​Caleb Williams wasted no time making his presence felt in the fiercely competitive NFC North, quickly establishing himself as a leading force after a standout year with Ben Johnson guiding the Bears. Williams has put together a compelling argument for being the top quarterback in the division, with a performance that drew attention across the league. In a recent piece by Vincent Paris, Williams is highlighted as the standout signal-caller in the NFC North following last season’s showing, and the case he makes is built on tangible, record-setting numbers and a transformative impact on his team.
Paris asks the question many are weighing: who is the best quarterback among Williams, Jared Goff, and Jordan Love? He answers by focusing on Williams’ remarkable breakout campaign in his second NFL season. Williams delivered a franchise single-season passing record, throwing for 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns while tossing just seven interceptions over 17 games for Chicago. The Bears finished 11-6 and captured the NFC North title, a season that brought Williams tantalizing proximity to a 4,000-yard milestone. Had Chicago not dealt with a league-wide abundance of dropped passes, that near-4,000-yard mark might have become a reality, underscoring how Williams’ efficiency and production could have been even higher.
Ahead of the 2026 campaign, Williams enters with momentum from a playoff appearance and victory, along with Ben Johnson’s first full year as head coach providing stability and a clearer trajectory for development. The combination of Williams’ on-field growth and a more polished coaching blueprint creates a strong foundation for him to push for the status of the division’s best quarterback. Paris emphasizes that what Williams achieved in a single season has already reshaped how the Bears are perceived, injecting a new level of optimism and potential for the franchise.
If Williams continues to ascend at the current pace, the ceiling remains uncertain. His early success has elevated expectations not just within Chicago but across the NFC North, inviting speculation about how far he can take the Bears and whether he can sustain this peak level of play. The narrative around Williams is evolving from “up-and-coming talent” to a legitimate claim as the premier quarterback in a division known for elite play at the position. As the Bears move forward, Williams’ development will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, with many eager to see if he can keep pushing the envelope and cement his status as the division’s best quarterback.
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