Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or Rome Odunze

Wednesday, November 20, 3:04 PM

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said he wants to see rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) play confident and fast when he makes his NFL debut, and he will be working behind Chuba Hubbard when he plays in his first NFL contest this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Meanwhile, Miles Sanders (ankle, foot) isn't expected to play in Week 12, so Brooks should serve as the backup to Hubbard. The 21-year-old Brooks hasn't played all year while recovering from an ACL tear he suffered last year in college, but he's practicing in full on Wednesday and should be active this Sunday. Hubbard has earned lead-back duties for Carolina with another strong season in 2024, which means Brooks will probably be in line for backup duties the rest of the way in his rookie season, making him mostly a bench stash and handcuff in fantasy.

Monday, November 18, 5:34 AM

In Week 11, Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze led the team in receiving yards and targets during the 20-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Odunze finished with six receptions for 65 yards but was kept out of the end zone like many of his teammates. Despite the loss, it was encouraging to see Odunze take on a more prominent role in the Bears' offense under the new coaching direction. With Thomas Brown replacing Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator, Odunze emerged as a go-to target for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, mainly when the Bears needed a big play. He came up clutch on a crucial 4th down late in the game, keeping the Bears' drive alive and showing his growing rapport with Williams. The Bears won't have much time to regroup as they host the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field next Sunday. A tough matchup against Brian Flores' defense looms on the horizon.