Bears WR Luther Burden III, Packers WR Matthew Golden Poised for Breakout Seasons

Fantasy experts highlight early 2026 breakout candidates, including Chicago's Luther Burden III and Green Bay's Matthew Golden

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:05am

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Fantasy football experts are predicting big seasons ahead for a few young wide receivers, including Chicago Bears' Luther Burden III and Green Bay Packers' Matthew Golden. Burden, a 2025 rookie, is expected to take on a larger role with the departure of DJ Moore, while Golden should see increased playing time in Green Bay with the loss of Romeo Doubs to the Patriots.

Why it matters

Identifying breakout players early can give fantasy managers a significant advantage on draft day. Both Burden and Golden are positioned to see expanded opportunities in 2026, making them intriguing options for fantasy leagues.

The details

Burden, the Bears' 2025 first-round pick, impressed as a rookie with his efficiency, averaging 2.69 yards per route run - putting him in elite company alongside players like Odell Beckham Jr. and Justin Jefferson. With Moore now in Buffalo, Burden is expected to take on a full-time role in Chicago's offense and could emerge as a WR1 option. Meanwhile, Golden played a significant role for the Packers early in 2025 before losing snaps upon Christian Watson's return. With Doubs now in New England, Golden is poised to step up as a key part of Green Bay's passing attack.

  • Burden emerged as an efficient receiver for the Bears in the second half of the 2025 season.
  • The Bears traded WR DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills this offseason.
  • Golden saw his playing time decrease in 2025 when Christian Watson returned from injury.
  • The Packers lost WR Romeo Doubs to the New England Patriots in free agency.

The players

Luther Burden III

A 2025 first-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears, Burden showed promise as a rookie with his efficiency, averaging 2.69 yards per route run.

Matthew Golden

A wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, Golden played a significant role early in the 2025 season before losing snaps when Christian Watson returned from injury.

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What they’re saying

“Bears WR Luther Burden isn't sneaking up on anyone. But I'm not sure fantasy players understand how high his ceiling climbs. Burden never captured enough playing time to be a reliable fantasy option last year. But his per-route efficiency was off the charts.”

— Jared Smola, Draft Sharks

“Gotta be Luther Burden III for the Chicago Bears. Burden showed out in the second half of his rookie season, and that growth is expected to continue into Year 2 under HC Ben Johnson.”

— Andrew Erickson

“Matthew Golden played often for the Green Bay Packers to start his NFL career, only for his play time to be slashed upon the return of Christian Watson to the Packers offense. Now, with a full year of experience under his belt, Golden should see the field often for the Packers in 2026.”

— Ed Birdsall, Talking Points Sports

What’s next

The Bears and Packers will look to integrate Burden and Golden into larger roles in their respective offenses during the 2026 preseason.

The takeaway

Both Luther Burden III and Matthew Golden are poised to take on expanded responsibilities in 2026 following the departures of key receivers from their teams. These young wideouts could emerge as valuable fantasy assets if they can capitalize on their increased opportunities.