Who Should I Start? Tee Higgins or Rashod Bateman

Saturday, September 19, 4:07 AM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman is expected to be the Ravens' primary wide receiver during their home opener in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints. Bateman played 80% of Baltimore's offensive snaps in their 41-23 Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts and, most importantly, posted an 85% snap share before halftime when both Zay Flowers (hamstring) and Ja'Kobi Lane (wrist) were still in the game. With Flowers doubtful for Sunday and Lane on IR, Bateman sits atop the wide receiver depth chart in Week 2. Even though he was only targeted once on his 26 total routes, which were the most run on the team, and failed to record a reception in Week 1, Bateman has the clearest path to fantasy relevance among all Ravens wide receivers against the Saints. Last week against the Detroit Lions, the Saints gave up over 30 fantasy points to the wide receiver position and 204 total passing yards, which demonstrates the Saints defense is exploitable through the air. The sixth-year receiver had a down year, as did much of the Ravens' offense, in 2025, but Bateman logged six WR2 performances or better in 2024, proving that he has the capacity to provide fantasy value. Nonetheless, Bateman is a fringe WR4/Flex option in Week 2 and is best suited for managers in deep leagues.