FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

Caleb Williams Struggles In Debut

By Jared Smola | Updated on Sun, Sep 8 2024 10:48 PM UTC

Bears QB Caleb Williams didn't get to 100 passing yards in his debut against the Titans on Sunday. He completed just 14 of 29 attempts (48%) for 93 yards (3.2 YPA), 0 TDs, and 0 INTs. Williams flashed his mobility and arm strength on a few occasions. And WR Keenan Allen dropped a would-be six-yard TD. But Williams missed multiple downfield throws and had a few passes batted down at the line of scrimmage.

2024 Fantasy Football Impact

Williams didn't get much help from his offensive line or running game in this one. Chicago's RBs combined for just 55 yards on 16 carries (3.4 YPC).

We'll also note that this Titans defense might end up being an above-average unit this season.

But Williams also clearly has work to do as he transitions to the NFL. He's too talented -- and this pass-catching corps too good -- for him to continue struggling to this extent. But he'll be tough to trust as a QB1 on the road in Houston next week. That's followed by a much better matchup against the Colts.

Other Winners & Losers

WRs D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze combined for 10 catches on 23 targets for 76 scoreless yards vs. Tennessee. Allen led the team with 11 targets and could have salvaged his fantasy day without the uncharacteristic TD drop. Moore was next on the team with eight targets; Odunze finished with just four looks.

The playing time between the three was relatively even, though.

Moore: 31 routes on 33 dropbacks
Odunze: 28 routes
Allen: 26 routes

Moore remains the top dog here for now and can stay in Week 2 fantasy lineups. Odunze and Allen will likely land in fringe WR3 territory in the Week 2 rankings.

Jared Smola, Lead Analyst

Jared has been with Draft Sharks since 2007. He’s now Lead Analyst, heading up the preseason and weekly projections that fuel your Draft War Room and My Team tools. He currently ranks sixth among 158 analysts in draft rankings accuracy.