On an offense filled with standouts, Rashod Bateman’s breakout 2024 campaign has been a crucial development for the Ravens. The wide receiver has been plagued by injuries during his four-year NFL career, but he has yet to miss a game this season. Through nine outings, he’s on pace for career-best marks in receiving yards (447), touchdowns (three), and receptions (25).
However, this feel-good story has hit a bump in the road. Over the past two weeks, Bateman has recorded a combined four catches for 53 yards. While partially a result of last Sunday’s blowout 41-10 win over the Broncos, this decline in production showcases the volatility Baltimore’s skill position players face on a week to week basis (other than Derrick Henry).
To make matters worse for Bateman, the Ravens traded for Pro Bowl wideout Diontae Johnson last week. While the former Panther didn’t record a catch against Denver, he was on a strict snap count that’s sure to increase going forward. That means there will be even fewer targets to go around on an offense with the eighth-fewest pass attempts per game (28.4).
The silver lining, at least for this week, is that Thursday night’s showdown with the Bengals could be a shootout. The over/under is set at 53 points on DraftKings Sportsbook. In Week 5, Bateman had a four-catch, 58-yard day against Cincinnati, capped off by a 16-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Could he deliver a repeat performance?
It’s certainly possible, but I’d stay away in most leagues. The former first-round pick is still a key piece for the Ravens, but he’s a boom-or-bust deep threat in a crowded offense. In the passing game, I’d expect Lamar Jackson to prioritize getting Johnson plenty of touches, rather than feeding the third wideout on the depth chart. Bateman is still someone to hold on your bench in most leagues, but he’s closer to a bye week fill-in than a legitimate flex option.
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