The 2025 Chicago Bears are shaping up to be one of the most intriguing teams heading into the season. With Caleb Williams at the helm, Ben Johnson as head coach, and an upgraded supporting cast, this team is no longer the punchline it once was. But let’s be real for a second.
After that brutal 2024 season, when Williams absorbed 68 sacks in his rookie year, nobody’s penciling him in as a guaranteed fantasy stud. That said, the pieces are coming together in such a compelling way that Bears fans (and fantasy managers) might finally have some reasons for optimism.
Caleb Williams 2024 Stats and Production
When Ben Johnson entered as head coach, it was a signal that the Bears were tired of mediocrity. Johnson helped shape Detroit’s offense into a top-5 scoring unit in back-to-back seasons. Now, he’s been handed the keys to Chicago, tasked with turning Caleb Williams into a franchise QB while revamping what was once an uninspiring offense.
Johnson’s creative schemes are built on rhythm, structured play designs, and red-zone dominance, and these could be exactly what Williams needs to rebound after a rookie season filled with growing pains.
What makes Johnson’s arrival more exciting? The addition of offensive weapons should elevate this team overnight.
D.J. Moore, fresh off his WR14 season, is the reliable veteran presence for Williams. Mix in Rome Odunze’s second-year leap potential, rookie WR Luther Burden’s slot brilliance, and newly drafted pass-catching TE Colston Loveland, and suddenly this team has options.
Bears fans were hyped when Caleb Williams landed in Chicago. Unfortunately, his rookie season didn’t deliver the highlight reel people envisioned. Williams ranked 25th in points per game for fantasy quarterbacks, with much of his production salvaged by his legs (483 rushing yards to be exact). While electrifying on scrambles, his 30th-ranked deep ball completion rate was a glaring weakness, catching up to him and the Bears’ already inefficient offense.
Here’s the thing about Williams, though. There are rookie quarterbacks who simply flounder, and there are rookies who show flashes but are placed in challenging situations. Williams falls into the latter. Despite his struggles, his quick-game accuracy and aggressive approach downfield flashed potential. Fantasy managers looking for a QB2 with upside should be paying attention.
Rookie Luther Burden enters as the versatile slot weapon who could thrive in Johnson’s scheme, drawing tempting comps to Amon-Ra St. Brown. At tight end, first-rounder Colston Loveland adds speed and athleticism, complementing Cole Kmet in two-TE sets. And don’t forget about D’Andre Swift, whose pass-catching ability out of the backfield should fit seamlessly into this new-look attack.
While it’s easy to focus on skill position players, Bears management didn’t forget about the trenches. The offensive line welcoming three new starters (Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson) is a silent victory. For context, Williams was pressured on over 30% of his dropbacks last season, far above league average. The O-line’s upgrades don’t just help Williams stay upright; they create better running lanes for Swift, who could desperately use efficiency improvements heading into the final year of his contract.
Caleb Williams 2025 Fantasy Outlook
At the heart of all these changes is one key message for fantasy players watching the 2025 Bears: get your sleepers now. Caleb Williams is no lock as a top-10 fantasy QB, but his rushing volume paired with an improved scheme makes him a must-draft QB2 in most formats, with potential to catapult into the top 10 midseason.
Moore remains the safest fantasy option, with high-end WR2 numbers in his range of outcomes. Consistency will hinge on Williams taking that Year 2 leap. Odunze and Burden offer exciting upside based on their skill sets, but they’ll likely be boom-or-bust weekly options early in the season. If the former first and second round picks refine their route tree, watch out.
Colston Loveland may need some time to outpace Cole Kmet for routes run, but his athleticism and red-zone potential could make him a late-round fantasy darling by November. Finally, D’Andre Swift feels like the wild card. His inefficiencies are well-documented, but Johnson’s ability to use backs effectively in the passing game could keep him in the RB2 discussion.
The Chicago Bears have one of the most exciting, if not the most unpredictable, storylines entering 2025. Will Ben Johnson’s scheme revolutionize the offense, or are we in for another year of talk without teeth? Regardless, the potential is there for fantasy relevance across multiple positions. For fantasy managers, the Bears are no longer the team to gloss over on draft day. Keep an eye out this season because if Caleb Williams rises, so will this offense.
