Rashod Bateman

Week 2 at Cincinnati Bengals

Rashod Bateman suited up last week against the Texans, which is a great sign for his health, but he was limited to just 35 yards on three receptions. He caught every one of his targets, but saw significantly fewer snaps than Odell Beckham and Zay Flowers. It looks like Bateman is the third receiver in this offense. The talent is there, but we’re going to need to see the production before we recommend starting him. He’s borderline droppable in most leagues.

Fantasy Upside
Rashod Bateman scored a touchdown in each of his first two games last season and had four catches for 108 yards in a thrilling loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. While he missed significant time with injuries last year, he received starter snaps when he was healthy and he showed flashes of the speed and receiving ability that made him a first round pick in the 2021 draft. Bateman should be back and healthy this year and has the most familiarity with Lamar Jackson among the other Baltimore receivers atop the depth chart. Additionally, new offensive coordinator Todd Monken brings with him a downfield passing attack that fits Bateman’s skill set.

Fantasy Downside
The Ravens used a first round pick on Zay Flowers and signed Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency. Gone are the days when Devin Duvernay was the primary competition for snaps in the receiving corps. Also, much like the situation in Kansas City, the tight end is the number one receiver in Baltimore, as Mark Andrews has led the team in every major receiving category for the past two seasons. Bateman can probably overcome the competition, but he absolutely needs to stay healthy. He’s been limited to just 18 games over his first two seasons combined, and it’s time for him to show he can be on the field for the bulk of an NFL season.

2023 Bottom Line
Bateman may be risky and it’s hard to trust the Baltimore receiving corps after years of disappointing fantasy results, but he hardly costs you anything. He’s going in the 14th round and we have him ranked barely inside our top 50 wide receivers. His upside in a new offense as arguably the only X-style receiver on the roster makes him well worth his low ADP. Draft him at cost as an excellent late-round upside WR5.

Week 7 vs. Cleveland Browns

Rashod Bateman missed the last two weeks with a foot injury and is a question mark heading into Week 7. If he’s active, he’s a WR2/WR3 option based on his big play potential. He’s averaging 60.75 yards per game, despite only having 11 receptions in four outings. That’s thanks in large part to a pair of long touchdown receptions. The Browns have really struggled defensively this season, and they rank 27th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. It’s a good matchup. Now we just need the health to check out. Be ready to make a last-minute lineup switch – perhaps to Devin Duvernay – but Bateman is worth considering if he’s able to suit up.