Young quarterbacks are driving the NFL narrative as teams chase sustainable stars from the 2024-25 preseason buzz. Caleb Williams, Bo Nix, Jayden Daniels, Michael Penix Jr., Drake Maye, Cam Ward, and Adam Thielen are highlighted as the core dynamic signal-callers around which rosters were rebuilt this offseason. The piece identifies a set of trusted teammates—often veterans or high-upside talent—who could unlock these gunslingers in meaningful games. These duos, labeled as the “secret best friends,” promise to shape fantasy value and betting angles for 2025.

Williams’ Bears, Nix’s Broncos, Daniels’ Commanders, Penix’s Falcons, Maye’s Patriots, Ward’s Titans, and Thielen’s Panthers each feature a specific pass catcher or back who could emerge as a reliable safety valve. The analysis also notes how each quarterback’s supporting cast—tight ends, slot receivers, and backfields—will influence rush lanes, pressure relief, and play-calling structure as teams aim to maximize every rookie-scale contract window.

Bears fans got a vivid glimpse of the Ben Johnson era in preseason form as Caleb Williams carved Chicago’s opening drive for a 92-yard TD sequence, finishing with a 36-yard strike to Olamide Zaccheaus. Williams looked decisive, connecting with Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet as Johnson’s offense looked surgically clean and functionally creative. Williams’ first showing was efficient (5-of-6 for 97 yards on that first possession, plus a later 6-of-10 for 107 yards, a TD and a 130.0 rating). The run game thrived behind a renewed blocking profile, and Ian Wheeler returned from injury to pace the rushing attack with two touchdowns on 19 carries for 80 yards. Chicago’s defense stifled Buffalo in a 38-0 romp, even without several starters, underscoring a preseason-ready, scheme-savvy squad. Austin Reed and Tyson Bagent kept drives alive late, while the Bears offense stayed relentless, setting up a likely strong roster-position push heading toward Kansas City.

Caleb Williams flashed early in Ben Johnson’s Chicago system, sparking optimism for the Bears in a brisk preseason showing against the Bills. A 97-yard opening drive fueled by crisp decisions and precise throws to Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet culminated in a touchdown to Olamide Zaccheaus. Williams finished 6-of-10 for 107 yards with a 130.0 passer rating, and he didn’t take a sack across either series, a sign of improved pocket presence. The second drive was shakier, though not solely his fault, with a handful of imperfect plays and a ball dropped by Rome Odunze. Williams’ mechanics look cleaner—his left-foot forward posture and steadier base suggest a more reliable foundation than last season. Minnesota Week 1 looms, and the Williams-Johnson pairing has a tantalizing early look. If he sustains this tempo, Loveland, Kmet, Zaccheaus and Moore stand to benefit, with Roschon Johnson providing a potential backfield spark in fantasy formats.

Caleb Williams opened Chicago’s preseason with a sharp drive that reached 92 yards and ended in a 36-yard tee-up to Olamide Zaccheaus, signaling strong early chemistry with the receiving corps. Williams finished 5-for-6 for 97 yards and a 158.3 passer rating on that sequence, then was pulled after two drives as Chicago evaluated the starting unit. Zaccheaus delivered the TD and Rome Odunze flashed speed on a third-down chance that didn’t convert, while Drew Dalman drew a holding penalty and Joe Thuney sat out the start. Williams wrapped the night 6-for-10 for 107 yards and a 130 rating. The Bears’ offense looked closer to Week 1 expectations, with only one penalty blemish. Chicago finishes the slate with a trip to Kansas City, where the coaching staff will be watching for cohesion, playmakers getting open, and Williams’ continued comfort under center. The storyline also notes Mitch Trubisky’s make-up as a pregame signal, underscoring the Bills’ depth at quarterback as this game wound down.