Caleb Williams shows development as Chicago Bears eye NFC North competition

The Chicago Bears' quarterback Caleb Williams is showing significant development as the team looks toward the 2026 NFL season. Following a season where he set single-season records with 3,941 passing yards and 30 total touchdowns, Williams led the Bears to their first division title in seven years and their first playoff victory in 15 years.

Despite his success, critics previously pointed to a low 58.1 percent completion rate, noting a tendency to hunt for big plays rather than utilizing high-percentage throws. However, head coach Ben Johnson has indicated that Williams is improving his decision-making by embracing ‘small ball’ and utilizing checkdowns more effectively when vertical options are unavailable.

Looking ahead to the NFC North competition, the Detroit Lions are projected to be a primary contender for the division. Following a period of transition with new coordinators, the Lions have bolstered their roster with additions such as Isiah Pacheco and Devin White, aiming to reclaim their previous dominance in the division.