Rashod Bateman

Rashod Bateman is a viable deep league flex play this week. Bateman has a 13% target share, a 21.1% air-yard share, 23 receiving yards per game, 1.03 yards per route run, and a 12.7% first-read share. He is third on the team in deep targets, and that's where his upside comes into play this week. Minnesota has recently struggled to defend perimeter wide receivers and deep passing. If Lamar Jackson hits Bateman on a downfield target or two, it could help him pay off as a flex option this week. Since Week 5, Minnesota has allowed the most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers and the second-highest deep completion rate and deep passing yards per game.

Rashod Bateman caught two of his four targets for 13 yards and a touchdown in the Ravens' Week 9 win over the Dolphins.

Fantasy Impact

The touchdown salvaged Bateman's fantasy day, but the low volume continues to be a major concern. Even with Lamar Jackson's return, this was the seventh time in eight games this season that Bateman has been held to two or fewer receptions. His inconsistent usage makes him a very volatile fantasy option who is hard to trust in starting lineups.