Dynasty Fantasy Football Trade Targets - Should I Buy or Sell Rome Odunze?

The 2024 NFL Draft was loaded with receiving talent. We saw several rookies step on the field and immediately produce results for dynasty fantasy football owners.

Unfortunately, not all of the 2024 wide receiver class hit the ground running. Bears rookie Rome Odunze struggled to consistently produce as a rookie last year. His performance has caused angst and doubt among dynasty fantasy football players and has left them wondering what exactly they should do with Odunze.

It was certainly a less-than-ideal start to Odunze’s career, but it may not be a reason to panic. Let’s take a few minutes to discuss whether dynasty fantasy football players should buy or sell last year’s ninth overall pick.

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What Happened to Rome Odunze in 2024?

Odunze’s rookie season was a bit of a mess. He only posted 734 receiving yards on 54 receptions and scored just three touchdowns. Many dynasty gamers are concerned. Some are already claiming the former Washington Husky is a bust due to his poor rookie year and subpar advanced metrics.

Context is incredibly important in situations like this. Last offseason, the Bears made a questionable hire when they tabbed Shane Waldron as the team’s offensive coordinator. This proved to be a disastrous decision as rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the entire Chicago offense struggled under Waldron. That problem has since been addressed as the Bears hired former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to be their new head coach.

Bear down: Chicago is finalizing a deal to hire Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as its next head coach, sources tell ESPN. Bears are getting their man. pic.twitter.com/UwlLk3wNJZ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 20, 2025

While Odunze’s first year was disappointing, we must keep in mind that this was not the best environment for him to thrive as a rookie. He was also stuck behind veterans Keenan Allen and DJ Moore on the depth chart. Odunze’s situation is very similar to Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s rookie year. Both were buried on the depth chart due to a loaded receiver room, and both dealt with sub-optimal play-calling from Waldron.

It’s important to remember that Odunze is still a highly talented player with top-10 draft capital and proved he can separate against NFL defenders.

Caleb Williams' AND Rome Odunze's first career TD!

📺: #CHIvsIND on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/u0ICGLXCz7

— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024

Should I Buy or Sell Rome Odunze?

To be incredibly straightforward, Rome Odunze is one of the best buy-low candidates this offseason. Chicago just hired one of the top offensive minds in the NFL, and Odunze is playing with a young, talented quarterback.

His critics are quick to point to his per-route data as a reason for concern. But let’s be real. Judging any player based on the Bears' 2024 offense is grossly unfair. While advanced metrics are incredibly useful tools, they don't always tell the full story. This is a case where we have to take all that data and flush it down the toilet due to extremely poor circumstances.

If anyone in your league is buying into the narrative that Odunze is a bust, stop reading this and go get him on your team. Seriously, text your buddy and start working on a deal. Odunze is still an incredibly talented player, and his situation just got immensely better. The best is yet to come.

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