Luther Burden’s Late-Season Surge Hints at a Bigger Role in Chicago’s Future
Luther Burden wasn’t supposed to be a major player in the Bears’ offense right out of the gate. Not with so many established weapons ahead of him and a rookie quarterback still finding his NFL footing. But here we are, heading into Week 16, and Burden has made it clear: he belongs.
Even though an ankle injury will keep him off the field against the Packers this weekend, Burden’s recent stretch of play has turned heads - and not just in Chicago. He’s been flashing the kind of upside that could make him a legitimate breakout candidate in 2026, especially for those in dynasty fantasy leagues already looking ahead.
A Glimpse of What’s to Come
Before the injury, Burden was on pace for what could’ve been his second 100-yard game of the season in Week 15 against Cleveland. He ended the day with six catches on seven targets for 84 yards - and he did it in just 26 snaps. That kind of efficiency is hard to ignore.
Over his last three games, Burden has hauled in 14 catches on 19 targets. He’s topped 65 receiving yards in back-to-back games and has quietly finished as WR26 and WR23 in full PPR fantasy scoring formats during those weeks. For a rookie in a crowded offense, that’s no small feat.
He’s not just a stash anymore - he’s become a roster-worthy option in redraft leagues, even if he’s not quite a weekly starter yet. But make no mistake: Burden’s ceiling hasn’t been reached. Not even close.
The Route to Relevance
What’s changed? For starters, head coach Ben Johnson is making good on his early-season promise to get Burden more involved.
Over the past five games, Burden has averaged just over 20 routes run per game. That’s a clear uptick in usage, and it’s being paired with smart, creative deployment.
Johnson’s offense is designed to stress defenses at all three levels, and Burden is thriving in that environment. He’s not just running go-routes or catching dump-offs - he’s being used on screens, fly sweeps, and quick hitters that give him room to operate after the catch. That’s where his suddenness and change-of-direction skills really shine.
And if you’ve watched him closely, you’ve seen it. In his last two games alone, Burden has totaled 10 receptions on 13 targets for 151 yards. He’s showing the kind of playmaking ability that made him a second-round pick - and why the Bears believe he could be a long-term piece of their offensive puzzle.
Looking Ahead: What’s Burden’s Role in 2026?
It’s still early, but Burden is already drawing attention as a potential breakout star for next season. ESPN’s Matt Bowen recently named him one of eight players poised to make a leap in 2026, pointing to both his increased usage and his versatility as key reasons why.
Burden’s college tape at Missouri showed off that same versatility. He logged 34 carries over three seasons, and the Bears have tapped into that part of his game with a rushing attempt in each of the three games before Week 15.
While some scouts may have typecast him as a gadget guy coming into the draft, he’s proving he’s far more than that. He’s a complete receiver - one who can win in space, create separation, and move the chains.
And here’s where things get interesting: if the Bears were to move on from DJ Moore in 2026 - a possibility that’s been floated but cooled a bit after Moore’s two-touchdown performance in Week 15 - Burden could be in line for a massive jump in opportunity. Even if Moore stays, Burden’s pushing for a bigger slice of the pie on merit alone.
With Caleb Williams growing more comfortable and Ben Johnson dialing up creative ways to get his playmakers in space, Burden could find himself in a WR2 role sooner rather than later. He’s already showing he can handle the volume and make the most of his chances.
The Bottom Line
Luther Burden’s rookie season hasn’t been about overwhelming stats or headline-grabbing moments. It’s been about growth, flashes of brilliance, and a steady climb up the depth chart in one of the league’s more intriguing young offenses.
He won’t suit up in Week 16, but he’s already made his mark. And if the last few weeks are any indication, the Bears - and fantasy managers - might be looking at a future star in the making.
Burden’s arrow is pointing up. Keep watching.