Chicago’s final preseason week tightens the loom on the Bears’ 53-man roster, with Caleb Williams at the center of the conversation as the club weighs how to blend a high-ceiling passer into a physical, run-first identity. The debate spans Caleb Williams’ potential footprint as a developmental catalyst and the chances a Williams-driven offense can coexist with a line-dominant attack backed by a sturdy interior O-line. Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet are front and center in the trench battles, while Luther Burton and Kyler Gordon highlight how the rookie wave could shape Week 1 roles. The staff signaled starters on Friday against Kansas City, yet the path to activation remains contingent on health, tape, and the evolving run game that coach Ben Johnson has helped mold in practice. The evaluative lens also focuses on Mitch Trubisky’s backup trajectory, the defense’s depth after Sunday’s injuries, and the roster math around Roshan Johnson, Ian Wheeler, and a potential fourth running back or a waiver-claim. This set of decisions will ripple through fantasy lines, especially for those counting on Chicago’s offense to materialize quickly, and for bettors watching how Week 1 game plans could tilt early-season usage.

Primetime Bears previews center on the left tackle derby, with Braxton Jones facing a sudden challenge from Theo Benedict and even a look at Azie Trapillo as the competition tightens. The run game becomes the focal point early, as the unit looks to establish momentum behind DeAndre Swift and Roshan Johnson while the rest of the line fights to gain cohesion. Kyle Manungai’s health adds a wrinkle to the RB rotation, and the night doubles as a proving ground for the young blockers and the quarterback’s scaffolding behind them. The Bills bring a stern test, and the national spotlight looms for Caleb Williams’ evolving narrative as Week 1 nears. And in Cincinnati, Trey Hendrickson rumors linger, with trade chatter complicating the defensive edge outlook.

The Steelers are placing their hopes on a rejuvenated offense as they face the Baltimore Ravens, aiming for a pivotal clash that could determine their playoff aspirations. With Kenny Pickett sidelined, Mitch Trubisky steps into the starting role, underscoring the urgency for a strong performance amidst intense scrutiny. Trubisky's experience is crucial, as he must connect effectively with the receiving corps, especially George Pickens and Diontae Johnson, to exploit the Ravens' defensive vulnerabilities.

Meanwhile, the Steelers' defense, led by T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, is tasked with containing the explosive Lamar Jackson. With the Ravens juggling their own lineup changes, this matchup promises to be a nail-biter, pivotal for both teams' postseason hopes. Adding to the Stakes, history shows that these two rivals often deliver high-octane clashes. The outcome could hinge on who adapts best to the mounting pressure.