Source + player page
Yahoo Sports NFL fantasy football takes on Caleb Williams
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Yahoo Sports NFL about Caleb Williams.
80
Insights
62
Positive
4
Negative
Insight ledger
All Yahoo Sports NFL insights about Caleb Williams
NegativeRoleSep 15, 2026
Williams' extension is possibly looming next offseason for the Bears, creating a financial constraint that could complicate the team's ability to fit Porter into their salary structure alongside cornerback Jaylon Johnson.PositiveUsageSep 15, 2026
Caleb Williams had a big game in Week 1 that helped Joel Smyth outscore two-thirds of the league despite losing to Chris Allen in their heavyweight matchup.PositiveProjectionSep 15, 2026
Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears dropped 59 points on the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, the franchise's most since the 1980 season, contributing to the highest-scoring Week 1 game (96 combined points) in league history.PositiveProjectionSep 15, 2026
In Week 1 against Carolina, Caleb Williams rushed for two touchdowns and 65 yards (his career high on the ground), but the source was most impressed by his game control and decision-making. Williams took advice from Hall of Famer Drew Brees before the game and played within himself, keeping chains moving and maintaining control; the source states "Without Caleb, Chicago might not win this game."PositiveProjectionSep 15, 2026
Williams delivered an explosive and efficient Week 1 performance against Carolina with four touchdowns; despite receiving a hilariously low grade from Pro Football Focus, the source views this as a sign of even greater upside ahead, suggesting if that performance was merely 'meh' from him, the rest of the season could be exceptional.NegativeMatchupSep 15, 2026
Brian Flores' defensive gameplan against Caleb Williams in Week 2 will be a key storyline as the Bears face the Vikings. The source notes how Flores gameplans for Williams and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will be interesting to watch.NegativeMatchupSep 15, 2026
Williams and the Bears will face the Vikings' blitz-heavy defense at Soldier Field in Week 2. The source posed a question about whether Flores' aggressive blitz scheme will hold up against Williams' offense, suggesting this matchup will be a key test of the Vikings' defensive strategy.NegativeUsageSep 15, 2026
Williams had a 20% completion percentage over expected in Week 1, indicating significant difficulty with accuracy or decision-making. He also recorded 10 scrambles for 65 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns, demonstrating high mobility and rushing upside despite passing struggles.PositiveProjectionSep 15, 2026
Caleb Williams had a strong Week 1 debut for the Bears, recording multiple TD passes and runs in his first game; the Bears looked capable of making a Super Bowl run despite poor defensive performance, with Williams at the helm.PositiveProjectionSep 15, 2026
Williams was among the studs who popped off in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season, inspiring hope among fantasy managers that they can contend for fantasy championships.NegativeProjectionSep 15, 2026
PFF assigned Caleb Williams a well-below-average grade after Week 1 route of Panthers despite the Bears' 59-point offensive explosion, creating a disconnect between team offensive output and individual grade.PositiveProjectionSep 15, 2026
After Week 1 victory over Carolina, Caleb Williams earned fourth-best MVP odds behind Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow, signaling elite early-season performance and market recognition of his potential.PositiveProjectionSep 15, 2026
Williams looked like one of the most dynamic, dual-threat quarterbacks in the league in the Bears' 59-point offensive explosion against Carolina. Chicago's massive offensive day came despite lackluster games from their top receiving weapons, suggesting Williams' ceiling is even higher when his receivers perform at their peak.PositiveProjectionSep 15, 2026
Williams earned an 85.5 PFN Impact Score (4th of 30 QBs) in Week 1 against Carolina; he was the star of the offense, scoring four total touchdowns with zero interceptions, posting a 72.4% completion percentage and 124.1 passer rating among the best on the offensive side of the ball.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Caleb Williams was incredible in the Bears' historic 59-point Week 1 victory over Carolina. He ran for two touchdowns and passed for two more, leading an offense that put up 291 rushing yards. The source notes he was one of several players who could have received the offensive game ball, highlighting his dual-threat impact in the dominant performance.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Williams looked every bit like a third-year quarterback about to destroy the entire league after barely playing in the preseason; completed 21 of 29 pass attempts (72.4%) for 269 yards and two passing touchdowns, plus two rushing touchdowns. The source expects his grades to come out as the highest marks of his career for a single game and projects him as a possible MVP-level player rounding into form.