Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Rome Odunze

Friday, September 5, 2:19 PM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is not worth starting in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers project to have a solid defense with coordinator Robert Saleh back in the fold, and it remains to be seen if Darnold's breakout season in 2024 was a mirage. However, Darnold's level of play is worth monitoring in Week 1. He is joining an offense coordinated by Klint Kubiak with ties back to Darnold's year in San Francisco as a backup quarterback. The offense is going to play to Darnold's strengths, and he could very well succeed at a high level this season. Darnold is coming off a season in which he was the QB9 in Minnesota. While we certainly do not expect that of Darnold without wide receiver Justin Jefferson in 2025, he could still be an excellent streamer or QB2. Watch Darnold closely in Week 1. Even solid success against the 49ers' defense would suggest that we are in for another season of fantasy fun with the eight-year veteran.

Tuesday, September 9, 9:26 AM

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze got off to a great start to his sophomore season on Monday Night Football. He led the Bears with six catches on his team-high nine targets and totaled 37 receiving yards along with a touchdown. His fourth-quarter touchdown brought the Bears back to within three points, but they weren't able to finish their rally, falling 27-24 to the Vikings. Odunze showed a strong connection with Caleb Williams and looks ready to take on a featured role in new coach Ben Johnson's offense. Next week, Williams and Odunze will go on the road to Detroit for another divisional contest. Odunze should remain very relevant for fantasy as long as he keeps getting so many targets, especially near the goal line.