The Chicago Bears focused on reinforcing their offense throughout 2023, pairing wide receiver Rome Odunze with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Their efforts continued in April with the additions of tight end Colston Loveland and versatile playmaker Luther Burden III, all signaling a push to increase scoring potential in a competitive <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/nfc/”>NFC North. As Rome Odunze enters his second year, the question remains whether he can elevate his performance enough to become a consistent fantasy football starter in 2025.
Assessing Rome Odunze’s Development Potential
While some wide receivers make immediate impacts in the NFL, it is equally common for highly touted players to show significant improvement in their second season. This pattern aligns with a demand for instant results but also a recognition that growth often comes with experience. Among seven prominent receivers drafted in the first round over the past ten years, several saw meaningful gains from their rookie to sophomore seasons, such as Corey Davis (+81.6%) and DeVonta Smith (+37.2%), while others like Jaylen Waddle experienced minor declines.
For Odunze, after flashing promise with two 100-yard games and a two-touchdown performance late in his rookie year, his overall consistency was mixed. During 2024, he experienced 11 games with six or fewer targets and nine contests falling short of 40 receiving yards, highlighting areas where efficiency must improve. These challenges partly reflect the adjustment period shared with a first-year quarterback in Caleb Williams.
Beyond raw numbers, Odunze earned a notable volume of high-value targets in his rookie campaign. He ranked third among rookie wide receivers since 2015 in end zone targets, trailing just DK Metcalf and Marvin Harrison Jr. This level of involvement in scoring opportunities suggests that his role within the offense could expand as the team’s chemistry develops.
Given the Bears’ roster dynamics, Odunze faces competition for targets, especially with veteran DJ Moore expected to lead the receiving corps. Nevertheless, a top-30 fantasy finish would represent a strong outcome, and even a top-40 season would meet reasonable expectations. As a result, Odunze is likely to remain a viable weekly flex option, with potential upside toward a WR3 designation in fantasy leagues if his progression continues.
Expert Analysis: Frank Ammirante’s Perspective on Odunze
Analyst Frank Ammirante identifies Odunze as a candidate for a breakout in 2025, emphasizing that the rookie struggled to maximize his talents amid a crowded receiver group featuring DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. During Odunze’s first season, the Bears’ passing attack lacked fluidity, attributed partly to offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s schemes, which did not fully capitalize on the skill sets of his offensive players.
The transition to offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is seen as a positive development for Odunze. Johnson’s reputation as a keen offensive strategist and the reports from Bears training camp highlight Odunze’s emerging role as the primary deep threat. This change could accelerate his production and increase his target share.
However, market expectations as reflected in average draft position (ADP) remain relatively high, with Odunze being selected among the top 35 wide receivers despite an underwhelming rookie season. Ammirante advises caution, suggesting that more established players like Chris Olave may offer safer value at comparable draft positions.
While DJ Moore retains the likely role as the team’s primary receiver given his consistent track record and age, Odunze’s fantasy value carries some risk of boom-or-bust production, particularly as the offense continues to evolve and possibly experience growing pains in 2025.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect From Odunze in the 2025 Season
Rome Odunze arrives at the start of his second NFL season with the opportunity to solidify his place as a reliable contributor for the Bears while vying for an enhanced fantasy football profile. His trajectory will largely depend on how well he can convert promising targets into consistent yardage and scores, especially given the competition within the Bears’ receiving group and the presence of a new offensive system.
The Bears remain focused on increasing offensive production to compete in a demanding NFC North, a context that supports greater responsibility for young weapons like Odunze. Should he improve his efficiency and maintain a significant role in the red zone, fantasy managers can anticipate a rising ceiling as the season unfolds.
Though the 2025 season projection includes variables of risk and reward, the foundation Odunze set during his rookie year and the optimism surrounding the Bears’ revamped offense offer a plausible path for him to emerge as a consistent fantasy contributor, ideally elevating him into the ranks of weekly starters in the near future.