The Chicago Bears will host the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, specifically regarding WR Luther Burden III.
Is Luther Burden III Playing in Week 1?
Burden is not listed on the injury report this week, so barring any setbacks, he will play.
We’ll continue to monitor the Bears’ injury report leading up to kickoff for any changes. You can also visit and bookmark our Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Should You Start or Sit Luther Burden III in Week 1?
I won’t stop you from rostering a player like Luther Burden III in a redraft situation. He’s a talented kid with a pedigree entering an offense looking to develop quickly.
I am, however, going to stop you from, or advise against, giving this rookie a second look when filling out your Week 1 lineup. I’ll happily take him over Ben Johnson’s WR3 in Detroit last season (Kalif Raymond, Tim Patrick, and Allen Robinson at times), but by enough to overcome a system that didn’t have much room for that role?
In 2024, the Lions had two games in which a third receiver didn’t earn a single target, and in 15 of 17 games, that role didn’t reach five targets. Again, I think Burden will clear that level of usage based on raw talent and lesser high-end target earners in front of him, but not by much and not initially.
Burden certainly has contingent value, and the rising tide of this offense could lift his value with time. That’s a fair stance to take, it’s just not one to act on for the season opener.
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Week 1 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em article.
Luther Burden III’s Fantasy Points Projection in Week 1
Burden is projected to score 9.2 points in PPR formats. This includes 0.0 passing yards and 0.0 passing touchdowns. It also includes 5.4 rushing yards and 0.1 rushing touchdowns.
Check out the free PFSN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
Week 1 Weather Impact: Bears vs Vikings
Weather could significantly impact this outdoor game with temperatures at 64 degrees Fahrenheit and strong winds of 16 mph. The wind will likely affect the passing and kicking games, potentially favoring rushing attacks.
