You shouldn’t feel dumb if you don’t know much about Rashod Bateman. He’s been mostly average during his first 3 seasons in the NFL. At this point, you might just think he’s Jason Bateman’s brother. He’s not. But this year might be different! Just like it is for the many guys who break out after being completely forgotten by the fantasy football community. This year, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman should be one of those breakouts.
Rashod Bateman was drafted in 2021 and has become a bit of a forgotten man from that draft class. Fellow wide receivers from that class Amon Ra-St. Brown, Jaylen Waddle, and Devonte Smith have blown past him to start their careers, even though the Ravens have been desperate for help at wideout. But things should soon be changing.
No Ravens player has received more off-season praise than Rashod Bateman. He’s dealt with a long list of injuries since being drafted, but he’s finally healthy. And with his injury history hopefully behind him, Rashod enters the year strong and ready for perhaps the first time as a pro. His play has been inconsistent in years past, but all it takes is one good offseason and a clean bill of health to change a player’s outlook.
Rashod Bateman will thrive in 2024
Fellow pass catcher Mark Andrews recently said that Rashod Bateman “looks incredible” and added, “It’s going to be a big year for Rashod.” And he wasn’t alone in this assessment. Head Coach John Harbaugh thinks Bateman will take a “big step” this season. Don’t overthink this fantasy football fans! The team’s head coach and star tight end, who work with Rashod Bateman every day, are basically screaming at you that he’s about to ball out of control!
Rashod Bateman is in an excellent situation to succeed because he doesn’t have to do it alone. He has one of the game’s top 3 tight ends by his side in Andrews, along with former first-round pick Zay Flowers, who will likely draw the opposing team’s top cornerback to start the season. On top of that, they have a pretty decent quarterback. His name is Lamar Jackson, maybe you’ve heard of him?
Having the two-time MVP at QB will give Rashad Bateman plenty of chances to make a play. Teams can’t ignore Jackson’s elite rushing ability so they won’t be able to guard the pass as effectively as they would like. Derek Henry rounds out the offensive skill position and will add some nastiness to the rushing attack. This will only further increase the opposing defense’s focus on the run, which should let Rashod Bateman get open early and often.
Can Rasod Bateman be a WR1?
For his career, Rashod Bateman has had 93 catches for 1,167 yards and 4 touchdowns in just 35 games played. He had just 32 catches for 367 yards and 1 TD last season, which isn’t much to write home about, but in his defense, he was a part-time player. Now, he steps back into a starting role with Odell Becham Jr. gone, leaving his 64 targets from last season up for grabs.
Plus, the Ravens need Rashod Bateman to step up this year. He’s a former first-round pick out of Minnesota that the team envisioned would become Lamar Jackson’s top target. He has the size, speed, and talent to be not only the Ravens top receiver but also a WR1 in fantasy football. Now, with his health firmly back, all he needs to do is execute.
Final Thoughts
The team gave Rashod Bateman a 2-year extension this offseason because they clearly believe in him. Things haven’t worked out great to this point, but all signs coming out of camp are screaming that Rashod Bateman is about to make a leap on the field. Now it’s time for you to draft him, sit back, and reap all the rewards!
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