Chicago Bears Caleb Williams Becoming A Popular Bet For MVP In 2026

The 2025 NFL season is in the rearview mirror, and while the Chicago Bears fell short of a Super Bowl appearance, the vibes around Halas Hall are different this time. For the first time in decades, the Bears aren’t looking for a quarterback savior—they have one. And if the early betting lines are any indication, Caleb Williams isn’t just expected to be good next year; he’s expected to be the best player in the league.

Chicago Bears Caleb Williams Popular With Bettors

As sportsbooks release their odds for the 2026 NFL MVP, a surprising favorite has emerged among bettors. It’s not Patrick Mahomes, and it’s not Josh Allen. The most popular bet to take home the hardware is Chicago’s own Caleb Williams. Let’s dive into why the hype train is leaving the station so early and whether the young signal-caller can actually deliver.

A Breakout 2025 Campaign

To understand the MVP hype, you have to look at what Williams accomplished in his second year. After a rocky rookie season, 2025 was his coming-out party. He led the Bears to an 11-6 record, an NFC North title, and the franchise’s first playoff win in 15 years.

Statistically, he was excellent. Williams threw for a franchise-record 3,942 yards, falling just shy of the elusive 4,000-yard mark that has haunted Chicago quarterbacks for a century. He tossed roughly 30 touchdowns against just 7 interceptions, showing a blend of aggression and ball security that is rare for a young passer.

But numbers only tell part of the story. The real reason fans and bettors are buying stock in Williams is his clutch gene. He led the NFL with seven fourth-quarter comebacks in 2025. When the game was on the line, Williams didn’t shrink; he thrived. That kind of poise is exactly what MVP voters look for.

The Ben Johnson Effect

A huge factor in Williams’ development—and his MVP odds—is the system he plays in. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has proven to be a quarterback whisperer. In their first year together, Johnson unlocked parts of Williams’ game that were inconsistent during his rookie year.

Now, heading into their second season together, the expectation is that the offense will take another massive leap. Williams won’t be learning the playbook for the first time; he’ll be mastering it. We saw glimpses of this mastery late in the season, where he was operating the offense with the efficiency of a ten-year veteran.

With Johnson calling the plays and a supporting cast that includes D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, and rising tight end star Colston Loveland, Williams has every tool he needs to put up monster numbers. If he can bump his completion percentage up near 65% and crack that 4,000-yard barrier, he will be squarely in the MVP conversation.

What It Takes to Win MVP

History tells us that winning the MVP is difficult. It usually requires being the best player on one of the best teams in the league. Recent winners like Matthew Stafford, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes all put up eye-popping stats while leading their teams to top playoff seeds.

For Williams to win, the Bears likely need to win 12 or 13 games and secure a top seed in the NFC. He would probably need to throw for over 4,300 yards and approach 40 total touchdowns. These are lofty goals, but they aren’t impossible for a player with his talent level in this specific offense.

The narrative is also on his side. MVP voters love a fresh story. The “savior of the Bears” finally bringing an elite passing offense to Chicago is a storyline that writes itself. If he plays well and the Bears win, the media momentum will be unstoppable.

A Safe Bet or a Risky Gamble?

At +1500 odds (at the time of this article’s publish date), betting on Williams is a calculated risk. There are safer bets on the board, like established veterans who consistently put up elite numbers. However, the potential payout and the trajectory of Williams’ career make him an enticing option.

He is chasing ghosts in Chicago—Walter Payton is the only Bears player to ever win MVP, and that was back in 1977. But for the first time in a long time, it feels like the Bears have a quarterback capable of catching ghosts. Whether you’re placing a bet or just watching as a fan, all eyes will be on No. 18 when the 2026 season kicks off. The expectations are sky-high, but Caleb Williams has given us every reason to believe he’s ready to meet them.