Should I start Rome Odunze in fantasy Week 13? Lineup advice for Bears WR vs. Eagles originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Chicago Bears are making the trip to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the battle of 8-3 teams that have been frustrating for fantasy managers this season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhile there's enough offense to go around for both teams, the usage for the players on both teams has frustrated fans, with both teams' number one receivers being the most frustrating. A.J. Brown has been shaky all year, while Rome Odunze has struggled lately.
The big question for fantasy managers this week is whether they can trust Odunze to be in lineups again. Fantasy managers are in make-or-break territory with the playoffs around the corner, making this decision a tough and important one to make.
Should Rome Odunze be started in fantasy?
The fantasy production from Odunze has been a challenging one to manage this season. Underdog NFL highlighted the disparity in production, as Odunze was the WR3 through the first four weeks this season, but since the Bears' Week 5 bye, he has been the WR44.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementA huge reason for that has been the lack of touchdown production. Odunze had five touchdowns in four weeks to begin the season, but in the seven weeks since the bye, Odunze has just one touchdown.
Starting in Week 6, Odunze has had 5.2, 5.1, 18.4, 0.0, 20.6, 6.1, and 8.3 fantasy points in full PPR leagues. It's been a wildly inconsistent season for Odunze, making his start/sit decision this week a tough one.
To make matters worse, Odunze will have to go up against Quinyon Mitchell, one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL this season. While Odunze won't line up against Mitchell all game, when he does, his fantasy production will take a hit.
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AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Eagles' pass defense has allowed some solid production recently, thanks to their number two cornerback spot being a major issue. Odunze could have a solid day even against a tougher defense in Philadelphia.
However, his recent production makes him a big risk this week. If fantasy managers have a better alternative, then Odunze can ride the bench for one week. But that's not to say Odunze can't be started.
It's a risk, as his recent production has been boom or bust, but if Ben Johnson can scheme him matchups against the weak Eagles secondary outside of Mitchell, then Odunze could have a decent day.
Fantasy managers are better off benching Odunze if they can, but if there aren't any other viable options, then starting Odunze wouldn't be the worst choice in Week 13.
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