Fantasy Football Video: Can Rome Odunze bounce back in 2026 in crowded Bears' receiving room?
TL;DR
Rome Odunze has the potential to become the No. 1 receiver for the Chicago Bears in 2026 after DJ Moore's departure. His success hinges on staying healthy and regaining his form following a foot injury last season.
Key points
- Rome Odunze was the WR3 in fantasy scoring for the Bears in 2025.
- He suffered a foot injury that impacted his performance.
- DJ Moore's departure opens up a starting role for Odunze in 2026.
Mentioned in this story
The Chicago Bears were the feel-good story of the 2025 fantasy football season. In the first year under head coach Ben Johnson, Chicago produced multiple fantasy-relevant players, including Caleb Williams (QB6), DâAndre Swift (RB15) and Colston Loveland (TE14).
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At wide receiver, things were a bit more spread out with Rome Odunze starting the season hot, the WR3 in fantasy scoring through the first four weeks. He would end up falling off after injuring his foot but DJ Moore and Luther Burden III spent weeks as viable fantasy options.
Now, Moore is in Buffalo and Odunze has a clear path to being the No. 1 receiving option in what should be an elite offense in 2026. That is, if the third-year wideout can stay healthy and get back on track.
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Matt Harmon was joined by Footballguysâ Dave Kluge on the latest episode of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast to talk the Bearsâ receiving room and if Odunze can bounce back this upcoming season.
Harmon believes thereâs room for all three of the Bearsâ top receiving options â Odunze, Burden and Loveland â to all be impactful in 2026. Kluge agrees with the sentiment but what worries him about Odunze is that he could turn into a âsacrificial X-receiverâ as Harmon has penned.
Kluge mentions some similar situations from Johnsonâs time in Detroit when receivers like DJ Chark, Allen Robinson, Josh Reynolds were the X-receiver but werenât getting the target volume youâd like for fantasy football production. Those players were just opening stuff up for the better receiver (Amon-Ra St. Brown for the Lions). Could that be the case with Odunze opening things up for Burden and Loveland in 2026?
Q&A
What happened to Rome Odunze in the 2025 fantasy football season?
Rome Odunze started strong as the WR3 in fantasy scoring but fell off due to a foot injury.
How does DJ Moore's departure affect the Bears' receiving options in 2026?
With DJ Moore now in Buffalo, Rome Odunze has a clearer path to becoming the Bears' No. 1 receiving option.
What are the expectations for the Chicago Bears' offense in 2026?
The Bears are expected to have an elite offense in 2026, which could enhance Odunze's fantasy value if he stays healthy.
