Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel Sr. or Rome Odunze

Tuesday, August 12, 2:15 PM

The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala writes that Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and quarterback Jayden Daniels have developed a strong chemistry, which has been a "product of their reps before practices, conversations between seriess and budding friendship off the field." Samuel has been the "primary bright spot amid growing concern about the Commanders' receiving corps." The 29-year-old has taken advantage with Terry McLaurin holding out and Noah Brown dealing with injuries. Jhabvala writes that Samuel appears to be motivated by a fresh start and a soon-to-be-expiring contract after a disappointing final season in San Francisco. Samuel has dropped some weight and appears to be in much better shape in 2025 as well. If he stays healthy, Samuel could bounce back and be a nice value pick in fantasy drafts as a WR3/flex in an up-tempo offense.

Sunday, August 17, 10:15 PM

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze went without a reception in his preseason debut against the Buffalo Bills. Odunze was targeted once on the game's second drive, but dropped his lone target on a curl route on a third down. Despite the dull night from the second-year receiver, Odunze ran half of his routes from the slot and could slide into the coveted Amon-Ra St. Brown role in head coach Ben Johnson's scheme. Odunze is having an impressive training camp and continues to see his fantasy stock rise this offseason. Even with a subpar night, the 2024 first-round pick remains a breakout candidate in fantasy this season.