Mark Andrews or Rashod Bateman: Who Should You Start?
2026 Week 2 · deterministic head-to-head · Verdicts based on PPR scoring.
Andrews offers the safer volume, while Bateman carries the bigger role-change upside
Andrews has the sturdier case: his established red-zone role and target command fit Baltimore's strong scoring outlook better than Bateman's current usage does. Bateman's path is real, though, because ESPN 2026-09-18 reports Zay Flowers is doubtful; without Flowers, Bateman would have the most Lamar Jackson familiarity among Baltimore's wideouts. The matchup split is effectively noise from a one-game sample, leaving Andrews' reliability against Bateman's contingency upside as the deciding balance; Bateman's risk is another quiet target day.
What flips it: Zay Flowers is ruled out, materially elevating Bateman's target role.
Sources: ESPN · Sep 18, 2026
AI editor
Mark Andrews
6.78.510.4 Projected Points
Rashod Bateman
7.18.710.3 Projected Points
Mark Andrews’s market
Rashod Bateman’s market
Why Mark Andrews
Start· mediumTE1 and red-zone mismatch. Veteran seam-stretcher with strong hands and quarterback rapport.
25% target share and 72% snaps in a 27-point implied offense — Andrews is a volume-driven TE1 start despite the TE15 tag.
- His red-zone mismatch role gives Baltimore's favorable scoring outlook a direct fantasy path.
- Andrews' established quarterback rapport makes his volume less dependent on a late personnel change.
The call
- A 25% target share is elite for the position — Andrews is the clear focal point in the passing game, and that usage floor matters more than his TE15 consensus label in PPR.
- Baltimore's 27.0 implied total as a 7.5-point favorite means plenty of scoring chances, and Andrews has long been the red-zone preference in this offense.
- The DvP composite of 12 of 32 reads slightly tough, but it's a 1-game sample with 0.00 confidence — not enough to bench a target hog.
- Risk is script-based: a big early lead could shift Baltimore run-heavy and cap his volume, and 72% snaps leaves some rotational work on the table.
Why Rashod Bateman
Start· mediumStarting outside WR2. Smooth route runner and vertical/red-zone threat in a low-volume passing attack.
Flowers doubtful clears Baltimore's target tree and Bateman's 78% snap share plus Lamar familiarity make him a flex-worthy 10.3-point play vs a 24th-ranked DvP.
- Flowers' doubtful status could turn Bateman from a secondary option into Baltimore's lead-familiarity wideout; ESPN 2026-09-18.
- His vertical and red-zone skill set gives him a higher ceiling if the target tree opens.
The call
- Zay Flowers is doubtful, and the reporting notes Bateman would be the Ravens' receiver with the most familiarity with Lamar Jackson — that's a direct volume upgrade for a WR-2 already on the field for 78% of snaps.
- The matchup cooperates: New Orleans grades 24 of 32 in DvP composite (softer end) and Baltimore carries a 27.0 implied total, so there's real scoring equity to share.
- The risk is usage, not opportunity — a 4% target share through one game is a glaring number, though it's a single-game sample taken with Flowers healthy.
- Secondary risk: the pending NFL investigation into his June arrest is unresolved, but he carries no injury or availability designation this week.
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 | Mark Andrews | Rashod Bateman |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 6.78.510.4 | 7.18.710.3 |
| Consensus rank | TE15 | — |
| Opponent vs position | NO · 12 of 321-game sample | NO · 24 of 321-game sample |
| Receptions | 18 of 32 | 27 of 32 |
| Receiving Yards | 17 of 32 | 10 of 32 |
| Receiving TDs | 1 of 32 | 25 of 32 |
| Targets | 24 of 32 | 31 of 32 |
| Anytime TD | 1 of 32 | 25 of 32 |
| Target share | 25% | 4% |
| Reception share | 24% | 0% |
| Implied total · spread | 27.0-7.5 | 27.0-7.5 |
| Depth chart | TE1 | WR2 |
| Snap share | 72% | 78% |
| Start/Sit record | 0–1 | — |
Recent form
Mark Andrews — last 1 week
| Week 1 | vs IND | 4.96.98.9 |
Rashod Bateman — last 1 week
| Week 1 | vs IND | 0.00.00.0 |
Signal breakdown
- 10.4 vs 10.3 projected PPR pointsMark Andrews +
- Consensus position rankeven
- Opponent DvP rank 12 vs 24 (32 = softest)even
- Implied 27.0 vs 27.0 team pointseven
- No injury designationseven
- 72% vs 78% snap shareRashod Bateman +
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