Who Should I Start? Saquon Barkley or Rome Odunze

Friday, August 1, 4:42 PM

Philadelphia Eagles superstar running back Saquon Barkley saw a "heavy workload as a ball-carrier and a receiver" during the team's training camp practice on Friday, according to Andrew DiCecco of Inside the Birds. A heavy rushing workload is the expectation for Barkley, as he led the NFL in rush attempts (345) and rushing yards (2,005) on his way to winning the AP Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2024. However, Barkley's receiving workload was relatively limited, as his 2.1 receptions per game was the lowest single-season mark of his career. Philadelphia has typically not utilized its running backs in the passing game during the Jalen Hurts era, but the team has also never had a running back as dynamic as Barkley. Modest reception totals are basically the only flaw in Barkley's fantasy profile, so correcting that could put him on track for a second-straight RB1 finish.

Sunday, August 17, 10:15 PM

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze went without a reception in his preseason debut against the Buffalo Bills. Odunze was targeted once on the game's second drive, but dropped his lone target on a curl route on a third down. Despite the dull night from the second-year receiver, Odunze ran half of his routes from the slot and could slide into the coveted Amon-Ra St. Brown role in head coach Ben Johnson's scheme. Odunze is having an impressive training camp and continues to see his fantasy stock rise this offseason. Even with a subpar night, the 2024 first-round pick remains a breakout candidate in fantasy this season.