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Caleb Williams completed 21-of-29 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1 as the Bears defeated the Panthers 59-0 on the road. The source highlights Williams' performance as a huge part of the Bears' explosive offensive effort, which produced the fourth-most points in a single game in franchise history.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Williams earned QB honors on the Week 1 Fantasy All-Pro Team, reflecting an elite performance in his NFL debut.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Williams led the Bears to a dominant 59-point Week 1 victory over the Panthers, throwing four total touchdowns (including two on the ground) with 9.3 yards per pass attempt. The Bears accumulated 552 yards of offense with 291 rushing yards, demonstrating complete offensive dominance. This performance suggests Williams and the Bears' offense will print fantasy points for invested players going forward.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Williams and the Bears offense put up 59 points in Week 1 against the Panthers defense, which many expected to be above-average; following up that offensive outburst will be tough in Week 2 against Minnesota, but the goal should be scoring in the high-20s and potentially 30+ points against Brian Flores' unit.PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
Williams threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns while adding 10 scrambles for 65 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1 against the Panthers. The source notes that despite the dominance on the ground, Williams' dual-threat ability contributed to one of the more impressive rushing performances in the modern NFL, with the Bears running 39 plays to 31 pass plays.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Williams posted a 72.4% completion rate, 269 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, 65 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns in Week 1. He averaged 9.3 yards per attempt and posted a 141.0 passer rating in the first half (12-of-15, 196 yards, 1 TD). His second-highest yards-per-attempt in his career (9.3) and career-best 15.19 EPA came from taking checkdowns and letting the defense dictate, resulting in higher efficiency and fewer incompletions. The source emphasizes this approach—settling for checkdowns rather than forcing plays—directly contributed to the Bears' historic 59-point offensive outburst.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Caleb Williams looked masterful in Week 1, making highlight-reel plays with his arm and legs; he became the first player in Chicago Bears franchise history to post 200-plus passing yards, two or more passing touchdowns, 50-plus rushing yards and two or more rushing scores in a single game. The Bears' offense dropped 59 points on Carolina—their most in a game since 1980—with a balanced and unrelenting attack, suggesting Williams is performing at an elite level in Year 2 of the Ben Johnson era.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Caleb Williams is just the 4th quarterback in NFL history with at least 250 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, 2 touchdown passes, 2 rushing touchdowns, and a passer rating over 120 in the same game. His 10 rushes, 65 rushing yards, and 2 rushing TDs are all career highs. He also hit 70% completion for the sixth time in his NFL career, but for the first time under Ben Johnson.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Bears QB Caleb Williams was 21-of-29 passing for 269 yards and two touchdowns, adding 65 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in Week 1 win over Panthers; performance aligns with head coach Ben Johnson's offseason goal of fielding the 'highest-scoring offense ever.'PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Williams finished Week 1 with four touchdowns, zero interceptions, 260+ passing yards, and a triple-digit passer rating in an incredible season-opening performance. He demonstrated improved accuracy, poise in and out of the pocket, smart decision-making on when to throw away or run, and his elastic arm on full display. He ranked No. 20 in NFL PFN QB Impact Scoring heading into Week 1 and will surely rank higher after this performance.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Williams delivered an exceptional performance in Week 1 against Carolina, benefiting from Ben Johnson's offensive scheme that used misdirection and pre-snap confusion to open wide windows for the QB to throw into. The source highlights that Williams gives Johnson the x-factor of a QB who can escape pressure, make plays with his legs, and extend the play when things aren't working. Early in the 2025 season the two struggled to reconcile their conflicting styles, with Caleb going off-script too often, but by season's end their styles melded and worked in concert. The Bears' 291 rushing yards and dominant offensive performance demonstrated the foundation of this offense, which relies on Williams' ability to execute within Johnson's vision while maintaining his improvisational skills.NegativeUsageSep 14, 2026
