Week 9 of the NFL season saw several rookies make their mark in the fantasy football realm, with wide receivers Rome Odunze of the Chicago Bears and Marvin Harrison Jr. of the Arizona Cardinals leading the charge. Running back Ray Davis of the Buffalo Bills also showed promise as a potential breakout candidate if starter James Cook misses time.
Odunze Emerges as Bears’ Top Target
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze turned heads with his second 100-yard receiving game of the season against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. The seventh-round pick out of Stanford hauled in seven of his nine targets for 112 yards and a touchdown, becoming the first Bears rookie with multiple 100-yard games since Willie Gault in 1983.
Odunze’s rapport with quarterback Caleb Williams continues to blossom, as the two connected on several key plays throughout the game. The rookie’s ability to create separation and make tough catches in traffic has made him an invaluable asset in the Bears’ passing attack.
“Rome has been doing an incredible job for us,” said Bears head coach Kyle Brandt after the game. “His work ethic and attention to detail are second to none, and it’s translating to success on the field.”
– According to a team source
With Odunze’s emergence, fantasy managers should consider him a solid WR2 option moving forward, especially in PPR formats. The Bears face a favorable matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 10, making Odunze an enticing play.
Harrison Jr. Struggles with Consistency
On the other hand, Cardinals rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. had a disappointing outing in Week 9, catching just three passes for 34 yards against the Bears. The second-round pick out of Ohio State has shown flashes of brilliance this season but has struggled to maintain consistency in the Cardinals’ offense.
Despite leading the team in targets, Harrison Jr. has yet to develop a strong connection with quarterback Kyler Murray. The rookie’s lack of chemistry with Murray has led to inconsistent fantasy production, making him a risky play for managers.
“We’re working on getting Marvin more involved,” said Cardinals offensive coordinator Tim Wells. “He’s a talented player, and we need to do a better job of putting him in positions to succeed.”
– According to a team insider
While Harrison Jr.’s upside remains high, fantasy managers should temper their expectations and consider him a low-end WR2 or flex option until he can establish more consistent production.
Davis a Bench Stash with Upside
Buffalo Bills rookie running back Ray Davis made the most of his limited opportunities in Week 9, rushing for 63 yards and a touchdown on just six carries. The undrafted free agent out of Coastal Carolina showcased his explosiveness with a 63-yard scoring scamper, the longest reception by a Bills running back since C.J. Spiller in 2012.
While Davis remains behind starter James Cook on the depth chart, his performance on Sunday suggests he could be a valuable fantasy asset if Cook were to miss time. In Week 6, with Cook inactive, Davis racked up 18.2 fantasy points on 23 touches.
“Ray has been doing a great job in practice and is always ready when his number is called,” said Bills running backs coach Shane Fuller. “He’s a talented back with a bright future ahead of him.”
– According to a team source
Fantasy managers with bench space should consider stashing Davis, especially if they own Cook. The Bills’ high-powered offense provides ample opportunities for their running backs to produce fantasy-relevant numbers.
Other Rookies to Watch
Several other rookies made notable contributions in Week 9:
- Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Carolina Panthers: Sanders caught four passes for 67 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his athleticism and potential as a future fantasy star.
- Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders: Bowers continued his impressive rookie campaign with six receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown, solidifying his status as a TE1.
- Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants: Nabers led the Giants with nine receptions for 59 yards, demonstrating his value in PPR formats.
As the season progresses, fantasy managers should keep a close eye on these rookies and their roles within their respective offenses. Identifying and acquiring breakout candidates before they become household names can provide a significant edge in fantasy leagues.
