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

Saturday, September 13, 11:26 AM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III garnered five targets in Week 1, turning them into three receptions for 51 yards with a long of 24 yards. That's about as good as one could hope for from the veteran receiver, and although the team gets Darnell Mooney (shoulder) back in the mix this week, Casey Washington (concussion) will be out with a concussion, and Washington drew six targets in Week 1. It likely means about the same should be expected of McCloud in Week 2 on the road against the Vikings, but with his targets typically of the short variety and not usually a threat to score (one touchdown in '24 on 62 receptions), the 28-year-old is relegated to the WR5 range or a low-end Flex option in PPR leagues.

Friday, September 12, 11:12 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman didn't join in on the scoring in Week 1 despite the team hanging 40 points against the Buffalo Bills. Despite seeing a new career high almost across the board last season, Bateman is the definition of boom-or-bust when it comes to fantasy purposes. That's personified in the two matchups against the Cleveland Browns last season, where he posted one reception for 28 yards in Week 8, and then had five receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown in Week 18. He's still a threat to go for a long touchdown, but he's a big risk as a flex play for those that aren't in deeper fantasy leagues.