Caleb Williams averaged 6.6 yards per attempt in the Bears' Week 1 win over the Panthers, making him the Bears' least efficient rusher with more than one carry. Despite this modest passing efficiency, the Bears' offense dominated, with Williams contributing to a 289-yard rushing attack that included six touchdowns on the ground across the team's running backs.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Caleb Williams led the Bears to a historic 59-37 Week 1 victory over the Panthers, the highest-scoring Week 1 game in NFL history. The source notes the Bears' offense exploded with the most Week 1 points in team history, and despite the dominant performance, the team believes there is 'so much more they can do,' suggesting significant upside ahead.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
The Bears' 59-37 Week 1 rout of Carolina (96 combined points, an opening-week record) showcased an explosive offensive system under coach Ben Johnson. The Bears accumulated 552 yards, 8 TDs, 219 rushing yards, and featured two 100-yard rushers. Johnson has publicly stated goals to win Super Bowl 61 and set the NFL scoring record (606 points, held by Peyton Manning's 2013 Broncos). After Week 1, the Bears are on pace for 1,003 points, suggesting the offensive system is functioning at an elite level.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Williams was at the center of Chicago's explosive Week 1 effort, exhibiting his multifaceted explosiveness with four total touchdowns in the Bears' 59-38 demolition of Carolina, showcasing the high-octane offensive system Ben Johnson has implemented.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Williams completed 21 of 29 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns, and scored two rushing touchdowns in Chicago's 59-37 win over Carolina, a franchise-record 59 points in a season opener. The source notes that Bears head coach Ben Johnson said in August he wanted his 2026 Bears to have the highest-scoring offense ever, and at this rate he may be on to something.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Caleb Williams led the Bears to a 59-37 offensive explosion against the Panthers in Week 1, demonstrating early-season production and offensive firepower that validates the Bears' offensive scheme and Williams' performance.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Caleb Williams threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more in the Bears' 59-37 victory over the Panthers in Week 1, demonstrating the explosive offensive capability that Ben Johnson's system was designed to produce; the Bears' historic 59-point output validates the preseason expectations for the offense's scoring potential.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Caleb Williams threw for 269 yards in the Bears' record-breaking 59-37 week one road win over the Panthers, the highest-scoring week one game in NFL history and Chicago's highest score since 1980.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Caleb Williams led the Bears to a historic 59-39 Week 1 road win over Carolina, with Chicago's offense racking up 552 yards. The Bears are favored by 5.5 points at home against Minnesota in Week 2, with the over/under opening at 48.5 points—suggesting continued offensive firepower and high-scoring environment for the rookie quarterback.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Williams delivered a staggering performance in Week 1, going 21-for-29 for 269 passing yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions, plus 10 carries for 65 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. The source states he has league-winning upside, and with a horrible defense on the other side, Williams and the Bears need to keep their foot on the gas every game.PositiveBreakoutSep 14, 2026
Caleb Williams led the Bears to a historic 59-37 Week 1 victory over the Panthers, with the Bears scoring the most Week 1 points in franchise history and combining with Carolina for the highest-scoring Week 1 matchup in NFL history. The source highlights Williams and the Bears' offensive explosion as a key Week 1 takeaway.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Williams and Ben Johnson's high-powered offense dominated the Panthers defense, with Williams throwing a touchdown to Cole Kmet in double coverage; the Bears' offense was too much for Carolina's heavily invested but ineffective defense.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Caleb Williams completed 269 passing yards and two passing touchdowns in the Bears' dominant 59-point Week 1 victory over the Panthers; the Bears also rushed for nearly 300 yards and six rushing touchdowns in the game, which was the fourth-most points in franchise history.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Williams led the Bears to a historic 96-point Week 1 output (tied 12th all-time), with the offense running 19 plays from inside the Panthers' 20-yard line. His efficiency metrics improved significantly: 34.0 yards per drive (vs. 29.9 in 2025), 0.6 EPA per drive (vs. -0.2), and 44.4% third-down conversion rate (vs. 36.1%). Chicago pressured him on just nine dropbacks, and even after extending the lead to 21 points, HC Ben Johnson continued aggressive play-calling, suggesting Williams may not have the option to take his foot off the gas in high-volume, high-efficiency situations.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Caleb Williams posted a 72.4% completion percentage in the Bears' Week 1 historic offensive performance, which produced 552 yards of total offense and six rushing touchdowns in a 59-37 victory over the Panthers.PositiveProjectionSep 13, 2026
