The Baltimore Ravens will travel to take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, specifically regarding WR Rashod Bateman.
Is Rashod Bateman Playing in Week 1?
Bateman is not listed on the injury report this week, so barring any setbacks, he will play.
We’ll continue to monitor the Ravens’ injury report leading up to kickoff for any changes. You can also visit and bookmark our Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Should You Start or Sit Rashod Bateman in Week 1?
“Following a breakout season.”
I’ve seen Rashod Bateman profiles tee’d up that way this season, and I understand that his nine touchdowns from last season were good to see, but the man caught 45 passes in 17 games.
He had one game during the fantasy season with more than four receptions.
For me, “breakout” is as much projecting as storytelling. If you believe a player “broke out” the year prior, you’re implying that more goodness is to come, right?
Peak Calvin Johnson scored on 16.2% of his receptions. That was in 2010-11 for one of the best to ever do it. So if you think Bateman can score on 20% of his receptions like he did a year ago, more power to you.
I can’t get there.
Here’s some number-bending for you. Bateman has averaged 2.3 catches per game during the two seasons spent with Todd Monken. That would be a 40-catch projection for the upcoming season if you assume he plays all 17 games.
Recall that Megatron scored on 16.2% of his receptions during that peak stretch, and if we give Bateman that exact rate from the beginning of last season through this year, with our 40-grab number penciled in, we’d be looking at 4-5 touchdown receptions.
That stat line looks like Michael Wilson or Allen Lazard from a season ago.
I’m not comfortable counting out anyone in this Monken machine, but that doesn’t mean I’m the least comfortable projecting Bateman into my starting lineup.
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Week 1 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em article.
Rashod Bateman’s Fantasy Points Projection in Week 1
Bateman is projected to score 10.2 points in PPR formats. This includes 3.4 receptions for 48.9 yards and 0.3 touchdowns.
Check out the free PFSN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
Week 1 Weather Impact: Ravens at Bills
Weather could be a factor in this outdoor game with temperatures at 66 degrees Fahrenheit and winds of 14 mph. The wind may impact deep passes and field goal attempts.
