Caleb Williams entered Chicago with fan patience thinning after a rocky camp, highlighted by an early interception in 1-on-1 drills and a botched pitch to D’Andre Swift that stoked social-media backlash. The Bears plan to roll Williams into the second preseason matchup vs. Buffalo, and the Week 1 regular-season clash with Minnesota looms as the real test. Williams’ rookie year teased upside, but 68 sacks and a 6.3-yard average per attempt undercut his fantasy ceiling. The Swift pairing adds a valuable safety valve, but line play and rhythm remain variables. Williams will need cleaner mechanics and more efficient throws to justify late-round quarterback upside; if not, volatility could limit early-season fantasy returns until the line and scheme stabilize.

Williams flashed in spurts for Chicago last year, finishing with 3,541 passing yards, 20 TDs, and 6 INTs across 17 starts, yet his sack rate and pass efficiency lagged peers. Preseason matchups and progress in practice will be critical barometers for fantasy managers weighing him as a potential QB2 with upside. Swift’s presence offers a meaningful safety net in the backfield, potentially softening the hit from a less-than-elite offensive line as Williams grows into the pro game. The coming weeks will shape Williams’ volatility into a clearer fantasy profile.