Overview
- On Monday, June 1, prominent evaluations diverged: ESPN analyst Seth Walder left Williams off his early top-10 MVP list while ESPN’s Matt Bowen predicted Williams would win the award and an anonymous NFC scout told Heavy he could be an MVP finalist if he tightens his accuracy.
- Williams’ 2025 season showed measurable growth — 3,942 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, seven interceptions, a 58.1 percent completion rate and 388 rushing yards — and reporters credit continuity with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for that leap.
- The Bears reshaped Williams’ supporting cast in the offseason by trading receiver D.J. Moore to Buffalo and leaning on Rome Odunze, Luther Burden Jr., Colston Loveland and tight end Cole Kmet to fill targets.
- Analysts cite concrete limitations that temper MVP expectations: a low completion percentage on routine throws, a need to 'clean up easy throws,' and reliance on out-of-pocket playmaking that must be reduced for sustained elite production.
- Chicago opens the 2026 season on September 13 against Carolina, and the key things to watch are Williams’ short-throw accuracy, the offensive line’s protection, and how the new receiver mix sustains the passing attack, which together will shape both his MVP resume and the Bears’ title hopes.