Fantasy Football Player Notes

Rashod Bateman assumed a larger role in the Baltimore passing attack in Week 2 without Zay Flowers. Bateman finished as the WR8 for the week. Bateman had a 29% target share, 88 receiving yards (2.84 YPRR), one red zone target, two deep targets, and a 38.1% first-read share. It was wonderful usage for the talented Bateman. I'm approaching this week as if Zay Flowers will be out again. This will vault Bateman back into last week's workload in a wonderful matchup. Last week, Washington's offense fell apart in the second half with Marcus Mariota under center. Dallas's pass defense in Week 1 is probably a better litmus test for their perimeter corners when evaluating this matchup. In Week 1, Dallas was 17th in yards per target allowed to perimeter wide receivers while giving up the tenth-most receiving fantasy points.

The Ravens desperately need Flowers back. Not only is he an explosive nightmare for opposing defenses, but he is by far this team's best pass catcher. With him out last week and rookie Ja'Kobi Lane missing the season, Lamar Jackson looked desperate for options. Derrick Henry may be the heart of this team, but Flowers is what makes the gears turn. If Flowers is back from his hamstring injury, he faces a very exploitable Cowboys defense. Through two weeks, the Cowboys are allowing the fourth most yards per game. The Ravens are looking to bounce back from a shocking home loss to the Saints, and I expect this offense to come out firing on all cylinders. If he is healthy, Flowers is a top-five fantasy play for me this week.