Cincinnati Bengals: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em for Week 7 vs. Ravens

Start ‘Em – Rashod Bateman

Have we seen this story before? A rookie player comes in, first game against the Bengals, no NFL film for the team to study, and rookie balls out. It has happened more times over the course of my fanhood than I care to remember.

Will Sunday in the ironically nicknamed “Charm City” provide yet another opportunity for a young player to toast our Bengals? Well, while I don’t expect a full-on toast job, I do think Bateman will fare well.

The first-round rookie finally got on the field Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, and while the stat line wasn’t particularly eye-popping (4 catches for 29 yards), the fact that all four catches resulted in first downs was.

Much of this production was the result of Sammy Watkins being injured, but if the oft-injured Watkins can’t go against the Bengals, the door is wide open for Bateman to have a biggish day. I’m not calling for 150 yards receiving and a touchdown, but the possibility of 75 yards and a score is definitely in the works.

Prediction: 6 rec, 75 yards, 1 TD