Caleb Williams Is Back—and So Is My Confidence in Chicago’s Super Bowl Chances

By Clint Lloyd · October 19, 2026 · Opinion & analysis

Chicago’s 31–23 win over Atlanta gave me exactly what I wanted to see: Caleb Williams back at quarterback and a reason to feel confident about where this team can go.

After missing three games with a hamstring injury, Williams completed 30 of 36 passes for 305 yards and a touchdown. He finished with a 111.2 passer rating, and the Bears improved to 4–2. Those are strong numbers for any Sunday. Coming in his first game back, they carry extra weight. [B1]

My takeaway is straightforward: the Bears remain my pick to win the NFC and represent the conference in the Super Bowl.

That is my prediction, and Sunday reinforced it. The stretch without Williams was about getting through games while dealing with injuries. I viewed Green Bay’s win over Chicago in that context. In my opinion, the Packers caught the Bears at the right moment, with key players unavailable and Chicago trying to reach the other side of that stretch.

Getting Williams back changes my expectations. A quarterback who completes 30 of 36 attempts in his return gives me plenty of reason to believe this offense can build momentum.

Atlanta cutting into the lead late does not concern me. Teams make runs in NFL games. For me, that rally does not outweigh what Williams’ return means for Chicago’s season.

The Bears still have to earn their place in January, and my prediction will be tested over the coming weeks. But I am comfortable making it now. This is the NFC team I believe in, and having Williams back is the biggest reason why.

Reporting source: B1 — Chicago Bears official game recap.