Who Should I Start? Stefon Diggs or Rashod Bateman

Sunday, January 11, 5:49 PM

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has momentum on his side ahead of Sunday's Wild Card Round contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. Diggs has been a main reason for the Patriots' success in 2025. He stepped up as the AFC East champions' No. 1 receiver, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns while ranking as the overall WR17 in full-PPR leagues. Diggs was targeted just three times in the Patriots' Week 18 win, but he still has 18 catches, 282 yards, and one touchdown over his last three games combined. He has consistently operated as a dependable target for Drake Maye on both medium pass attempts over the middle and longer throws to the perimeter. He should continue to flash pure talent and versatility against the Chargers on Sunday. Los Angeles has allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025, but Diggs has shown that he can produce even in trickier matchups.

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.