Who Should I Start? Rome Odunze or Emeka Egbuka

BENCH

Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
11.6 0.4 0.0 3.5 54.0 0.4

Rome Odunze News

Rome Odunze Not Yet Medically Cleared to Play in Week 1

Saturday, September 12, 5:10 AM

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (calf) is not yet medically cleared to play in his team's season opener against the Carolina Panthers, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Odunze has been battling a calf strain and is officially listed as questionable to play. The 24-year-old told reporters on Friday that he feels "ready to go," but Fowler reports that the team will ultimately be making the call on whether to have him suit up on Sunday. Odunze had the tail end of his 2025 campaign disrupted by a nagging foot injury, so Chicago's decision-makers may be looking to avoid a similar situation where the calf issue lingers in 2026. If Odunze is active, he profiles as a flex option for fantasy managers in Week 1. If he's unable to go, Bears tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III would both likely see increased workloads.

START

Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
13.3 0.9 0.0 4.1 62.8 0.5

Emeka Egbuka News

Emeka Egbuka Ready to Roll in Week 1 Versus Bengals

Saturday, September 12, 7:30 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (toe) is expected to enter a Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals as a full-go. Egbuka logged three consecutive full practices throughout the week and does not have an injury designation for the opening week of the 2026 season. The Bengals had one of the worst passing defenses in the league in 2025, allowing 233.8 passing yards per game (26th in the NFL). There isn't much optimism that the Bengals will be much better in 2025. As a rookie in 2025, Egbuka recorded 63 receptions for 938 yards and six touchdowns. He ranks as RotoBaller's No. 23 wide receiver for Week 1, making him a strong start in all standard leagues. Egbuka is a strong start across all formats in Week 1, and an intriguing DFS option as well.

Rome Odunze vs. Emeka Egbuka

Still trying to decide between Odunze and Egbuka? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Rome Odunze is projected to score 11.6 points this week while Emeka Egbuka is projected to score 13.3 points.