Who Should I Start? Rashod Bateman or Tyler Shough

Sunday, December 14, 12:13 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle) is officially inactive on Sunday against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. Bateman was a mid-week addition to the Ravens' Week 15 injury report and will now sit out a crucial divisional clash this weekend. The 26-year-old had the best year of his NFL career in 2024, but he has not continued that momentum into 2025, as he's caught just 18 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns on 35 targets through 11 games this year. His absence against a porous Bengals defense will create more opportunities for veteran DeAndre Hopkins, who won't be a terrible sleeper choice as a WR4/flex in Week 15. Bateman was limited in Thursday's practice before sitting out on Friday. It remains to be seen if he'll be ready to return in Week 16 against the New England Patriots. He is currently rostered in only 14% of Yahoo leagues.

Saturday, December 13, 1:06 PM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough completed 13-of-20 passes for 144 yards and one interception in the Week 14 win over the Buccaneers, doing most of his damage as a runner. Shough turned in a career-best rushing performance, carrying the ball seven times for 55 yards and two touchdowns, including an impressive 34-yard score to start the third quarter. He now turns his attention to the Panthers, who, following the Buccaneers' loss on Thursday, sit atop the NFC South. When these teams last met in Week 10, Shough threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns in his first career victory. The Panthers allow the eighth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks, though Shough has shown the ability to put the team on his back, whether through the air or on the ground, to keep games competitive. He ranks as a QB2 this week and is worth starting in superflex formats.