Fantasy football players have a reason to buy stock in Rome Odunze

If it hadn't been for a foot injury, Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze would have had a huge 2025 season.

After picking up 734 yards in his rookie season in 2024, Odunze's sophomore year took a dip in the numbers. He finished with 661 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games. Odunze missed the last five games of the regular season with a foot injury, but returned for the playoff run.

Entering 2026, the Bears will be leaning on Odunze to be their number-one receiver with DJ Moore traded. That could mean big things for any player in fantasy football.

Rome Odunze is ready for a massive fantasy football year

Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox had a list of 10 players who could be sleepers in fantasy football if top players get hurt. Odunze was the first name on Knox's list.

"Last year, Chicago Bears receiver D.J. Moore finished as WR35, which isn't overly impressive. However, the trade that sent him to the Buffalo Bills will still open up a big opportunity for third-year receiver Rome Odunze.

Moore led all Bears wideouts in receptions (50) and receiving yards (682), while finishing second behind Odunze in targets. The previous season, he finished as WR16.

Rookie Luther Burden III came on strong last season, with 357 of his 652 receiving yards coming in the final five games, and he's also a strong breakout candidate. However, with an average draft position (ADP) of 40, Burden is being valued as a breakout start—and is perhaps overvalued, since the breakout hasn't actually happened yet.

Odunze, meanwhile, is being undervalued a bit. With an ADP of 72, he'll provide massive value if he replaces Moore as Chicago's top wideout."

Last year, Odunze was ranked 36th among wide receivers in fantasy football with 102 points. He was ranked 51st with 91 points in 2024.

Burden and Colston Loveland are the only names that would threaten Odunze as the top receiver. It feels as though the 2026 season could be the year that Odunze puts it all together and gets the job done.

Over the last two seasons, Odunze has shown the potential to be an all-around great receiver in the NFL. Part of what has held him back was last year's foot injury and the fact that his quarterback, Caleb Williams, likes to spread the ball around.

Bears fans are going to want to see a bigger year out of Odunze, but fantasy owners would really benefit from a breakout season as well.

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