Who Should I Start? Zay Jones or Rashod Bateman

Friday, May 10, 3:47 PM

Free-agent wide receiver Zay Jones is signing with the Arizona Cardinals, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The 29-year-old went on visits with the Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys this week, but he ultimately landed in a spot where he can compete for targets right away. Jones was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars after they selected LSU wideout Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but there's a real chance his situation is better in Arizona. Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. is expected to occupy the WR1 role right away, but Jones is almost certainly slated to start in three-wide sets, and he might even beat out Michael Wilson to start in two-wide sets. He and tight end Trey McBride could battle it out to be Kyler Murray's No. 2 option in the passing game. Pencil in Jones as at least a deep league flex option in 2024.

Thursday, May 23, 4:55 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has struggled and battled injuries since being selected with the No. 27 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Minnesota. Through his first 35 games, he's hauled in 93 receptions for 1,167 yards and four touchdowns. However, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken expects him to take a Year 4 leap in 2024. "You know, last year was interesting in the fact that we had Odell [Beckham Jr.] and Bate had missed the offseason and some of Fall camp," Monken said. "But as the year went on, Rashod really came on. I expect a tremendous year out of him." Although this is a positive sign, it's tough to find a path toward consistent fantasy production for the 24-year-old. Second-year wide receiver Zay Flowers and veteran tight end Mark Andrews are the clear No. 1 and No. 2 options in the passing game, and Baltimore will likely remain a low-volume passing offense like in previous years under Lamar Jackson -- especially after the addition of star running back Derrick Henry. Bateman might be worth a late-round flyer in fantasy football drafts, but his weekly upside figures to be limited.