Williams was outstanding in Week 1 against Carolina with a 124.1 rating, four total touchdowns, 334 total yards, and four overall touchdowns. The source emphasizes the Bears' loaded offense and high-scoring nature, noting that Ben Johnson knows his team will need to win high-scoring games.PositiveProjectionSep 13, 2026
Caleb Williams delivered 269 passing yards and two touchdowns in the Bears' 59-37 Week 1 win over the Panthers, showcasing the offensive firepower of Ben Johnson's scheme in a game where Chicago's offense ran wild.PositiveUsageSep 13, 2026
Williams found space with scrambles throughout the game, including a scamper down the right sideline for a game-tying touchdown in the first quarter and a 29-yard touchdown run down the left sideline in the second quarter. He made highlight throws on third-and-long situations and broke contain multiple times, demonstrating dual-threat capability in the Bears' offensive scheme.PositiveProjectionSep 13, 2026
Caleb Williams led the Bears to a Week 1 franchise-record 59 points, scoring a 29-yard touchdown scramble in the final seconds of the first half to give Chicago a 31-24 halftime lead, and later threw a touchdown pass to Jahdae Walker as the Bears surpassed 50 points in the second half.PositiveProjectionSep 13, 2026
Williams had a fantastic Week 1 performance with 269 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, 65 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns (including a 29-yard TD run tying his career long) in the Bears' 59-37 win over Carolina. The source notes the Bears' offense was 'just as impressive as Johnson said it would be' and that 'nearly everyone got involved' as Chicago put up 552 yards and almost 60 points, suggesting Williams' dual-threat upside is being realized early.NegativeUsageSep 13, 2026
Caleb Williams was stuffed for no gain on a quarterback sneak on fourth-and-1 at the Bears' own 21-yard line, resulting in a turnover on downs and giving the Panthers excellent field position that led to a touchdown.PositiveProjectionSep 13, 2026
Williams is off to a fast start in his third pro season and is primed for a monster season; the Bears offense looks fantastic and has talent to potentially break the NFL's all-time scoring record, with Williams having all the motivation he needs to put up points given the leaky defense behind him.PositiveUsageSep 13, 2026
Williams showed dual-threat upside early, contributing two rushing touchdowns (two carries, 15 yards) while also executing efficiently through the air with five completions on six attempts for 88 yards, including a 47-yard strike to Rome Odunze.NegativeUsageSep 13, 2026
Williams' first pass of the season was caught by Luther Burden, who fumbled on the play, leading to a Carolina recovery and Panthers touchdown. The turnover on the opening drive set a negative tone for the Bears offense.NegativeProjectionSep 13, 2026
Multiple predictors project Caleb Williams' Week 1 performance: Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. expects 64% completion percentage; Jacob Infante predicts a late-game TD drive in the fourth quarter; Gary Baugher Jr. projects 2 passing TDs; Josh Sunderbruch projects a TD in the air and on the ground; Donald Gooch projects 300 passing yards with TDs to Loveland and Rome; Superfans project 299 passing yards (just short of 300).PositiveProjectionSep 13, 2026
The source notes that the Bears offense is primed to be even more potent in year two of Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams working together, following one of the most exciting seasons in Chicago Bears history; 87% of Bears fans are confident the franchise is headed in the right direction.NegativeRoleSep 12, 2026
Listed as the primary starter for the Bears' season opener against the Panthers, with backup quarterback depth in flux due to Tyson Bagent's back injury.NegativeMatchupSep 12, 2026
Williams is referenced in the context of a discussion about broadcasters and potential conflicts of interest; Bears head coach Ben Johnson noted that broadcasters like Troy Aikman would only see what everyone else sees on tape and that there are no trade secrets to be exchanged.PositiveProjectionSep 12, 2026
