Who Should I Start? Michael Pittman Jr. or Rome Odunze

Friday, January 10, 12:10 PM

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said that wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) will not require surgery for the fractured back that he played through late in the 2024 season. "One tough dude. Example of what you want," Ballard said. It's a testament to Pittman's toughness that he missed just one game due to his back injury. But the 27-year-old's back issues and inconsistent play from the quarterback position in Indianapolis in 2024 led to Pittman posting only 808 receiving yards -- his fewest since his rookie season in 2020 -- to go with 69 receptions (also his lowest mark since 2020) and only three touchdowns in 16 games. Better health will give him a chance to rebound in 2025, but his overall upside might be dependent on quarterback Anthony Richardson's health and his ability to improve as a passer.

Monday, January 6, 8:44 AM

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze had a disappointing game in Sunday's 24-22 win over the Green Bay Packers. The rookie receiver struggled for productivity, as he had only two receptions for 18 yards on the day. The game marked Odunze's eighth game this season with two or fewer receptions as he capped his rookie campaign with his second straight game with under 20 yards receiving. The 22-year-old receiver had an up-and-down season, finishing the year with 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns across 17 games. Depending on who the Bears bring in to call the shots, though, Odunze may enter the 2025 season with a leap forward to a solid second option for the Bears.