Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams Receives Interesting NFL Prediction

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams arrived in the NFL with a Heisman Trophy as No. 1 overall pick label and the weight of a franchise on his shoulders.

His rookie season brought flashes of USC brilliance—3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, just six interceptions—but also the harsh reality of a 5–12 record and a league-high 68 sacks.

There were moments that hinted at stardom, like his 342-yard, three-touchdown win over the Vikings in Week 4. But also tough outings, such as a four-sack loss to Green Bay that underscored the Bears’ pass protection woes.

Chicago Bears Quarterback Caleb Williams Training Camp — Jul 24, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) passes the ball during training camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The offense ranked 28th in passing yards per game and allowed pressure on over 40 percent of drop backs, making consistency difficult to come by.

This offseason brought change. Chicago fortified its offensive line by signing veteran guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, drafted rookie tight end Colston Loveland to give Williams another middle-of-the-field option, and handed the keys to former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as the organization's head coach.

With the NFC North still one of the NFL’s deepest divisions, the question for year two is simple: what’s Williams’ true ceiling?

Williams' Playoff Potential

On FS1’s No Huddle: Ceiling or Floor Edition, Nick Wright didn’t hesitate to aim high.

“Ceiling. And I don’t think that’s the ceiling… I think it’d be crazy to act like that’s impossible—that the absolute best-case scenario season is 11 wins. I think that’s foolish.”

Wright’s optimism comes from three core beliefs: Year 2 growth, better protection, and shifting division. He noted how Detroit and Minnesota—coming off 15- and 14-win seasons—could take a step back due to roster turnover, while Green Bay, though steady, remains beatable.

“If Caleb gets even average-to-good offensive line play, the skill position talent is there for him to make a leap. He’s that good,” Wright said.

Broussard Pumps the Brakes

Chicago Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson Press Conference — Jul 24, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson speaks during training camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Fox Sports analyst Chris Broussard sees a tougher climb.

“Caleb clearly is kind of behind right now. I think there are going to be some growing pains early.”

He cautioned that Johnson, while an elite play designer, is untested as a head coach—a role that demands more than just scheme.

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The Bears’ 2025 slate includes both the NFC North and the AFC North, meaning matchups with quarterbacks like Cincinnati Benals' Joe Burrow, Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson, Detroit Lion's Jared Goff, Green Bay Packers' Jordan Love and more.

“The floor here is 6–11, and I think that’s more realistic than 11–6,”Broussard said. “It’s not about talent—it’s about how long it takes for everything to click.”

Time for Williams to Shine

Jul 23, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to pass the ball during training camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The real debate centers on fit. At USC, Williams thrived off-script, extending plays and punishing defenses downfield.

Johnson’s scheme is built on timing and structure—a contrast that could either speed up Williams’ development or cause early hesitation.

Chicago’s receiving corps—DJ Moore (96 catches, 1,217 yards in 2024), second-year wide out Rome Odunze (54 catches, 734 yards in 2024) and rookie tight end Colson Loveland—gives Williams size, separation, and versatility.

If he can raise his yards per attempt from 6.3 to the mid-7s, the Bears’ offense could shift from conservative to dangerous.

In the NFL’s toughest division, there’s no margin for slow starts. If Williams adapts quickly, Wright’s vision of a surprise playoff berth could come true.

If not, Broussard’s warning—that patience will be needed before Chicago sees his true ceiling—might prove more accurate.

Either way, year two will reveal just how ready the former USC star is to carry a franchise.