Who Should I Start? Christian Watson or Rome Odunze

Friday, May 24, 1:15 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (hamstring) said this week that he's made significant progress toward ending his hamstring issues for good. Tests this offseason showed a muscle imbalance in his legs, which likely contributed to his problems -- he has missed 11 games in his first two seasons, including eight in 2023, due to a pulled right hamstring. Packers coaches have raved about the progress Watson has made so far this year, and the 25-year-old former second-rounder in 2022 out of North Dakota State looked explosive as a full participant in organized team activities on Tuesday. Watson had a 20% difference in muscle mass between his right and left legs. Now, it's between 8% and 10%. It's interesting news, but most fantasy managers may still be hesitant to roster a player with the injury history he has early in his career. But when healthy, Watson has the most upside of any of Green Bay's current wideouts.

Thursday, June 27, 4:40 PM

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze is an exciting young asset for fantasy football, but since he will share the field with DJ Moore and Keenan Allen while catching passes from a rookie quarterback, his upside in Year 1 could be limited. According to Michael Smith of Pro Football Talk, he is a contender for the team's punt returner role. This could indicate that the team will bring him along slowly as a receiver during the regular season, but it's always a bonus to have additional special teams value. Barring an Allen or Moore injury, it would be a surprise if Odunze finishes as a top-24 wide receiver in his rookie campaign, though anything is possible for an elite collegiate prospect.