The Baltimore Ravens’ unsung hero is the team’s biggest X-factor

Maybe the Baltimore Ravens didn’t really need another wide receiver after all?

While Zay Flowers has garnered most of the attention this season thanks to a Pro Bowl campaign, another Ravens pass-catcher has flown under the radar and emerged as the club’s biggest X-factor heading into the playoffs.

Rashod Bateman.

Previously considered a first-round bust, Bateman is coming off a very impressive 2024 season, catching 40 passes for 680 yards and eight touchdowns before Baltimore’s season finale against the Cleveland Browns.

Not only is Bateman a reliable option for Lamar Jackson, he also makes big bets.

The 25-year-old is averaging 17 yards per catch this year, third in the NFL behind Alec Pierce and Jameson Williams.

Sure, Bateman has only made five grabs in his last three games, but he has reached the end zone three times in that span, showcasing his game-changing abilities.

Compare that to last season, when the University of Minnesota product totaled 32 receptions for 367 yards and a score, a measly figure of 11.5 yards per catch.

It’s been night and day for Bateman, and while he’s still not exactly an elite No. 2 receiver, he’s at least done enough to mitigate the Ravens’ need for one.

Remember: Baltimore picked up Diontae Johnson at the trade deadline amid much fanfare, only to see Johnson catch a pass before being sacked.

But Bateman was a reliable option for Jackson throughout and was instrumental in helping the superstar quarterback have the best season of his career.

Bateman is not a household name. Heck, he’s probably the fourth-most talented receiving weapon on the team behind Flowers and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely.

But there’s no question that Bateman has been instrumental in helping the Ravens’ offense shift into gear this season, and if Baltimore wants to finally get over the hurdle in the playoffs, Bateman will have to deliver.

Last year, Bateman managed just four catches for 41 yards in two postseason contests. Something tells me he’ll be a lot more prepared this time.

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