Who Should I Start? Rashod Bateman or Troy Franklin

Saturday, September 27, 12:01 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman is usually good for a couple of pop-off games throughout the season, and he did just that in Week 3. After hauling in five receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown against the Detroit Lions, he came in as the WR15 in half-PPR formats. The issue is that he usually doesn't consistently string good performances together. Last season, he had a few WR1 and WR2 finishes, but they were never in back-to-back games. Now, he'll take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, and the last time they played last year, he registered two receptions for 53 yards on five targets. Bateman is very hard to trust, even as a flex option, in most leagues, regardless of scoring format.

Saturday, September 27, 12:53 AM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin has certainly taken a step forward during his second pro season, but he still isn't a very reliable fantasy option heading into Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Franklin broke out with eight catches and a touchdown in Week 2, but in his two other games, he averaged just three catches, 26 yards, and zero touchdowns. Without consistent production, the Oregon product ranks as a low-end WR4 and is a bit too risky to insert into lineups. That's especially true this week against the Cincinnati Bengals. While Cincinnati is limping right now with Joe Burrow (toe) sidelined, they've been solid against the pass, whether it's due to good defensive play or Cincinnati's opponents routinely running the ball with a sizable lead. The Bengals have allowed the 13th-fewest receiving yards and fifth-fewest touchdowns to wide receivers in 2025. Franklin can be left on the bench in most leagues.