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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.

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“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.

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CBS Sports President David Berson Suspends Legendary Broadcaster Jim Nantz just hours after his disrespectful remarks toward the Chiefs, right before the crucial Chiefs–Raiders matchup this Sunday
New York, New York – December 26, 2025 Just hours before a pivotal AFC West showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders, the NFL media landscape was jolted by a stunning decision from CBS Sports. CBS Sports President David Berson officially suspended legendary broadcaster Jim Nantz following remarks widely viewed as dismissive and disrespectful toward the Chiefs ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes divisional matchup. According to multiple internal sources, the incident stemmed from a pregame analysis segment recorded for CBS’s Sunday broadcast. While discussing Kansas City’s recent form and postseason outlook, Nantz questioned whether the Chiefs’ current identity still inspired the same confidence under pressure — a comment that quickly triggered backlash across social media and within league circles. “Kansas City still has the names and the résumé,” Nantz said during the segment, “but this version of the Chiefs doesn’t carry the same inevitability when games tighten and stakes rise.” Although framed as analysis, the timing proved combustible. With the Chiefs entering a must-win rivalry game against Las Vegas — one that carries major playoff implications — many fans, former players, and media observers felt the comment crossed from critique into undue dismissal, particularly given Kansas City’s championship pedigree and the leadership of Patrick Mahomes. The reaction was immediate and intense. Within hours, pressure mounted on CBS to respond. That response came swiftly. Berson personally authorized the suspension — an extraordinary move involving one of the most iconic voices in sports broadcasting. “We welcome strong opinions and spirited football debate,” Berson said in a statement.“But when commentary undermines respect for teams and the values CBS represents — especially at moments of heightened consequence — we have a responsibility to act. No individual is above our professional standards.” Sources familiar with the situation say Nantz was surprised by the decision, but CBS leadership viewed it as a necessary message in an era where words are amplified instantly and credibility is constantly tested. The network’s stance, executives believed, was about preserving trust — with viewers, teams, and the league itself. Inside the Chiefs’ organization, the controversy arrived at a delicate moment. Kansas City is navigating a demanding late-season stretch, leaning on focus and unity as it prepares for another playoff push. Those close to the locker room indicated the network’s action was seen as a quiet affirmation that respect still matters — particularly for a franchise that has defined the NFL’s modern era. Sunday’s result will be settled between the lines at kickoff. But beyond the field, the suspension of Jim Nantz serves as a clear reminder of today’s NFL reality: reputations can be built over decades — and questioned in a single sentence.