Bears HC Ben Johnson Makes Major Caleb Williams Decision For Week 18 Vs. Lions After Clinching Playoff Spot
Chicago, Illinois – December 30, 2025
After the Chicago Bears officially clinched a playoff berth, head coach Ben Johnson faced a familiar late-season dilemma: protect the future — or keep the momentum rolling.
On Tuesday, Johnson made his stance clear, and the decision centers on rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
Despite already securing a spot in the postseason, Johnson confirmed that Williams will start and play a meaningful role in Week 18 against the Detroit Lions — a choice that reflects how the Bears view both their young quarterback and the moment they are building toward.

“This isn’t about checking a box,” Johnson said. “It’s about continuing to grow, continuing to compete, and continuing to play our brand of football.”
Chicago’s rise this season has been closely tied to Williams’ rapid development. After early growing pains, the No. 1 overall pick has settled into the offense, showing increased command at the line of scrimmage and improved comfort working through full-field progressions. The coaching staff believes pulling him out now could disrupt that rhythm — something Johnson is unwilling to risk with the playoffs approaching.
Week 18 still carries real stakes. A win over Detroit could impact seeding and potentially determine whether the Bears open the postseason at home. Just as important, the matchup offers one final high-pressure environment before playoff football begins — an experience Johnson considers invaluable for a young quarterback.
“We don’t want to ease our way into January,” Johnson said. “We want to arrive sharp.”
That doesn’t mean the Bears will be reckless with Williams’ health. Team sources indicate Chicago will remain mindful of snap counts and situational usage, especially if the game’s flow allows flexibility. Still, the message from the coaching staff is unmistakable: Week 18 is not a formality.
Inside the locker room, Johnson’s decision has resonated. Veteran leaders have emphasized the importance of finishing strong, while younger players view the Lions matchup as another step in defining the team’s identity under its new head coach.
For Williams, the call represents both confidence and challenge. He’ll face a Detroit defense eager to disrupt Chicago’s rhythm and spoil a divisional rival’s momentum. How he responds will offer an early preview of what the Bears can expect when the stakes rise further in the postseason.
The Bears have already accomplished one major goal — returning to the playoffs. But Johnson’s choice makes one thing clear: Chicago isn’t satisfied with simply being there.
By entrusting Caleb Williams with Week 18, the Bears are signaling belief not just in a quarterback, but in a trajectory — one they intend to carry at full speed straight into January.













