Who Should I Start? Mike Evans or Rome Odunze


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
11.8 0.0 0.0 3.8 53.5 0.4

Mike Evans News

Mike Evans Could Emerge As 49ers' Top Target In Week 1

Thursday, September 10, 9:29 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans will make his team debut on Thursday in the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Evans is listed as the team's WR1, working opposite Deebo Samuel Sr. and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling. Tight end George Kittle (Achilles) is expected to be on a pitch count for Week 1, which will likely keep Evans more involved. Evans' 6-foot-5, 231-pound frame might make him an attractive target for Brock Purdy against Rams' cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Evans was limited throughout the preseason while managing quad and groin injuries, but downplayed the severity in a press conference this week and said that they would not have cost him game time. Evans projects as a borderline WR2/3 in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings. He is a safe start in most leagues and should definitely be in the lineup in leagues that start three wide receivers.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
11.6 0.4 0.0 3.5 54.1 0.4

Rome Odunze News

Rome Odunze Limited Again on Thursday

Thursday, September 10, 11:54 AM

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (calf) was listed as limited in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week, according to the team. With two limited sessions to begin Week 1 preparation, Odunze is still up in the air to play in the season opener this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, and he might need to upgrade to a full practice on Friday to be cleared to play this weekend. If he is limited or out on Sunday, Kalif Raymond and Zavion Thomas would have a path to elevated roles alongside Luther Burden III and tight end Colston Loveland. Odunze, the ninth overall pick in 2024 from the University of Washington, had a career-high six touchdowns in 12 regular-season games in his sophomore campaign in 2025, but he was limited with a concerning foot injury that he says is in the rearview mirror. He is shaping up as more of a WR3/flex option to begin the 2026 season if he plays against the Panthers. Check back for Odunze's final injury status on Friday.


Mike Evans vs. Rome Odunze

Still trying to decide between Evans and Odunze? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Mike Evans is projected to score 11.8 points this week while Rome Odunze is projected to score 11.6 points.