Who Should I Start? Jerry Jeudy or Rome Odunze

Saturday, August 16, 12:34 PM

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and running back Jerome Ford are not expected to play in the team's second preseason game on Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Browns beat writer Kelsey Russo. In addition, the Browns are expected to hold out rookie RB Dylan Sampson. Jeudy's last chance to play in the preseason will come next Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams, as he also didn't play in the preseason opener last week. In regards to the RB situation, the Browns are being mindful not to thin out their RB room even more with rookie second-rounder Quinshon Judkins still unsigned as he deals with legal matters. Jeudy will be the unquestioned WR1 again in 2025, although his fantasy upside will remain limited with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco running the offense. Ford figures to have an elevated backfield role if Judkins is not ready for the start of the season.

Friday, August 29, 11:56 PM

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze has "taken on more of a natural leadership role, which has impressed those in every corner of (the team's) building," according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic. Howe writes that Odunze is "growing in new coach Ben Johnson's system on and off the field." The 2024 first-rounder is expected to make a leap from his rookie-season production, when he posted 54 catches for 734 yards and three touchdowns in 17 games. Odunze enters 2025 as the WR2 in Chicago behind D.J. Moore, but he has the talent to work his way into being the favorite target of quarterback Caleb Williams over the course of the season. The 23-year-old profiles as a WR3/flex option in fantasy with significant upside if he can hit on his full potential and the Bears' offense as a whole improves in Johnson's first year at the helm.