Lions set to handle a white-hot Caleb Williams in Week 2 with latest prediction

Caleb Williams has got a lot to prove this season for the oft-struggling Chicago Bears. The second year quarterback had basically zero pass protection in 2024, leading to an astronomical sack rate and, somehow, still throwing more TDs than picks.

The Bears will be taking on the Detroit Lions in Week 2 of the regular season in the Lions' first home game of the year, and according to one prediction from NFL Spin Zone's Ryan Heckman, it sounds like Detroit isn't going to have a walk in the park against the hungry Williams.

Instead, they'll be managing containing Williams after a predicted 300-yard Monday Night Performance against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1.

Chicago is predicted to head to Ford Field white-hot for Week 2

"As good as Brian Flores' defense was last year, his unit still finished 28th against the pass. Vikings fans will tell you they're still concerned about an outside cornerback room featuring Jeff Okudah and Isaiah Rodgers, so look for Caleb Williams to exploit that with guys like Rome Odunze and DJ Moore.

Ben Johnson's offense has been designed for Williams to get the ball out a lot quicker, which will help him avoid getting sacked at such a high rate. Not to mention, the offensive line is much improved. But, Johnson will also allow Williams to get outside the pocket and use his legs at times; an underrated aspect of his game."

With a new head coach in tow - a familiar one, at that - it seems like Chicago is primed to take a nice little leap in the division after such a poor showing in 2024. While the leap might not be significant enough to overtake powerhouses in the Lions and the Green Bay Packers, it should be enough to allow for Ben Johnson to keep his job beyond this year.

As a result of some reinforcing along the offensive line this offseason, Chicago is expecting Williams to turn the page on his rookie season and lead Chicago to a far better fate than a 5-12 finish and last place in the NFC North.

However, this likely isn't going to come at the expense of Detroit, as they'll also be in a somewhat prove it mode to begin the season. Week 1 against the Packers after they traded for Micah Parsons is the perfect time for the Lions' defense to tell critics, "don't forget about us." It's hard to imagine that the Bears will manage to stop them in pursuit of that goal.