2 min read • August 16, 2023
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A fantasy football championship often hinges on a few crucial decisions made when comparing players' ADPs. Today, we will analyze two wide receivers with similar ADPs who we perceive as significantly different players.
Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman and Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney have best ball ADPs of 88.8 and 73.5, respectively, according to FantasyPros. However, Bateman is still recovering from a Lisfranc fracture, while Toney has fully healed from his inversion ankle sprain and past hamstring troubles.
According to the pro football docs, Toney is considered "injury prone" but is currently free of any issues. On the other hand, Bateman is said to enter training camp in good health but is unlikely to be fully recovered by Week 1 (SIC score 74).
The former Giants wideout is on track to play Week 1 despite a meniscus trim to one of his knees. He has not practiced since July 23, which may diminish his connection early in the season with Patrick Mahomes.
However, the Chiefs' wide receiver room is wide open and it will be an interesting competition for targets behind Travis Kelce. The Pro Football Docs do not have lingering concerns about Toney's knee once he's back on the field. The concerns about his previous hamstring strains do remain.
Time will tell if he's done the offseason work to stretch and limit future hamstring strains.
Bateman had only 15 receptions in seven games last season before suffering a Lisfranc injury that prematurely ended his sophomore campaign. Recovering from a Lisfranc injury can be time-consuming, particularly given Bateman's reliance on vertical speed and precise route running to create separation.
While Toney isn't without flaws, we anticipate him having a higher ceiling this season than Bateman. Additionally, the Ravens are unlikely to rely heavily on Bateman as they did in the previous season, thanks to the acquisition of WR Zay Flowers through the draft and the signing of WR Odell Beckham Jr.
Lastly, we've witnessed the potential that slot receivers can fulfill in Andy Reid's offensive system. It wouldn't be surprising if Toney experiences a breakout season in this regard.
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