Bears quarterback Caleb Williams continues to be disrespected in the early 2025 fantasy football rankings.

Bears Quarterback Caleb Williams Continues to Be Disrespected in the Early 2025 Fantasy Football Rankings

As the 2025 NFL season rapidly approaches, the excitement around the Chicago Bears’ roster is palpable. With a mix of young talent, veteran presence, and a retooled coaching staff, fans are eager to see the direction this team takes. One player who has been at the center of attention, though not always in the most flattering light, is quarterback Caleb Williams. Despite a stellar college career and the undeniable talent he possesses, Williams continues to be disrespected in early 2025 fantasy football rankings.

While there is no denying the potential that Williams brings to the Bears, especially as he transitions from one of the most celebrated college quarterbacks in recent history to the NFL, his ranking in the fantasy football world is perplexing. Despite his talent, college success, and the pieces around him in Chicago, Williams has found himself placed in a lower tier compared to other quarterbacks across the league. This discrepancy calls into question the assessment of his value in fantasy football and the factors contributing to the underestimation of his abilities.

Understanding Caleb Williams’ College Career

Before diving into why Caleb Williams deserves better recognition in fantasy football, it’s important to reflect on his exceptional college career. Williams, who played at the University of Southern California (USC), finished his college years as one of the most highly touted quarterbacks in recent memory. His accomplishments are impossible to overlook. In his final season, Williams won the prestigious Heisman Trophy and led USC to the brink of a College Football Playoff berth, though a narrow loss in the conference championship game ultimately dashed those hopes.

Williams’ individual statistics were eye-popping, but beyond that, his playstyle made him stand out. His ability to extend plays with his legs while keeping his eyes downfield and delivering accurate throws was reminiscent of some of the NFL’s best dual-threat quarterbacks. His deep ball accuracy, poise in the pocket, and natural ability to read defenses made him a surefire top pick for the Bears in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Given Williams’ college success, it’s natural to expect a transition to the NFL that includes rapid development and potential stardom. His combination of strong arm talent, mobility, and leadership should be the foundation for an exciting NFL career. However, in the eyes of many fantasy football experts, this potential hasn’t yet translated into the kind of respect he deserves.

The Case for Caleb Williams in Fantasy Football

The first reason Caleb Williams should not be disrespected in the early fantasy rankings is his clear potential to be a dual-threat quarterback. In the modern NFL, dual-threat quarterbacks are among the most valuable assets in fantasy football due to their ability to accumulate both passing and rushing yards. Williams displayed a tremendous ability to run during his time at USC, and that ability should carry over to the NFL, especially under the guidance of a modern offensive scheme like the one in Chicago.

It’s also worth noting that mobile quarterbacks tend to score fantasy points in a variety of ways. For example, rushing touchdowns count for the same number of fantasy points as passing touchdowns. If Williams can use his legs to supplement his passing game—whether by scrambling to extend plays or picking up first downs with his mobility—he’ll be able to rack up fantasy points quickly.

The second key factor in Williams’ favor is the supporting cast around him. The Chicago Bears have made significant strides to improve their offense, particularly their receiving corps. The acquisition of marquee players such as DJ Moore in a trade with the Carolina Panthers during the 2023 offseason will give Williams a true number-one receiver. Pairing Moore with an emerging talent like Darnell Mooney, as well as a capable tight end like Cole Kmet, will give Williams multiple targets to work with.

Furthermore, the Bears have addressed the offensive line to a degree with several promising additions, creating a more solid pocket for Williams to operate in. This should allow him more time to survey the field and make his reads, improving his overall passing stats. If Williams’ supporting cast can consistently stay healthy, the potential for strong statistical production in both the passing and rushing game is undeniable.

While the Bears are still in the process of building an elite offense, there is no doubt that they have the foundational pieces in place for Williams to thrive. When factoring in the talent around him, there’s a clear case for him to be a viable fantasy quarterback option from the very start of his career.

Perceived Doubts About the Bears’ Offense

Despite Williams’ impressive skill set and the talent surrounding him, there are still significant doubts about his fantasy football value for 2025. Some of these doubts stem from the general perception of the Bears’ offense, which has struggled in recent seasons. The franchise has yet to establish itself as a consistent offensive juggernaut, and that may be contributing to skepticism about Williams’ fantasy outlook.

Even with the presence of weapons like Moore, Mooney, and Kmet, the Bears’ offense has been relatively inconsistent. Their offensive line, while improved, is still viewed as a work in progress, and questions remain about the team’s ability to sustain long drives and consistently put points on the board. Furthermore, there is a cloud of uncertainty surrounding the overall offensive scheme under head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.

While the Bears may have a lot of potential, these lingering questions about the offense are causing fantasy football experts to take a wait-and-see approach when it comes to Williams. Until the Bears prove they can consistently put up points and protect their quarterback, many fantasy analysts may continue to undervalue Williams’ potential.

Competition at the Quarterback Position

Another reason Williams may be undervalued in early fantasy rankings is the fierce competition at the quarterback position across the NFL. There are a number of established, elite quarterbacks who consistently put up gaudy fantasy numbers, making it difficult for a rookie or young player like Williams to crack the top tiers of fantasy rankings.

Quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, and Josh Allen are all expected to dominate fantasy football in 2025 due to their high passing production and dual-threat ability. In addition, there are other rising stars such as Justin Herbert, Trevor Lawrence, and Justin Fields, who are also considered high fantasy football draft picks.

In this crowded field, Williams is often pushed down in rankings simply due to the established names ahead of him. The question becomes whether Williams can prove his value quickly enough to surpass some of these established players. While the competition is fierce, Williams’ dual-threat ability and the weapons around him give him a legitimate chance to outproduce many of the other quarterbacks in the league.

The Bears’ Coaching Staff and Development of Williams

One of the most significant factors in determining Caleb Williams’ fantasy football value is the coaching staff he works with. A quarterback’s fantasy production is often directly tied to how well he is developed and how effective his offensive scheme is. The Bears’ coaching staff, particularly offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, will have a major influence on Williams’ success.

Getsy has been praised for his work with quarterbacks in the past, especially with Justin Fields in 2023. Fields showed significant improvement in his passing game under Getsy’s tutelage, and Williams is expected to benefit from a similar development plan. If Getsy can effectively utilize Williams’ skill set—getting him comfortable in the pocket, utilizing his mobility, and helping him develop as a passer—the potential for fantasy success is immense.

However, if the coaching staff struggles to maximize Williams’ talents, or if the offensive scheme remains too stagnant, it could hinder his potential for fantasy production. This is one of the most significant wild cards in evaluating Williams’ fantasy prospects for 2025.