CalebWilliams

News: 4 days agoWilliams completed 23 of 42 pass attempts for 257 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions while taking five carries for 40 yards in Sunday's 20-17 overtime loss in the divisional round to the Rams.

Spin: Williams found himself in familiar territory in Sunday's divisional round matchup when he was staring at a deficit in the fourth quarter that required him to pull off a heroic comeback. The sophomore signal-caller accomplished what appeared impossible when he scrambled backwards 10-plus yards before chucking a prayer to the end zone on fourth down that TE Cole Kmet came down with to send the contest to overtime. The magic ran out for Williams and the Bears in the extra period when Rams S Kamren Curl laid out for an athletic interception that ultimately ended Chicago's playoff run. The 23-year-old Williams made strides from the pocket in his first year under head coach Ben Johnson, amassing 3,942 passing yards with 27 touchdowns to seven interceptions across 17 starts in the regular season. The USC product struggled with turnovers in two postseason contests (four TDs to five INTs), something he will look to clean up in future postseason appearances, but Williams' overall performance has the future looking bright in Chicago.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Williams is entering his second NFL season with hopes for a leap forward under new head coach and playcaller Ben Johnson. The 2024 No. 1 pick had a few big games (22-plus fantasy points five times), but way too many major duds (nine games with fewer than 12 points) during his first season. Efficiency was an issue (outside of the top 35 in QBR, YPA and completion %) and he took a league-high 68 sacks, but he got experience (QB2 in dropbacks), avoided INTs (seven) and added value with his legs (seventh at QB in carries, rush yards and YPC). With Johnson designing the offense, a much-improved interior offensive line and a good supporting cast led by DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III, Williams has no excuses as he enters a critical Year 2. He's safest when drafted as a fringe QB1, but he has a very high ceiling.