With Ben Johnson taking over as head coach, the Chicago Bears are expected to go through a true revival on offense. While quarterback Caleb Williams has been getting all the hype, he isn’t the only member of the Bears to reap the Johnson benefits.
Like Williams, wide receiver Rome Odunze was a top 10 pick in 2024. While his rookie season didn’t highlight his true potential, Odunze will be earmarked for an even larger role under Johnson. The Bears have plenty of offensive pass catchers, but alongside DJ Moore, Odunze will be atop the pecking order.
There is still plenty of time before Week 1, but the fantasy football community is beginning to take notice of Chicago’s offensive uprising. Specifically when it comes to Odunze, Fox Sports calls him the biggest fantasy football breakout candidate entering the 2025 season. Williams came in at ninth on the list as the Bears were the only team with two players in the top 10.
Which players are poised for a breakout fantasy football season in 2025? We've ranked the top ten candidates most likely to make a significant impact this year. pic.twitter.com/pNbrL83YvQ
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) May 12, 2025
Chicago Bears expecting breakout season from Rome Odunze
Odunze’s rookie season can be described similarly to Williams’. Neither fell directly flat on their face, but both rookies failed to live up to their top 10 pick potential. Overall, Odunze caught 54 passes for 734 yards and three touchdowns.
He ranked third on the team in both receptions and yards and fourth in touchdowns. However, with fellow rookies like Brian Thomas Jr, Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey stealing the show, it was easy to forget that Odunze went No. 9 overall.
But heading into 2025, there are plenty of reasons for Odunze optimism. Keenan Allen ranked above him in all three receiving categories and led the Bears with seven touchdowns receptions. While Luther Burden is an apt replacement, the rookie will still need to get acclimated to the NFL. With Odunze entering his sophomore year, it’s fair to think a lot of Allen’s production will now trickle his way.
Aiding Odunze’s hypothetical breakout campaign is the arrival of Johnson. He helped the Detroit Lions finish second in passing offense in 2024, averaging 263.2 yards per game. Both Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams broke 1,000 receiving yards while Sam LaPorta joined them in have seven+ touchdown passes.
Assuming Johnson’s offensive gameplan works out, Odunze’s biggest problem will simply be the Bears having so many cooks in the kitchen. However, the wide receiver was a top 10 pick for a reason. Johnson took the Bears job knowing he wouldn’t only have Williams, but Odunze to build around in the wide receiver room.
Odunze, like many on the Bears roster, will have plenty to prove in 2025. But if he can live up to his No. 9 pick potential, Chicago will have the makings of a newly potent offense.
Why Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams is smiling after Vikings Monday Night Football reveal
Read MoreFor More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
