Caleb Williams: Wild Card Star of the Week in Historic Playoff Debut

The NFL’s Wild Card weekend delivered thrilling moments, but one performance stood out above the rest. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears made a historic playoff debut, earning him recognition as the Wild Card Star of the Week.

A Record-Breaking Debut

Williams showcased remarkable poise and skill, leading the Bears back from an 18-point deficit against a fierce rival in his very first playoff game. Throwing for 381 yards and two touchdowns, he capped off the comeback with a game-winning pass to D.J. Moore with just 1:43 left on the clock. His performance not only set multiple records but also signaled the arrival of the NFL's next generation of superstar quarterbacks.

Coaching Milestone

Bears head coach Ben Johnson also made history, becoming the first coach in franchise history to win a playoff game in his debut season. Much of this achievement can be credited to Williams’ composure and clutch playmaking, which kept Chicago in contention and ultimately secured the victory.

Looking Ahead

As the postseason moves into the Divisional Round, all eyes will be on Caleb Williams. Can he carry this momentum and guide the Bears on an unexpected championship run? If Wild Card weekend is any indication, betting against him would be a risky proposition.

All statistics and records are current as of January 15, 2026. Divisional Round games are scheduled for January 17-18, 2026.