Isaiah Likely or Rashod Bateman: Who Should You Start?
2026 Week 2 · deterministic head-to-head · Verdicts based on PPR scoring.
Bateman gets the edge as Baltimore's scoring environment meets a suddenly clearer target tree
Bateman gets the call because Baltimore's stronger scoring environment and a likely expanded role give his quiet opener a better chance to become useful volume. With Zay Flowers doubtful, Bateman could become Lamar Jackson's most familiar wide receiver, while Likely's 28% target share and slot work make him the more concentrated option for New York ([ESPN 2026-09-18]; [Yahoo Sports (PFF) 2026-09-14]). Likely's red-zone ability keeps this close, but Bateman's biggest risk is that his role remains nominal: his minimal early involvement would leave him touchdown-dependent.
What flips it: A confirmed return for Zay Flowers.
Sources: ESPN · Sep 18, 2026 · Yahoo Sports (PFF) · Sep 14, 2026
AI editor
Isaiah Likely
6.68.811.0 Projected Points
Rashod Bateman
7.18.710.3 Projected Points
Isaiah Likely’s market
Rashod Bateman’s market
Why Isaiah Likely
Start· mediumStarting TE and pass-catching mismatch. Athletic seam-stretcher with red-zone flex ability.
28% target share and a 8-of-8, two-TD Week 1 line keep Likely in the TE1 mix; 8.5-point dog script means pass volume.
- Likely's slot takeover creates a repeatable mismatch role, not just a one-week touchdown spike.
- His red-zone skill helps offset a modest Giants scoring outlook when the offense stalls near the goal line.
The call
- Week 1 usage is the whole case: a 28% target share with all eight targets caught for two scores, plus 17 slot snaps taken over from another starter, is TE1-level involvement no matter the 49% snap rate.
- The 8.5-point spread and 20.0 implied total point to a chase script — more dropbacks, more underneath and seam work for the guy who is now the de facto slot option.
- The DvP composite reads 7 of 32 (tough), but it's a one-game sample at 0.00 confidence, so it shouldn't outweigh a locked-in target role.
- Risk is the sub-50% snap share: if the offense stays in heavier personnel or the game hangs close, volume could dip toward the TE14 projection rather than beat it.
Latest on Likely
Likely led the Giants' Week 1 pass-catchers with an 82.8 PFF grade, catching all eight targets for two touchdowns and taking over much of the slot receiver role (17 slot snaps) previously held by Wan'Dale Robinson.
Yahoo Sports (PFF) · Sep 14, 2026Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.
Why Rashod Bateman
Start· mediumStarting outside WR2. Smooth route runner and vertical/red-zone threat in a low-volume passing attack.
Flowers doubtful clears the target tree for Baltimore's WR-2 — 78% snaps, best Lamar rapport, 27.0 implied total in a soft 24-of-32 matchup.
- Flowers' doubtful status could turn Bateman into Baltimore's primary familiar outside option.
- A favorable game script gives his vertical and red-zone role more ways to pay off than last week's usage suggests.
The call
- Zay Flowers is doubtful, and ESPN notes Bateman would be the Ravens receiver with the most familiarity with Lamar Jackson — that's a direct path from a 4% target share to real volume.
- He's already on the field: 78% snap share as the WR-2, so the role is locked in regardless of what happens with target competition.
- Baltimore's 27.0 implied total and -7.5 spread point to a comfortable, efficient offense, and the Saints grade 24 of 32 versus the position (1-game sample, so treat it as a nudge rather than a green light).
- Risk: the 4% target share from Week 1 is the whole case against him. If Flowers is upgraded and plays, this drops straight to a flex toss-up.
Latest on Bateman
If Zay Flowers cannot play, Bateman would become Baltimore's wide receiver with the most familiarity with Lamar Jackson.
Ravens looking for Bateman to step up if Flowers can't playESPN, baltimoreravens.com, BaltimoreRavens.com · Sep 18, 2026Bateman is still awaiting the NFL's investigation outcome regarding his June arrest on family violence charges.
Ravens looking for Bateman to step up if Flowers can't playESPN · Sep 18, 2026Ravens receiver Zay Flowers is doubtful for Sunday's game vs. the Saints after he aggravated a left hamstring injury and missed the majority of practices this week.
Jamison Hensley explains why Rashod Bateman is the Ravens wide receiver to watch going into Week 2.
Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.
Head-to-head stats
| Metric | Isaiah Likely | Rashod Bateman |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 6.68.811.0 | 7.18.710.3 |
| Consensus rank | TE14 | — |
| Opponent vs position | LAR · 7 of 321-game sample | NO · 24 of 321-game sample |
| Receptions | 9 of 32 | 27 of 32 |
| Receiving Yards | 9 of 32 | 10 of 32 |
| Receiving TDs | 1 of 32 | 25 of 32 |
| Targets | 15 of 32 | 31 of 32 |
| Anytime TD | 1 of 32 | 25 of 32 |
| Target share | 28% | 4% |
| Reception share | 35% | 0% |
| Implied total · spread | 20.0+8.5 | 27.0-7.5 |
| Depth chart | TE1 | WR2 |
| Snap share | 49% | 78% |
| Start/Sit record | 1–0 | — |
Recent form
Isaiah Likely — last 1 week
| Week 1 | vs DAL | 19.823.827.8 |
Rashod Bateman — last 1 week
| Week 1 | vs IND | 0.00.00.0 |
Signal breakdown
- 11.0 vs 10.3 projected PPR pointsIsaiah Likely +
- Consensus position rankeven
- Opponent DvP rank 7 vs 24 (32 = softest)even
- Implied 20.0 vs 27.0 team pointsRashod Bateman +
- No injury designationseven
- 49% vs 78% snap shareRashod Bateman +
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