Yes, your interest-free investment won’t pay off for months, but the wait could be worth it. With the 2024 NFL Draft now in the rear view, where should gamblers stack their greenbacks in the season-long props market? Here are my initial thoughts on an available wager tied to this year’s impressive wide receiver class.
The pick — Rome Odunze OVER 675.5 receiving yards (-115, Caesars)
Rome may have not been built in a day, but Chicago’s version could be constructed in merely a few sunups.
It’s a new and exciting era for the Bears. Justin Fields is out. No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams is in.
Not surprisingly, the hype is buzzing along Lake Michigan. Black and Blue fans who’ve suffered through years of underachieving teams are positively giddy — and understandably so. For once, arguably ever, the Bears front office dedicated time and energy to dramatically improving scoring potential.
What a concept!
For a franchise that’s never produced a 30-touchdown passer, the outlook on offense is unusually rosy. D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, Odunze, Cole Kmet and D’Andre Swift make up an explosive offensive unit, one that should camp out in the red zone early and often this season. Of course, that’s assuming Williams doesn’t morph into Mitchell Trubisky negative 2.0.
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Odunze is already somewhat behind the 8-ball. Hamstring tightness has kept him sidelined from OTAs the last couple weeks, but the physical derailment has allowed him to dedicate more time to the mental side — absorbing Shane Waldron’s playbook.
The expectation is for the ballyhooed rookie wide receiver to return to the field shortly. When he does, he should establish instant chemistry with Williams. Odunze’s size, precise route running and tender hands are exceptional qualities.
Last year with Washington, his open-field shiftiness and versatility were on display. Working in concert with Michael Penix Jr., Odunze posted a 101 or better passer rating on five different routes (go, in, post, slant and screen), according to Pro Football Focus. He also ranked appreciably in missed tackles forced (14, No. 35 in Division I) and set the pace in deep yards (783) and contested catches (21). Again, multidimensionality is the name of his game.
In Waldron’s “multiple” offense, a creative scheme predicated on balance, motion and different looks, Oduzne should log considerable time splitting action in the slot and outside. Assuming his soft tissue issues don’t flare up, the WR31 in my fantasy rankings should lure 100-110 targets in Year 1. And that’s possibly an understatement. It’s not like a well-aged Allen is made of titanium.
Bear … UP. And mark this believer down for 800-plus yards in Odunze's inaugural campaign.