Who Should I Start? Xavier Worthy or Rome Odunze

Saturday, August 23, 4:34 AM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy caught one pass for nine yards in the 27-29 loss to the Chicago Bears. Worthy was targeted once on the third drive of the game, the last drive that the starters played. Worthy is coming off a strong finish to his rookie season and should be considered a key piece of the offense. The 22-year-old has blazing speed and a full year of experience under his belt to build upon. His stock is also set to rise with the eventual suspension of Rashee Rice, likely coming in the middle of the season. Worthy and Patrick Mahomes developed some chemistry down the stretch last season, and it will be interesting to see how that carries over. The young speedster proved he can be a big play threat or a chain-mover depending on what the team needs from him, and he should have a strong role this season.

Friday, August 29, 11:56 PM

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze has "taken on more of a natural leadership role, which has impressed those in every corner of (the team's) building," according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic. Howe writes that Odunze is "growing in new coach Ben Johnson's system on and off the field." The 2024 first-rounder is expected to make a leap from his rookie-season production, when he posted 54 catches for 734 yards and three touchdowns in 17 games. Odunze enters 2025 as the WR2 in Chicago behind D.J. Moore, but he has the talent to work his way into being the favorite target of quarterback Caleb Williams over the course of the season. The 23-year-old profiles as a WR3/flex option in fantasy with significant upside if he can hit on his full potential and the Bears' offense as a whole improves in Johnson's first year at the helm.