Who Should I Start? Rashod Bateman or Quentin Johnston

Saturday, November 8, 10:11 AM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has been one of the biggest boom-or-bust options throughout his career, next to maybe Jameson Williams. So far this season, Bateman has one finish above a WR3 and finished just inside WR3 territory in half-PPR formats in Week 9. His ceiling is much higher with Lamar Jackson under center, but he's only amassed 29 targets so far this season and has turned that into 15 catches for 184 yards and two touchdowns. The Minnesota Vikings are currently ranked as the eighth-toughest defense against receiver groups, but they've been very vulnerable the last three weeks. That gives Bateman some flex appeal, but only in deeper leagues.

Friday, November 7, 6:18 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston bounced back from a zero-target performance by catching four passes for 53 yards and a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans. This week, he faces a vulnerable Pittsburgh Steelers defense that ranks 27th in allowing deep passes (20+ yards), which fits Johnston's downfield role. However, he is likely to have a tough matchup against Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who is giving up one of the fewest fantasy points per route run in the league (0.15). Johnston's role in the offense remains unpredictable due to the rotating group of pass-catchers, including emerging rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden. His value heavily depends on game script, since it relies on the offense creating opportunities down the field or near the goal line. Johnston should be considered a boom/bust FLEX option, projected as WR26 this week.