Who Should I Start? Chris Olave or Rome Odunze

Sunday, August 17, 5:14 PM

New Oreland Saints wide receiver Chris Olave suited up for the Saints' second preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He recorded two receptions for 12 yards on four targets while playing alongside rookie quarterback Tyler Shough in Sunday's 17-17 tie. As expected, his chemistry with the rookie quarterback appeared a bit off. However, it was a positive sign for New Orleans to see their star receiver back on the field for the first time since Week 9 of 2024. Injuries have impacted all three of his seasons in the league, including eight missed games last year after landing on IR due to a concussion. Questionable quarterback play and injury risk continue to affect his fantasy value, and he is currently ranked as WR34 in PPR formats by RotoBaller.

Friday, August 29, 11:56 PM

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze has "taken on more of a natural leadership role, which has impressed those in every corner of (the team's) building," according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic. Howe writes that Odunze is "growing in new coach Ben Johnson's system on and off the field." The 2024 first-rounder is expected to make a leap from his rookie-season production, when he posted 54 catches for 734 yards and three touchdowns in 17 games. Odunze enters 2025 as the WR2 in Chicago behind D.J. Moore, but he has the talent to work his way into being the favorite target of quarterback Caleb Williams over the course of the season. The 23-year-old profiles as a WR3/flex option in fantasy with significant upside if he can hit on his full potential and the Bears' offense as a whole improves in Johnson's first year at the helm.