off the rest of the way and finished the year with just 51 receptions for 735 yards and eight scores on 84 targets across 14 games played. Los Angeles has moved on from former offensive coordinator Greg Roman in favor of former Miami Dolphins head coach and play-caller Mike McDaniel, which could help the entire offense unlock a new level of production. Additionally, veteran Chargers wideout Keenan Allen is set to hit free agency, although he's publicly stated a desire to remain with the team. Johnston could surpass Allen on the target pecking order in Los Angeles, but he may also feel pressure from wide receiver Tre' Harris, whom the Chargers selected in the second round of the 2025 draft. Johnston still carries fantasy upside, and the shifting environment in Los Angeles may end up working in his favor. However, Johnston may ultimately end up profiling similarly to what he has shown in his NFL career to this point, which is a boom/bust fantasy WR3 at best.