Windy City Gridiron expects continued growth from Caleb Williams in 2026 after significant improvements from 2024 to 2025. Williams went from the most-sacked QB at near-record pace in 2024 to one of the least-sacked QBs in 2025 with elite sack avoidance. He improved comfort with Ben Johnson's offense as the season progressed, and now enters 2026 without needing to learn the system in spring, allowing him to hone existing skills. While his completion percentage will likely remain around 64% (not 68%), his accuracy on the move is described as absurd, and turnovers are insanely low. Windy City Gridiron projects the Bears offense will be clicking and put up strong numbers, with Williams' play-making abilities on the move expected to improve further if scramble drills improve.PositiveRoleSep 12, 2026
The source notes that Ben Johnson's offensive system is uniquely tailored to mask Williams' inadequacies and inaccuracies; Johnson's scheme allows the team to win despite Williams' accuracy issues by massaging his weaknesses within a bubble-like system designed for his skill set.NegativeProjectionSep 12, 2026
Brandon Warne identifies Williams as overrated, citing a scattershot accuracy that belies his 27-7 TD-to-INT ratio and predicting a bumpy year with growing pains; Warren Ludorf also calls him overrated, noting he was one of the least accurate starting quarterbacks in the league last year despite some considering him a top-10 QB.NegativeMatchupSep 12, 2026
Alex Zietlow, who covers the Panthers, shares thoughts on Caleb Williams and the Bears offense as part of the Week 1 preview between Chicago and Carolina.PositiveRoleSep 11, 2026
Caleb Williams is described as 'blossoming' in his second season with the Bears, with D'Andre Swift serving as a check-down option in the passing game. Swift's 34 receptions for 299 yards and a touchdown in 2025 underscore Williams' willingness to utilize his running back in the short-passing game, supporting the Bears' offensive efficiency and their first NFC North title since 2018.PositiveProjectionSep 11, 2026
Multiple analysts project Caleb Williams to continue his upward trajectory from the tail end of 2025, with expectations of balanced hard running and explosive plays from the QB. One the source notes Williams is 'hungry to continue his upward trajectory' and expects the offense to 'pick up where it left off,' with a balance of hard running and explosives from Caleb being enough to rock the Carolina defense.NegativeProjectionSep 11, 2026
Ranked #11 in 2026 preseason QB rankings. Declan Doyle wanted to slide him into the top 10 but can't yet; if he plays well out of the gate this year, he will firmly plant his flag as a top-10 QB in the league.PositiveProjectionSep 11, 2026
Williams is projected to exceed his 226.5 passing yards line in Week 1 against Carolina. The source expects the Bears' passing attack to look clean and crisp under Ben Johnson's system, with Williams likely clearing the bar and potentially pushing past 250, maybe even 260 or 270 yards. The motivation is high: Ben Johnson aims to set the scoring record, Peter Schrager projects Williams for 5,000 yards, and the Bears want to prove to Panthers fans that trading away the first-round pick that became Williams was a massive mistake.NegativeRoleSep 11, 2026
Caleb Williams is the starting quarterback for the Bears in Sunday's opener against the Panthers; all other Bears practiced fully and are good to go.PositiveValueSep 11, 2026
The Bryce Young-for-Caleb Williams trade is viewed by Cat Scratch Reader as the best move Ryan Poles has made as Bears GM, and with Caleb Williams' growth, it will likely never be topped during Poles' tenure in Chicago.PositiveRoleSep 11, 2026
Williams threw league-leading 40 throwaways last year, described as an underrated sign of growth. He also had third-highest bad-throw percentage among all quarterbacks and suffered from fourth-highest drop rate from pass catchers at 5.5%, plus 18 balls batted at line of scrimmage (second-most in NFL). The source frames these as correctable issues requiring smaller adjustments and fundamental tweaks rather than wholesale overhauls, positioning Year 2 under Ben Johnson as a good entry point for incremental improvement.PositiveProjectionSep 11, 2026
Williams' 58.1% completion percentage in Year 3 is due for improvement; Drew Brees noted the difference between a 60% and 70% passer is just three additional completions per game on ~30 attempts. With positive regression in completion percentage, bad-throw percentage (third-highest in NFL last year), and drop rate (fourth-highest at 5.5%), Williams could reach mid-60s completion rate while maintaining explosive play generation, potentially reaching MVP-caliber performance.PositiveProjectionSep 11, 2026
The source notes that offseason betting was high on Caleb Williams and the Bears, with significant public money flowing to Chicago in Week 1 against Carolina; the Bears opened at -2.5 and moved to -3, with the total rising from 44.5 to 46.5, indicating strong market confidence in the rookie quarterback's impact.PositiveProjectionSep 11, 2026
Williams launched to hero status after leading the Bears to the NFC North crown and Chicago's first playoff win in over a decade; the source projects he will continue to benefit the offense and improve further with a full offseason under Ben Johnson's tutelage, even without WR DJ Moore on the team.PositiveProjectionSep 11, 2026
