If the NFL season started today, one Bears player would be the team’s biggest fantasy bargain, another would be the biggest fantasy bust, and a third would be the biggest fantasy wild card.
Luther Burden is poised to be the biggest bargain, whether or not the declining DJ Moore is dealt. If Moore stays, Burden’s ADP probably won’t be much better than WR30, setting him up for a “surprisingly” good fantasy season. Caleb Williams generated a blistering 123.1 QB rating when he threw to Burden, who reeled in an impressive 78% of his rookie targets. There’s room for him to reach the top 20. If Moore goes, then Burden’s ADP should pop into the top WR18-22 range, while his actual realistic ceiling will be squarely in the top 14.
#2 RB Kyle Monangai is headed toward bust status. Despite a statistically impressive campaign (4.6 yards per carry, five rushing touchdowns), the rookie somehow dropped six balls on 30 targets and faded dramatically in his final three games (including the playoffs). Seventh-round draft picks rarely improve after their first fantasy-relevant season. Monangai would have to be the exception to the rule to exceed ambitiously high (RB30-36 ADP) expectations.
Caleb Williams is the wild card. Last year’s overall fantasy QB5 could easily join the elite ranks in 2026, thanks in part to his steady NFL development, and also thanks to his highly talented, deep corps of playmakers. But there are also a lot of quarterbacks who could easily finish in the top five, and many more who could be QB8 or better. His ADP will probably be around QB6. That would give managers a tough decision on whether to lean in or fade.
