Luther Burden
vs Bhayshul Tuten

“Burden has a 23.5% target share with 1.95 YPRR, six red zone targets (leads the team), zero deep targets, and a 32.8% first-read share (leads the team). This week, he faces a Jets’ secondary that has the fifth-highest two-high rate in the NFL (65.4%). Against two high, Burden is second on the team with a 21% target-per-route run rate with only 0.79 YPRR.”

“Per Fantasy Points Data Suite, Burden has seen a 31% first-read target rate (WR13). His biggest issues right now are route participation and Kalif Raymond . The upside still exists in a Ben Johnson offense, and I am willing to buy at a discount from a manager who has already lost faith.”

“Burden has played 55% of his snaps from the slot, but he has been targeted on only 12.5% of his slot routes (0.75 yards per route), compared with 32% of his routes outside (2.84 yards per route). The Eagles obviously have awesome boundary corners in Quinyon Mitchell and Riq Woolen , so it is hard to play through Burden's splits outside. Philadelphia has allowed 10 catches for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns to slot receivers so far, which likely plays a role in adding Kenny Moore this week and potentially giving them more flexibility to move Cooper DeJean around more like they did last week.”

“Luther Burden steps into a much larger workload in 2026. Last year (including the playoffs), Burden had only five games in which he played at least 53% of the snaps. In those games, he had a 15.5% target share and 61.2 receiving yards per game, which is concerning, but his per-route metrics were outstanding, with 2.30 yards per route run, a 23.6% first-read share, and 0.120 first downs per route run.”

“Luther Burden was just as buzzy as Parker Washington within the fantasy community this summer. Like Washington, Burden did some things late last season that whetted our appetite for a full breakout in 2026.”

“Luther Burden of the Chicago Bears is my pick for league-winner at receiver. With DJ Moore now in Buffalo, Burden steps into a much larger role alongside Rome Odunze and should command a significant target share in an improving Bears offense.”

“Shifting Burden into this alpha role makes perfect sense. Burden is an elite YAC monster, and Ben Johnson would use him as an offensive weapon all over the formation. In a record-breaking year, Burden’s ceiling isn’t just a low-end WR1 – it is an overall top-5 standard/PPR finish fueled by manufactured touches and explosive chunk plays.”

“The hype around Burden has gotten out of control. He averaged fewer PPR fantasy points per game than Theo Wease Jr. last season (8.6 vs. 8.5).”

“Watching Tuten get two touchdowns whipped off the board by holding calls and then watching Chris Rodriguez score last week made my face melt. Tuten finished with a disappointing 19 touches and 91 total yards when the fantasy box score should have been more grand. Tuten still finished with a season-high 59% snap share, 68% designed carry share, and 40.7% route share.”

“Tuten is second in the NFL in success rate as a runner (50%) despite getting hit at the line or in the backfield on 48% of his runs. He is averaging 4.02 yards after contact per rush, fourth in the league. Tuten is a screaming buy who could be electric if he gets targets.”

“Bhayshul Tuten is in a split backfield, but just like Kyren Williams and D’Andre Swift , it usually doesn’t matter. When you’re the lead back, even in a split backfield, on a high-scoring offense, you’re going to score points. It might be frustrating to watch the backup running back steal a valuable touchdown from time to time, but that comes with the territory.”

“Bhayshul Tuten ranks as a low-end RB2 and a potential buy-low candidate with 31 opportunities through the first two weeks.”

“Bhayshul Tuten has seen consistency in his workload through two games, with designed carry shares of 51.7% and 54.2% and route shares of 34.5% and 33.3%. He has averaged 15.5 touches and 75 total yards while splitting the red zone rushing role with Chris Rodriguez (each has two red zone rushing attempts). Tuten has been stellar on a per-rush basis.”

“One of the biggest worries of the offseason centered around the backfield split for Jacksonville, and primarily whether or not Bhayshul Tuten would be the preferred option for the Jaguars around the goal line over Chris Rodriguez . While Rodriguez has been involved to a minor degree for the Jags, it has been Tuten who was able to find the end zone this week and has overall dominated the touches in this offense. Maybe more importantly, Tuten’s TD carry came from short yardage, which should probably be the larger worry where C-Rod would be involved.”

“Bhayshul Tuten will compete with Chris Rodriguez to be the lead back for the Jaguars in 2026.”

“During this time, reports out of camp were glowing, with head coach Liam Coen even saying that Tuten is primed for a big season. We also saw reports of Tuten dominating some joint practices and looking the part of a featured back.”