Is Rashod Bateman, Zay Flowers, Or Odell Beckham Jr. The Ravens WR1? Fantasy Football Outlook

The Baltimore Ravens have struggled to get consistent wide receiver production over the past few years. Marquise Brown had a career year in his final season with the Ravens, totaling 91 receptions on 146 targets for 1,008 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2021.

However, Baltimore traded Brown to the Arizona Cardinals during the 2022 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, that proved to be a mistake. Last season tight end Mark Andrews was the only player on the team with more than 48 receptions. Meanwhile, Rashod Bateman struggled to stay healthy.

After struggling with injuries and production last year, the Ravens made several moves this offseason to improve their wide receiver unit. The team signed Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency and used their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Zay Flowers. However, which Baltimore wide receiver will be the WR1 this season?

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What Did The Ravens Wide Receivers Accomplish Last Year?

Bateman missed 11 games last season because of a foot injury. However, the second-year receiver was productive when on the field. He had 15 receptions on 28 targets for 285 receiving yards and two touchdowns last year.

Unfortunately, Beckham didn’t play last season. The veteran receiver was still recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered during the Super Bowl the year before. However, the former LSU star had five receiving touchdowns in eight games with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.

Meanwhile, Flowers was unstoppable last year at Boston College. The rookie receiver had 78 receptions for 1,077 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns last year. He led the team in all three categories. Furthermore, Flowers led the ACC in receiving touchdowns last season.

Who Will Be The Top Wide Receiver For The Ravens In 2023?

Unfortunately, Baltimore’s receiving core has struggled with injuries in the past. Beckham didn’t play last year and has suffered multiple season-ending injuries. Meanwhile, Bateman has missed 47.1% of the games in his career because of injuries, including 11 last year.

Therefore, Flowers has a legit chance to be the WR1 as a rookie. The former Boston College star is an impressive route runner and can make plays all over the field.

Fantasy players should make Flowers the first Baltimore wide receiver off the board this season, given Beckham and Bateman’s injury history.

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