Caleb Williams Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

Production & Fantasy Finishes

In his rookie campaign, Williams finished as the QB16 in total fantasy points (305.4) and tied for QB25 in points per game (18.0).

He threw for 3,541 yards (17th) and 20 TDs (T-15th) while adding 483 rushing yards (7th among QBs) but failed to find the end zone on the ground.

His season included five top-10 finishes but also six games outside the top 24, making him a volatile weekly play.

Usage & Role

Williams played all 17 games and was utilized as both a passer and creator outside the pocket when plays broke down.

He ran 82 times, generating 372 scramble yards (4th) and 117 designed rushing yards (9th), though he finished with 0 rushing TDs vs. 2.0 expected.

His 13.0% deep throw rate (8th-highest) showed aggressive intent.

Efficiency Metrics

Among 34 QBs with 250+ pass attempts, Williams ranked:

• 29th in Pro Football Focus passing grade
• 23rd in adjusted completion rate (72.6%)
• 29th in on-target pass percentage
• 32nd in bad throw percentage

His deep passing was particularly rough — 30th in completion rate, 33rd in PFF grade. But he excelled in the short game, ranking top-10 in accuracy and PFF grade on throws from 0-10 yards.

He also held a strong 2.4% turnover-worthy play rate (10th).

Offensive Context

Chicago ranked 28th in points, but 8th in pace with a 56.6% neutral pass rate.

Protection was average (15th in PFF pass-blocking grade), though Williams had the 9th-most time to throw for QBs with at least 135 pass attempts at 2.92 seconds.

Despite this, Williams was 33rd among 34 qualifiers in pressure-to-sack ratio (28.2%).

The scheme lacked cohesion as a whole and that potentially changes in 2025 with the arrival of Ben Johnson.

Historical Production & Trends

Williams underperformed relative to expectations in 2024:

• QB13 in expected points per game
• QB21 in actual points per game

He was the 8th-biggest underachiever at QB, largely due to inefficiency on deep throws and zero rushing TDs.

Still, the rushing volume and quick-game efficiency were strong rookie indicators, especially if he is placed in a more competent scheme.

Injury History

Williams played all 17 games in his rookie season with no significant injuries.

He did twist his ankle on the last play against the Cardinals in Week 9 but was able to play the following week.

He played through a severe hamstring injury in 2022.

Williams has never missed a collegiate or NFL game due to injury.

He enters 2025 healthy and with a full offseason to build rapport with a revamped offense.

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

Williams will return as the Bears’ locked-in starter with no threat to his role.

The rest of the Bears' QB room consists of third-year UDFA Tyson Bagent and veteran Case Keenum.

Supporting Cast

Chicago has surrounded Williams with one of the NFL’s richest receiving rooms.

Veteran WR D.J. Moore returns, while WR Rome Odunze looks to have a second-year breakout.

The Bears also added two more weapons in the NFL Draft, bringing in TE Colston Loveland in the first round and WR Luther Burden in the second.

TE Cole Kmet returns to provide a stable option, while WRs Devin Duvernay and Olamide Zaccheaus were added in free agency.

RB D’Andre Swift retains the starting role, with Roschon Johnson remaining a potential short yardage back.

The Bears return their two starting OTs in Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright, but remade the interior of the OL with three new starters in Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson.

The run game, paired with a creative play-caller, gives Williams a high floor and potential for a major second-year leap.

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

Ben Johnson’s offense in Detroit ranked top-5 in points three years straight and maintained a balanced pass rate around 55%.

His creative passing concepts and rhythm-based scheme are a perfect fit for Williams’ quick release and mobility.

Expect more structured plays, easier reads, and red-zone creativity — areas that should elevate Williams' consistency and scoring potential.