As a fantasy football analyst (and a long-suffering Chicago Bears fan), I’ll admit I’m cautiously optimistic about Ben Johnson’s arrival as the Chicago Bears’ new head coach. Johnson’s reputation as an offensive innovator stems from his time with the Detroit Lions, where he helped transform them into a legitimate playoff contender in 2024. The Lions’ offense became a top-tier unit under his guidance, with Jared Goff enjoying one of the best seasons of his career and the team’s skill players flourishing in a creative, balanced system.
Now, Johnson takes the reins of a Bears team that, despite a 2024 season marked by struggles, has the pieces in place to compete in the NFC North. With Caleb Williams, the first overall pick, leading the offense, and a revamped receiving corps, Johnson has a chance to make an immediate impact. However, questions remain about the run game and the rest of the coaching staff.
Ben Johnson’s Coaching History
Johnson’s rise in the coaching ranks has been nothing short of impressive. After starting his NFL career as an offensive assistant with the Miami Dolphins in 2012, he worked his way up. He gaining experience with quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends. In 2019, he joined the Detroit Lions as an offensive quality control coach and quickly climbed the ladder. He became their offensive coordinator in 2022.
Ben Johnson’s tenure as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023 was nothing short of transformative. In 2022, the Lions amassed 6,460 total offensive yards over 17 games, averaging 26.6 points per game. This offensive surge was a significant factor in their 9-8 record that season.
The momentum continued into 2023, with the Lions’ offense reaching new heights. They racked up 6,712 total offensive yards, averaging 27.1 points per game, which ranked them fifth in the league. This offensive prowess propelled the team to a 12-5 record and a playoff appearance, where they secured a narrow 24-23 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round.
Under Johnson’s leadership, the Lions’ offense improved dramatically. In 2024, the Lions finished with a top-five offense in both yards and points per game, thanks to Johnson’s ability to adapt his schemes to his players’ strengths. Jared Goff threw for over 4,500 yards, and both Amon-Ra St. Brown and sophomore standout Jahmyr Gibbs had career years. Johnson’s emphasis on creativity, misdirection, and maximizing player matchups made the Lions one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
Passing Attack
The 2024 Bears’ offense has a chance to mirror the success Johnson found in Detroit. Caleb Williams, the highly-touted 2024 rookie quarterback, offers a skill set Johnson has never had before: elite arm talent combined with game-changing mobility. Pairing Williams with a strong receiving corps—featuring D.J. Moore, rookie Rome Odunze, and possibly Keenan Allen—gives Johnson the tools to implement a high-powered passing attack.
Johnson’s history suggests he’ll lean on pre-snap motion, play-action, and vertical concepts to create mismatches and open up the field. Moore should continue to thrive as a WR1, while Odunze’s size and athleticism make him a prime candidate for red-zone targets. If Allen stays, his veteran presence could be invaluable in helping Williams adjust to the NFL. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on this offense, as it has the potential to produce multiple top-tier contributors.
Running Attack
The Bears’ run game in 2024 was mediocre, and Johnson will need to work his magic to turn it into a strength. With Khalil Herbert no longer on the roster, the backfield features D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson. Swift is explosive but inconsistent, while Roschon is a grinder who could thrive in a scheme that emphasizes physicality and gap control.
Johnson’s success in Detroit’s ground game—where he turned David Montgomery into a touchdown leader and maximized Jahmyr Gibbs’ versatility—offers hope. If he can replicate that success in Chicago, the Bears’ run game could surprise people. For now, though, the run game is a question mark, and fantasy managers should approach it cautiously.
Reason for Doubt
Despite Johnson’s offensive prowess, there are reasons for skepticism. The Bears’ defense remains a major liability, and the rest of the coaching staff has yet to be announced. Johnson will need strong defensive and special teams coordinators to address the team’s weaknesses on the other side of the ball.
The offensive line is still a work in progress, and Johnson will need to ensure it can protect Caleb Williams and open up lanes for the run game. Finally, the Bears’ history of poor decision-making at the organizational level looms large. Can Johnson overcome the franchise’s dysfunction and build a winning culture?
Reason for Hope
Ben Johnson’s ability to transform offenses is undeniable. His work with the Lions in 2024 showed that he can maximize talent and adapt his schemes to fit his players. Caleb Williams is a generational talent, and the Bears’ receiving corps is the best it’s been in years.
If Johnson can fill out his staff with strong hires and address the team’s weaknesses in free agency and the draft, the Bears have a real shot at making the playoffs in 2025. Fantasy managers should be excited about the potential of this offense, with Williams and Odunze poised for breakout seasons.
Ben Johnson’s hiring marks a turning point for the Bears. Whether it’s the beginning of a new era or just another false start remains to be seen. As a fan, I’ll keep hoping for the best—because, honestly, what else can we do?
Bullet points
- Cole Kmet: Consistency in targets especially in the red-zone incoming
- Roschon Johnson: Volume increased work-horse back in year 3. With improvements to the O-Line we can see Johnson being used as his size says he should be.
- Rome Odunze: Playmaker, Odunze will be put in place to make the plays intended in 2024. Big catches, high yardage.
