ESPN analyst makes massive Caleb Williams prediction that would change fantasy football in 2026

Bowen is predicting Williams will finish the season as fantasy football's QB1.

It's certainly a bold call with quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels occupying the top tier of fantasy QB rankings, but Bowen sees the ingredients for Williams to make that leap.

"Williams finished as the No. 5 QB in total scoring last season and scored 18.7 points per game (No. 7)," Bowen wrote. "We saw his playmaking skills, plus he provides a rushing boost (383 yards, three touchdowns). With a versatile and explosive receiving corps, led by tight end Colston Loveland, and an elite playcaller in Ben Johnson, I see a path for Williams to produce big-time numbers in 2026."

Caleb Williams already made a major Year 2 jump

Bowen's prediction isn't just based on potential. Williams set the Bears' single-season passing record with 3,942 yards in 2025 while throwing 27 touchdowns against only seven interceptions. He also added three rushing touchdowns.

More importantly, Williams' improvement coincided with winning.

Chicago went 11-6, captured the NFC North and beat Green Bay in the Wild Card round. Williams engineered seven victories in games the Bears trailed during the final two minutes, including the postseason. And now comes Year 2 in Johnson's offense.

Bears have surrounded Caleb Williams with fantasy-friendly weapons

Williams won't lack options when he drops back to pass.

Loveland led the Bears with 713 receiving yards as a rookie and enters his second season with breakout expectations. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III give Williams two talented young receivers capable of scoring from anywhere on the field, while D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai provide Chicago with a productive backfield.

Then there's Williams himself.

His scrambling ability provides the rushing production that can separate elite fantasy quarterbacks from productive NFL passers. Williams has also spoken this summer about Chicago's desire to become one of the NFL's most explosive offenses. So, when you put it all together, Bowen's argument becomes easier to see.

Williams doesn't necessarily need to become the NFL's best pure passer in 2026 to finish as the QB1 in fantasy. He needs another step forward through the air, continued rushing production, and enough touchdowns in an offense that appears capable of generating plenty of scoring opportunities.

Finishing ahead of every other fantasy quarterback remains an aggressive prediction for Williams. But after what he accomplished in 2025, Bowen sees a path toward something Bears fans have never experienced: A quarterback who isn't merely fantasy relevant, but potentially the most valuable fantasy quarterback in football.