Ravens WRs fantasy outlook: Should you start Zay Flowers or Rashod Bateman in Week 1 vs Chiefs?

Determining a fantasy outlook for any player is based on many factors. Their weekly matchup and team situation are among the most important variables. The Baltimore Ravens will kick off their 2024 NFL season against the Kansas City Chiefs, and their wide receivers will be in the spotlight. Here's where their outlooks stand ahead of Week 1.

Ravens WRs fantasy outlook

Zay Flowers' fantasy outlook for Week 1

Zay Flowers

Zay Flowers turned in a solid rookie season last year with the Baltimore Ravens, finishing as the overall WR29 in fantasy football. He also led the team in targets and receptions, emerging as the WR1 in their offensive system. He will look to build on of his strong performance and take a step forward during the 2024 season.

As Flowers looks to reclaim that role during the 2024 season, he faces a difficult challenge in Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs' defense. They ranked in the top 10 last year in passing yards allowed to wide receivers, but in a potentially high-scoring game, he still makes for a solid option in fantasy lineups.

Rashod Bateman's fantasy outlook for Week 1

Rashod Bateman

Rashod Bateman took a step backward in fantasy football last year, but he could be in line for a bounce-back season. With Odell Beckham Jr. departing the Ravens, Bateman is projected to move up the depth chart into the WR2 role. The team also declined to add more competition for passing targets, so he could be much more involved in their offensive scheme.

While he averaged just two receptions per game last year, a potentially increased workload could make him a sleeper. Managers should still be cautious before using him in Week 1 against the Chiefs, as his overall fantasy outlook suggests he is risky to trust in starting lineups.

Zay Flowers vs Rashod Bateman: Who should you start?

For managers debating between Flowers and Bateman for their starting lineups in Week 1, Flowers makes for the better option. While Bateman is expected to see an increased role this season, Flowers' fantasy outlook is clearly brighter as the WR1 for the Ravens.

Using Sportskeeda's Who Should I Start tool can help managers when making these crucial lineup decisions. The generator will compare fantasy projections and make lineup suggestions. Managers who utilize this feature can gain an edge over the rest of their league.