The NFL landscape shifted dramatically over the weekend with the Chicago Bears reportedly finalizing a deal to hire Ben Johnson as their new head coach. This move is generating excitement not just for the Bears’ real-life prospects but also for fantasy football enthusiasts. Could this be the turning point for the Bears’ offense?
Ben Johnson’s Impressive Track Record
Johnson, who served as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions for the past three seasons, has a remarkable record. Under his guidance, the Lions’ offense consistently ranked among the best in the league, finishing no worse than fifth in points per game and fourth in total net yards. In fact, they led the league in scoring during the 2024 season! Johnson’s offenses also demonstrated a strong passing focus, throwing the ball 54.7 percent of the time, and ranked in the top three for red-zone snaps.
What This Means for Fantasy Football
This is fantastic news for the fantasy outlook of several Bears’ offensive players. Caleb Williams, DJ Moore, and Rome Odunze are all primed to benefit from Johnson’s offensive strategies. Williams, in particular, has the potential to improve significantly on his QB16 finish from his rookie season. But what makes this situation even more intriguing is Johnson’s history with quarterbacks.
Under Johnson’s watch, Jared Goff saw his fantasy points soar, finishing 10th, 7th, and 6th in his three seasons as the Lions’ starter. In contrast, Goff struggled in his previous years, ranking 13th, 19th, and 24th without Johnson’s guidance. So, can we expect a similar leap for Williams? The potential is there, but it won’t be a walk in the park.
The Bears’ Offensive Line Challenge
While the hiring of Johnson is a positive step, the Bears have significant work to do on their offensive line. Last season, Chicago allowed the most sacks in the league, giving up more than twice as many as the Lions! Over the past three seasons, only the New York Giants have allowed more sacks than the Bears. In stark contrast, the Lions ranked among the best, allowing the third-fewest sacks.
This disparity highlights a critical area that the Bears must address. Chicago holds eight picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including four in the top 72. This draft capital provides a golden opportunity for the Bears to bolster their offensive line and create a more supportive environment for their quarterback.
Potential Breakout Candidates
In addition to Williams, fantasy managers should keep an eye on Rome Odunze. If the Bears decide to move on from Keenan Allen, Odunze’s target share could skyrocket, making him a prime candidate for a breakout season. With Johnson at the helm, the Bears’ offense is poised for improvement, and Odunze could be a key beneficiary.
Imagine the possibilities: a revamped offense with a strong passing game, a young quarterback ready to take the next step, and emerging talents like Odunze making waves. The excitement is palpable!
Looking Ahead
As the Bears prepare for this new chapter, the potential for growth is immense. With Johnson’s proven track record of success and the promise of new talent in the draft, the Bears could become a formidable force in both real and fantasy football.
For fantasy football enthusiasts, this is the time to start evaluating your strategies. The Bears’ offensive assets could see a significant uptick in value, especially if Johnson can replicate his success in Detroit.
In summary, the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach is a thrilling development for the Chicago Bears and their fantasy football prospects. With a history of offensive success, a young quarterback looking to improve, and potential breakout candidates, the Bears are on the brink of transformation. Will they rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement is just beginning!
As we look forward to the upcoming season, keep your eyes on the Bears. They might just surprise everyone with their offensive prowess, and you won’t want to miss out on the fantasy football opportunities that lie ahead.
