Caleb Williams has improved weekly, looking more comfortable behind his Swiss cheese O-line with each passing snap. The rookie has done a better job diagnosing defenses, working through his progressions and getting the ball to his playmakers. Williams has a better feel for when he can let the play unfold and when he needs to make magic than he did in Week 1. The obvious developmental strides are an extremely encouraging sign in the Windy City. With a good defense, an improved run game and Williams’ continued refinement, the Bears should be competitive. 

I wanted to push Chicago up this list, but two things held me back: 

1) The Bears’ three wins came versus clubs that are a combined 3-11. Beating bad teams is what keeps you in contention. Chicago has taken care of that business, but the schedule ramps up. Per PFF’s metrics, the Bears enjoyed the second-easiest schedule in the NFL to date. They are currently projected to have the third-toughest remaining slate. Can Caleb continue to make strides behind an iffy offensive line against teams with more potent pass rushes? Can the defense overcome if the offense dips? 

2) I don’t really trust the coaching staff. Matt Eberflus runs an excellent defense. But his game management leaves me wanting, and I don’t trust him to hit the right buttons if things slide. And then there is the lack of creativity with Shane Waldron’s offense. It’s been a bland operation for weeks. It took facing a JV-level Panthers defense to show signs of a spark. When the competition gets stiffer, will Waldron have answers for his rookie QB?