Caleb Williams Stuns Scouts: Record-Breaking Performance & What It Means for the 2025 NFL Draft

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is set for his most extensive action of the summer when Chicago hosts the Buffalo Bills in Sunday’s preseason clash at Soldier Field. Head coach Matt Eberflus confirmed that the No. 1 overall pick will lead the starting offense for “at least a quarter,” giving fans a first real glimpse of how the new-look attack under coordinator Ben Johnson translates from practice to live reps. A week of joint practices offered mixed reviews. Williams flashed his trademark off-script creativity, firing a 35-yard touchdown to DJ Moore on Friday, but he also tossed two interceptions while navigating relentless pressure from Buffalo edge rushers. The growing pains highlight Chicago’s biggest unanswered question: who will protect the rookie’s blind side? Left-tackle battle still unsettled Eberflus admitted the staff is “searching for clarity” at left tackle after veteran Braxton Jones and free-agent addition Jonah Williams rotated with the starters throughout camp. Until one lineman seizes the job, Williams must rely on quick decisions and Johnson’s heavy play-action scheme to stay upright. Accuracy hunt continues The former USC star completed just 62.5 percent of his passes as a rookie; Johnson set a summer goal of 66 percent, and Williams hovered around that mark in 7-on-7 drills this week. Coaches have emphasized footwork and check-downs, hoping to convert more drives into points after Chicago ranked 28th in red-zone efficiency last season. Why Sunday matters • Extended snap count: It’s the only preseason game in which starters will play significant minutes, making it Williams’ best chance to develop timing with top targets DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet. • Measuring stick: Facing a Bills defense that finished third in takeaways provides a litmus test for Williams’ decision-making. • O-line chemistry: Expect rotation at left tackle and right guard; the front office wants firm answers before final roster cuts. Fantasy and betting implications If Williams shows poise against Buffalo’s first-team defense, his ADP in fantasy drafts—currently QB17—could surge into the low-end QB1 tier. Sportsbooks already list him at +900 for Offensive Player of the Year; a crisp preseason performance would shorten those odds. Bottom line Training-camp highlights are nice, but Sunday’s live reps will reveal whether Caleb Williams and the retooled Bears offense are ready to turn offseason hype into regular-season production. For a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game since 2010, the rookie’s development isn’t just a storyline—it’s the key to Chicago’s future.