Chicago Bears predicted to face top rookie quarterback in NFL debut

All eyes will be on quarterback Caleb Williams as the Chicago Bears look to work their way back into contention. To have a full on year two breakout, Williams will need to outduel some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

Based on how the rosters are currently constructed, Chicago’s quarterback should get a week of reprieve in Week 10 against the New York Giants. The Giants are coming off of a 3-14 season and have major questions at the quarterback position. The Bears should be favored to come away with the win.

But Chicago should be prepared to get a different look of New York. They have a pair of veteran QBs in Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. However, Connor Hughes of SNY wouldn’t be shocked to see rookie Jaxson Dart earn his first start in Week 10 against the Bears.

“There isn’t a soft landing spot for Dart the first two months. The late bye doesn’t make things any easier, either. The Week 10 matchup with the Chicago Bears, whose season feels like it could go in two completely different directions, is the earliest I can see it happening,” Hughes said. “Week 15 versus Washington is likely where the Giants hope they can get to.”

Chicago Bears could welcome Jaxson Dart to the NFL 

The Giants selected Dart with the No. 25 overall pick in the draft. While he comes with plenty of potential, New York plans to ease him into NFL action. However, by Week 10, and especially if New York is out of contention, the Giants may be forced to throw the rookie into the fire.

Any NFL debut comes with jitters, and that may work in the Bears’ favor as the game will take place at Soldier Field. Still, Dart was prolific during his time at Ole Miss. In his final year with the Rebels, Dart led the SEC with a 69.3 completion percentage and 4,379 yards to go along with a career-high 29 touchdowns. The quarterback was named First-team All-SEC.

Of course, the jump to the NFL is an entirely different beast. When he faces the Bears, Dart will be staring down cornerbacks such as Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon. If Week 10 truly is his NFL debut, Dart will be in for a difficult task.

At the same time, the Bears cannot take the Giants’ challenge lightly. There’s a reason Dart went in the first round. They cannot afford to overlook the rookie and take an embarrassing loss, sending Dart into New York lore immediately.

Both the Bears and Giants are looking for massive changes during their 2025. Their Week 10 matchup could be a clear view into both franchise’s future.