Who Should I Start? Rome Odunze or Ricky Pearsall

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.

Sunday, January 5, 10:47 PM

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall followed last week's breakout game with another strong showing in Sunday's 47-24 Week 18 loss to the Cardinals in Arizona. The Arizona native caught six of eight targets for 69 yards, including a six-yard touchdown grab on a contested slant pattern from backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs. Pearsall, who started his 49ers career on a terrifying note -- being shot in the chest during an armed robbery attempt -- had an up-and-down year once he debuted in Week 7. Pearsall produced four fantasy-useful performances in 2024 but seven in which he was held below six half-PPR points. With momentum and the validation of his first-round pedigree this season, Pearsall could be an intriguing late-round fantasy pick in 2025 depending on the health of Brandon Aiyuk's knee, and if Pearsall can move past Jauan Jennings and/or Deebo Samuel Sr. in the 49ers' hierarchy.