QB Caleb Williams, the 2024 first-overall pick, has utterly transformed Chicago's reputation in professional football through his bottomless well of highlights and personality; his improvisation while under pressure and awareness of receivers downfield made watching him an absolute delight, with his 'clutch factor' seeming to improve by the week. Williams is probably the most deserving of the 'he's just like Patrick Mahomes' comparison that we've seen yet in the NFL. He and his offensive line were practically miracle workers in the latter half of the season, winning six of their last nine games and stealing nearly all of those victories in the final five minutes of the game.NegativeProjectionSep 11, 2026
In his 3rd NFL season, Caleb Williams is being benchmarked against 2022 Jared Goff's performance under Ben Johnson (44,382 pass yards, 37 pass TDs, 99.3 rating). The source notes Williams is a different quarterback than Goff, so these statistical benchmarks serve more as a measuring stick than literal comparisons. Key milestones tracked: 4,000 passing yards; 29 passing TDs (franchise record); 5,477 passing yards (2013 Peyton Manning); 55 passing TDs (2013 Peyton Manning).PositiveProjectionSep 11, 2026
Williams finished last year with the third-highest deep-throw rate, positioning him to take advantage of Colston Loveland's vertical threat ability in the Bears' passing game.NegativeMatchupSep 11, 2026
Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears face the Carolina Panthers in the 2026 season opener; the source references Drake Maye's rough Week 1 performance as a reminder about rookie quarterback development and expectations.PositiveProjectionSep 10, 2026
Caleb Williams is positioned as a potential MVP candidate heading into year two; the source notes his 'upward ascension' paired with Ben Johnson's play-calling and a strong skill-position group should make the Bears' offense dynamic. If Williams makes the leap to MVP-caliber play, Chicago could make a run at the highest-scoring offense in NFL history (2013 Broncos' 37.9 PPG mark), a massive leap from the 2025 Bears' 25.9 PPG.NegativeProjectionSep 10, 2026
The source cautions that even elite quarterbacks experience poor performances and turnovers during a season. While Williams is expected to improve in Year 3, 'there's probably going to be a week where he struggles. Where he turns the ball over multiple times. Where he struggles to complete more than 50% of his throws.' The source advises against overreacting to such inevitable struggles, noting that 'season-long perfection is not possible' even for the best quarterbacks in the league.PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
Caleb Williams has already won a playoff game and 'delivered more than enough times in moments that mattered' to cement himself as 'The Guy' for the Bears beyond this season. He is not in 'prove-it' mode like earlier in his career; his status as the franchise quarterback is secure regardless of Week 1 performance, and he is expected to receive a $60 million-a-year contract extension next offseason barring an 'absolutely horrid' 2026 season.PositiveProjectionSep 10, 2026
The source argues that Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick of the 2024 NFL draft and Bears starting quarterback, was the correct choice over Drake Maye. Williams has 'nowhere near the penchant for turnovers that Maye has' and has not shown the decision-making issues that plagued Maye even in college. The source expects Williams to take a step forward in his third season and is confident he will secure a $60 million-a-year contract extension next offseason unless he is 'absolutely horrid in 2026.'PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
Williams is the focal point of the Bears' offense under Ben Johnson, who was hired from division rival Detroit. The results were immediate: a six-win improvement from the 2024 season, a division championship, and the franchise's first playoff victory since 2010. Bears quarterback coach J.T. Barrett emphasized that Williams needs to execute early in games rather than relying on heroic fourth-quarter plays, suggesting the coaching staff believes efficiency and early-game execution will unlock even more production.PositiveProjectionSep 10, 2026
Williams set the franchise single-season passing record with 3,942 yards and a 27-to-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio in his second season (2025), though his 58.1% completion percentage ranked 32nd in the league. Analysts expect Chicago to post another playoff-worthy year in 2026, potentially another division title, though the Bears face the toughest schedule in the NFL based on opponents' winning percentage. A second season under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is expected to help Williams fine-tune footwork, timing, and communication to complement his highlight-reel plays.PositiveMatchupSep 10, 2026
In Week 5 of the 2024 season, rookie Caleb Williams showed out against Carolina, leading touchdown drives on four of their six first-half possessions and throwing two TDs to DJ Moore; he also benefited from Panthers turnovers (fumble, downs, missed field goal) in the first half.