Who Should I Start? J.J. McCarthy or Rome Odunze

Friday, October 31, 4:59 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is set to return to the starting lineup on Sunday against Detroit, but the biggest question for fantasy managers should be whether the team can keep him upright. The Vikings, who have the second-worst sack rate in the league, are coming off a miserable showing last week in which they ran just 47 plays and gained 146 yards. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) has been in and out of the lineup, right tackle Brian O'Neill (knee) has no designation this week but missed all of last game, and center Ryan Kelly (concussion) is on injured reserve. Still, with skill players like wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, there is at least some hope that McCarthy's return can provide a jolt to an offense that sorely needs it. Playing at Detroit is a tough start, however, so managers should consider McCarthy only in deeper leagues with a superflex spot.

Saturday, November 1, 9:51 AM

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze has enjoyed a breakout sophomore season under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, recording 31 receptions for 473 yards and five touchdowns on 56 targets in seven games. The 23-year-old leads the team with a 25.5% target share and has built a solid rapport with fellow second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. Odunze is coming off his best game since Week 3 against the Cowboys, catching seven of 10 targets for 114 yards in Week 8 at Baltimore, the fourth 100-yard game of his career. The 2024 first-rounder is again set up to reward fantasy managers with a beautiful matchup on deck against Cincinnati. Odunze ranks as RotoBaller's WR9 in PPR formats for Week 9.