This is a shot across the box of the USS Tez Walker. Moving to the slot offers Elijah Sarratt advantageous matchups against linebackers but risks reduced usage in two-receiver sets compared to boundary threat Ja’Kobi Lane. While he was primarily a perimeter player in college, Sarratt’s high efficiency in limited slot work suggests he can thrive on PPR-friendly targets.
Despite the May coachspeak, Sarratt’s training camp progress remains critical He must earn his snap share as a Day 3 pick, which could eventually evolve into a consistent fantasy producer. Trapped on the Ravens’ run-first offense, and permanently behind Zay Flowers in the target pecking order, Sarratt is a long-shot to ever break out at the NFL level.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has been ...
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has been ...
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman had a career ...
Baltimore’s wide receiver depth is currently headlined by Zay Flowers and the underwhelming Rashod Bateman and Devontez Walker, making the position a glaring need heading into the draft.
Jamison Hensley notes that the Ravens historically avoid drafting interior offensive linemen in the top half of the first round, the team is widely expected to target a premier wideout prospect instead. Zay Flower’s target leader status is unaffected, but Bateman and Walker are very much at-risk.
Fantasy relevant players ruled out Sunday include Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, Joe Burrow, Samaje Perine, Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving, Dalton Kincaid, Jaxson Dart, Darius Slayton, C.J. Stroud, Brenton Strange, Marvin Harrison, Tory Horton, Isiah Pacheco, J.K. Dobbins, Rashod Bateman, Justice Hill, and Sam LaPorta.
Per Adam Schefter
The Baltimore Ravens will be without half of their epic tight end duo with Isaiah Likely looking like he will sit out Week 1. The beneficiary is 3-time Pro Bowler Mark Andrews.
Likely had surgery on his foot this offseason and is still recovering. The news doesn’t come as much of a surprise as all reports leading up to this have indicated the timeline for Likely’s return to be in the early part of the season, leaving Week 1 murky.
Things will open up for wide receiver Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews. Lamar Jackson will certainly thrive in a game against the Buffalo Bills that has a Vegas total of 50.5. Rashod Bateman becomes a nice DFS play as well. Ironically, this sets up as a good redemption game for Mark Andrews who is ready to turn the page after a back breaking drop late in a playoff matchup last season with the aforementioned Bills.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
The Baltimore Ravens and wide receiver Rashod Bateman have agreed on a new deal worth up to $36.75 million, with $20 million guaranteed at signing. When Bateman’s current deal expires, this contract will take effect from 2027 to 2029. Based on the annual average salary, this currently slots Bateman in as the 28th highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL, though that will change by the time the new contract begins. The value is comparable to that of Darnell Mooney, Darius Slayton, and Khalil Shakir’s contracts.
The former Minnesota Golden Gopher has dealt with multiple injuries since entering the league, particularly in 2021 and 2022, including missing the first five games of his rookie season. Since recovering, he’s showcased his big-play ability and seemed to break out last season. Bateman averaged 16.8 yards per reception in 2024, the third-highest in the league among qualifying receivers. He also tacked on nine receiving touchdowns.
On a run-heavy Baltimore Ravens offense headlined by quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, Bateman is more of a role player. He hasn’t amassed 72 targets or 46 receptions in a single season, and that’s unlikely to change. It appears he will be stuck behind Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews, while competing with Isaiah Likely for opportunities again this season. Still, Bateman provides value as a deep threat and endzone target for Jackson, the Ravens’ two-time NFL MVP.
Author: Trey Kroll (@TreyK_FB on Twitter/X)
Adam Schefter reports that Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has ruled out Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers for Saturday’s playoff matchup versus the Steelers. Flowers’ absence will leave the Ravens without one of their top weapons.
While this isn’t welcome news, there was an element of this being a slow drip towards Zay Flowers being declared out. Earlier in the week there were rumblings that it was a long shot for Flowers to play in the opening round.
Naturally, the Ravens offense will run primarily through Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Mark Andrews. In a playoff game with a familiar division foe in the Pittsburgh Steelers, expect one of Rashod Bateman or Isaiah Likely to have an elevated role. Rashod Bateman provided 2.44 fantasy points per target in 2024 which was good for 4th overall paired with a 125.0 QB rating per target (No. 6). At tight end, Likely was 8th in total touchdowns with 6 and his 13 red zone targets ranked No.10. Expect the Ravens to soar to new heights with Bateman and Likely.
Jeremiah Retzlaff, coachretzlaff1
