CalebWilliams

News: 5 days agoWilliams completed 20 of 34 passes for 280 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, rushed five times for 53 yards and brought in two targets for 22 yards and a touchdown in the Bears' 47-42 win over the Bengals on Sunday.

Spin: Williams' brimming stat line tells the tale of a wild afternoon at Paycor Stadium that featured seven lead changes. Williams had a hand in the decisive one, connecting with rookie tight end Colston Loveland for a 58-yard game-winning touchdown. That momentous play was preceded by 15- and five-yard scoring strikes to Olamide Zaccheaus and Loveland, respectively, as well as Williams' own two-yard TD grab from DJ Moore on a trick play to cap off Chicago's opening possession. The 2024 first overall pick snapped a two-game TD-pass drought with Sunday's performance, and he also hit the 280-yard mark for the second consecutive contest. Williams and the Bears have another favorable matchup on tap when the Giants pay a visit to Soldier Field for a Week 10 matchup next Sunday afternoon.

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.