Former NFL QB Drops Harsh Caleb Williams Prediction For 2024

Former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert is boldly predicting Sam Darnold throws for more yards with the Minnesota Vikings than Caleb Williams does for the Chicago Bears.

The caveat is that Darnold starts every game with the Vikings, which isn't a guarantee after the team selected J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft.

It's a harsh prediction considering Williams is the No. 1 overall draft pick, and he'll be playing with an embarrassment of riches at the offensive skilled positions. The Bears spent a first-round draft pick on wide receiver Rome Odunze and signed six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen in the offseason.

They also have bruising rusher D'Andre Swift at running back and burgeoning star tight end Cole Kmet.

"If Sam Darnold starts every game for the Vikings he will throw for more yards than Caleb Williams this season. Save this tweet," Benkert posted on X.

Benkert's prediction could simply be more about him believing in Sam Darnold, who has never been put in a real position to succeed. He started his career with a dysfunctional New York Jets team before being thrown to the wolves with the rebuilding Carolina Panthers.

His last stop was in San Francisco as a backup to 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. He closed out the 2023 season with 297 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

Williams will surely have growing pains as a rookie quarterback. There is also enormous pressure on his shoulders to help save a franchise that hasn't won a playoff game since 2010.

Darnold's situation is completely different in a Vikings offense with just as much firepower, if not more. He's viewed as the bridge quarterback for McCarthy, and he'll be throwing to the best receiver in the NFL, Justin Jefferson.

The Vikings also have Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones at running back. It's a great situation that makes Benkert's prediction not sound so crazy.

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