With the coachspeak and player-driven hype already intensifying before the 2024 NFL season, Brad Evans examines some of the bolder claims to guide fantasy managers and sports bettors to profitability.
The Claim: In the opening days of Chicago Bears training camp, offensive coordinator Shane Waldron gushed about Williams’ rapid evolution, remarking “he’s owning the offense” and is making “smarter and quicker plays.”
B.S. Barometer: 1.5 (1 = buyable; 5 = a heaping pile).
The Spin: The No. 1 overall pick is no Tim Couch or JaMarcus Russell. The rookie quarterback’s creative releases, mobility and all-fields accuracy should thrive at times in Chicago’s rebuilt offense.
Honestly, it could be one of the most prolific scoring units in franchise history. Williams will take snaps behind a projected top-10 offensive line, and his weaponry — D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet and D’Andre Swift — is mouthwatering.
Move over Lou Malnati’s. Williams and company are sure to satisfy hungry fan appetites.
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When you consider the Bears’ ninth-easiest fantasy schedule for QBs and rookie’s advanced numbers last year at USC — Williams was No. 15 nationally in adjusted completion percentage — and it’s likely he’ll be profitable not only in betting markets (+150 to win Offensive Rookie of the Year at Caesars) but also for fantasy managers (ADP: 122.11, QB17).
The learning curve is tightening. Another adjustment phase will begin in exhibition play followed by true tests beginning Week 1 against the Titans, but in a wonderful offensive environment, Williams is likely to twirl numerous accurate spirals. When the dust settles on his rookie season, he should be in the range of 3600-3800 passing yards with 23-26 touchdowns. It remains absurd he’s still plus money to lead all rookies in passing yards (+100, DraftKings).
The Goose Island Green Lines are bound to go down smooth — and that’s with only a twinge of Bears bias included.