Luther

Burden

Burden’s season got off to a slow start, but in his final four regular-season games, the rookie second-rounder went for 21-324-1 on 26 targets. Burden managed just 66 scoreless yards on six receptions this postseason, but was still targeted 14 times in those two games. Burden showed enough flashes to warrant a larger role next season. How the Bears work him into that role will be determined in the offseason. His late-season emergence makes Burden an early breakout candidate for the 2026 season as does his 0.258 targets per route run over this final four regular season games and two postseason games.

Burden erupted a week ago for an 8-138-1 line in a game also played without Rome Odunze, so this result was a bit of a disappointment. Either way, Burden’s rookie regular season comes to an end with top-five per-target efficiency as the team prepares to host the Packers in the Wild Card round as the NFC’s No. 2 seed.

Burden’s injury caused a scare last week, but the exciting rookie missed only half a practice on Wednesday. He practiced full on Thursday and Friday and should be ready to roll against the Lions. The Bears (11-5) currently hold the NFC’s No. 2 playoff seed. They can secure their position with a win. Should they lose, and the Eagles (11-5) beat the Commanders (4-12), the Bears would slip to the No. 3 seed. Burden is a top-25 wide receiver for Week 18.

Burden should be in the top 25 in the wideout rankings this week as the Bears try to lock up the No. 2 seed against the Lions. The rookie wideout is on track to be removed from the injury report on Friday. He’s coming off a breakout 8/138/1 game against the 49ers in Week 17.

Burden’s official participation level is just an estimation, but this is a good start to the week for him. The explosive rookie seemingly collided with a 49ers defender on the final play of the game last week, injuring his quad. It is possible that this is just a contusion, rather than a strain. Either way, Burden’s early-week participation is a great sign. He is on track to play in Week 18 against the Lions.

Burden was carted off the field after injuring his quad on the last play of the Bears’ Week 17 loss to the 49ers. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported earlier this week that the injury isn’t thought to be serious. Johnson’s comments Wednesday seem to confirm that report. With the Bears hopeful Burden can play against the Lions this week, he’ll likely be available for the playoffs even if he’s ultimately held out this week.

Burden was one of two Bears receivers in the area of Caleb Williams’ target on the final play of the Bears’ Week 17 loss to the 49ers. The 22-year-old receiver remained down following the play and was subsequently carted to the locker room. It’s certainly encouraging news that Schefter reports the injury isn’t serious, though he also passes along that Burden will undergo additional testing. Following a breakout game with eight catches, 138 yards and a touchdown, Burden could be the Bears’ leading receiver in the playoffs.

Burden’s only incompletion when targeted went down as a drop, which was really the only blemish in an otherwise sparkling game for the talented rookie. He served as the primary receiver with Rome Odunze on the shelf, in a game where both offenses combined for over 940 yards of total offense. Burden has continued to show his electric abilities with the ball in his hands this season and has made a case as one of the true rising dynasty wideouts in the league while ranking in the top five in fantasy points per route run at the position. Of note, Burden remained down on the field following his target in the end zone to end the game and it was reported that he was carted off the field as a result.

The same is true of Olamide Zaccheaus, who is also dealing with an illness. It certainly seems like something is going around the Bears’ locker room. Players tend to play through illnesses, and the Bears are taking on the 49ers in a game that has massive implications for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. We expect both players to play, but fantasy managers will want to have a backup plan in place. Luther Burden would be in line for a sizable uptick in targets if one or both of Moore and Zaccheaus are ruled out.

Burden was limited on Wednesday and Thursday, and encouragingly upgraded to full participation on Friday. The rookie wide receiver earned 6-7 targets in each of his last three games. He is a decent bet to stay in that range against the 49ers this week, putting him squarely on the FLEX radar.