It took a little time, as it tends to with a rookie who missed time during training camp due to injury, but Luther Burden did eventually emerge as a key part of the Chicago Bears' offense. Over a three-game stretch from Week 14-17 (he missed Week 16), he had 18 catches for 289 yards (16.1 yards per catch) with more than 65 yards in all three contests.
On a per-game basis over that stretch, accounting for that missed game and in full PPR scoring, Burden was tied for WR8 in fantasy. His Week 17 performance against the San Francisco 49ers, with eight catches for 138 yards and a touchdown, probably won his patient fantasy managers (who were willing to take on a little risk) some money in the final playoff week in many leagues.
Looking toward next season, the sky feels like the limit for Burden. Some analysts might call him the most-talented wide receiver on the Bears' team, and, with no offense to Rome Odunze and DJ Moore, it's hard to argue against that opinion.
ESPN fantasy analyst predicts full-on Year 2 breakout for Luther Burden
In his final "don't be surprised if...." column for this season, looking toward next season, ESPN fantasy analyst Eric Karabell had a concise prediction for Burden with a couple of juicier nuggets that would pave the path to him fulfilling it.
"Bears sophomore Luther Burden III breaks out with 77 catches, 1,100 receiving yards and 8 TDs. Rome Odunze does not do this. DJ Moore joins the Raiders."
Odunze was on track for a breakout season this year before a foot injury derailed him and eventually cost him multiple games. Better things should be coming for him next season. For Burden to fully breakout in his second season, Moore probably has to be traded, and Karabell point-blank wrote just as much.
Among offseason happenings that are in line to drive Burden's 2026 fantasy outlook, Moore being traded or not is basically the list. That said, the likely departure of Olamide Zaccheaus in free agency would open up snaps, and that would only be a good thing for Burden.
Read more: Anchor of Bears' offensive line draws a worthy accolade from Pro Football Focus
The numbers Karabell wouldn't "be surprised" Burden has next year would have been good for a finish as the WR7 in full PPR this year (235 fantasy points). When the time comes this summer, his Average Draft Position (ADP) will be interesting to track in alignment (or lack thereof) with where expectations will be for him heading into Year 2.