Rashod Bateman

Week 2 vs. Miami Dolphins

Rashod Bateman had only two catches last week against the Jets, but he was second on the team with five targets and had 59 yards, including a long, 55-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Obviously, you’d like to see more targets from Bateman, given his draft status, but it was good to see him find the end zone after scoring just once all last season.

This week, Bateman faces a Dolphins defense that held the Patriots to just 213 yards passing last week, despite being ahead for nearly the entire game. They have a tough secondary and Bateman could be blanketed by pick-off artist Xavien Howard. Consider him a low-end WR2 with upside this week.

2022 Fantasy Upside
Rashod Bateman returned from injury in last year’s rookie campaign to average 42.9 yards on 3.8 receptions over 12 games. He was targeted 5.7 times per contest but only scored one touchdown all season for an up-and-down offense that was riddled with injuries. This year, with Marquise Brown now in Arizona and a clear path to WR1 targets, all the pieces are in place for a breakout season from Bateman. Selected in the first round, Bateman flashes all the skills and attributes you look for in an elite wide receiver. Matt Harmon said “he gets effortless separation” in this year’s profile at Reception Perception, and added “the methodology continues to point to a future mega breakout in Bateman’s future.” The opportunity and talent are both there.

2022 Fantasy Downside
The biggest downside to Bateman is the Ravens’ offense. Baltimore has been the league-leader in rushing attempts since quarterback Lamar Jackson arrived and much of the passing volume is geared toward tight end Mark Andrews, coming off a career year. With a foreseeably healthy running back room this year, there may not be enough volume in the passing game to support a fantasy WR1.

2022 Bottom Line
Bateman is risky going in the middle rounds of drafts, but the upside is there for him to have an excellent year. The Ravens were actually ninth in passing attempts last season – albeit with fewer wins and massive injuries throughout the offense – so there may be just enough shift in philosophy to give Bateman the targets he needs. Mostly, the absence of Brown opens up 139 targets from last year, and even if Bateman repeats Brown’s numbers, he’ll be a solid WR2. He’s worth the risk at his ADP and should be a target for fantasy managers.

Week 16 at Cincinnati Bengals

Rashod Bateman has been all over the place the last few weeks. He followed up his first career 100-yard receiving game in Week 14 with just one catch for five yards on two targets against the Packers. Until there’s some consistency in his game and in the Ravens’ passing offense in general, Bateman should remain on fantasy benches, despite a nice matchup against the Bengals.