Who Should I Start? Rashod Bateman or Tre Tucker

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.

Saturday, February 14, 9:29 AM

Las Vegas wide receiver Tre Tucker has seen his average depth of target drop precipitously through each of his first three seasons in the league, leaving many questioning whether the Raiders have truly taken advantage of his 4.4 speed. With incoming head coach Klint Kubiak coming off a Super Bowl season with Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba, he'll need to rely more on scheme than personnel if he hopes to succeed in his early days in Las Vegas. Kubiak employed rookie Tory Horton sparingly but effectively as a downfield weapon in Seattle, but he was not able to strike the same chord with fellow speedster Rashid Shaheed following a midseason trade. The Raiders offense will presumably run through tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty, but Tucker still profiles as Vegas' de facto number one receiver. Hints of how Kubiak elects to use him should come as early as free agency and the draft, but Tucker will be an intriguing name to monitor heading into 2026 training camps.