Who Should I Start? Ray-Ray McCloud III or Rashod Bateman

Saturday, September 27, 12:37 PM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III played his usual role in Week 3, lining up on 70 percent of the snaps and tallying two catches on five targets for 20 yards and no touchdowns. Week 4 should bring more of the same, but ranking fifth on the team in target share with 11.5 percent is a big drop from 2024's 16.1 percent, and with one touchdown all last season, there's little chance of the 28-year-old finding the end zone. The Washington Commanders, Atlanta's opponent this week, have been much more vulnerable through the air than on the ground in 2025, but that does little to change the outlook for McCloud on Sunday. The seventh-year pro should be avoided where possible, even in PPR formats.

Saturday, October 4, 2:28 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman had just one catch in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs, bringing his season-long totals to 10 receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets. Baltimore's passing game will be shorthanded in Week 5, as Cooper Rush will replace Lamar Jackson (hamstring) at quarterback in a tough matchup against the Houston Texans. Houston's defense has allowed the seventh-fewest passing yards (790) and second-fewest number of passing touchdowns (three) in the NFL. Bateman is typically reliant on downfield targets for production, which may be tough to come by with Rush under center. At best, Bateman profiles as a desperation deep-league flex option in Week 5.