Who Should I Start? Christian Kirk or Rome Odunze

Thursday, September 4, 4:31 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring) is dealing with a strained hamstring that is expected to keep him out of the Week 1 season opener on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams and possibly longer, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. One source is estimating it could be a two-week injury for Kirk, but the Texans will be "cautious" with him." It's a bad start for the 28-year-old, who played in only eight games in 2024 in his last year with the Jaguars after breaking his collarbone. With Kirk likely out this weekend, Nico Collins should see even more targets, although rookie Jaylin Noel could be the biggest beneficiary as a natural slot receiver with great hands. Fellow rookie Jayden Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson will also have bigger roles, but Noel could be the best sneaky DFS play against the Rams. Noel is rostered in only 1% of Yahoo leagues currently.

Tuesday, September 2, 1:17 AM

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze could be deployed in different spots throughout the offense, wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El told ESPN's Courtney Cronin. The second-year receiver received praise for his versatility and athleticism, with Randle El noting that he thinks Odunze is "going to have a big year." Meanwhile, Cronin said that Odunze is blossoming into quarterback Caleb Williams' top target. While it's hard to imagine Odunze truly surpassing DJ Moore on the depth chart, it's very possible we see a 1A and 1B situation within the Bears' receiver room. Only two teams targeted their wide receivers at a higher rate than the Bears (72.1 percent) last season, and that percentage could continue to increase under the guidance of new head coach and offensive mastermind Ben Johnson. Fantasy managers should be very excited about Odunze, who has legitimate WR2 upside this season.