Bears on upset alert Week 1? Why history is heavily against Caleb Williams beating the Titans in his NFL debut

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The Chicago Bears will be one of the most talked-about teams in the NFL this upcoming season. They drafted former USC quarterback Caleb Williams No. 1 overall, while the front office worked to surround him with talent at receiver and running back. 

While Williams is playing in his first-ever NFL game this week, his Bears are favored by four points over the Tennessee Titans. Only three other NFL teams are favored by more points in Week 1! It’s the largest Week 1 spread for a rookie quarterback in his first start since Terry Bradshaw back in 1970. Even if Williams is indeed this generational signal-caller many expect him to be, that doesn’t mean he’s a lock to win his first NFL game. In fact, history is not on his side.

The last 15 quarterbacks to be selected No. 1 overall have a combined record of 0-14-1 in their first career starts. The last quarterback selected No. 1 overall to win his first start was David Carr in 2002. Here’s a look at how the past 15 No. 1 overall quarterbacks fared in their debuts:

Bryce Young (Panthers)

20-38, 146 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs

L 24-10 to Falcons

Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars)

28-51, 332 yards, 3 TDs, 3 INTs

L 37-21 to Texans

Joe Burrow (Bengals)

23-36, 193 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT

L 16-13 to Chargers

Kyler Murray (Cardinals)

29-54, 308 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

T 27-27 with Lions

Baker Mayfield (Browns)

21-41, 295 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs

L 45-42 to Raiders

Jared Goff (Rams)

17-31, 134 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs

L 14-10 to Dolphins

Jameis Winston (Buccaneers)

16-33, 210 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs

L 42-14 to Titans

Andrew Luck (Colts)

23-45, 309 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs

L 41-21 to Bears

Cam Newton (Panthers)

24-37, 422 yards, 2 TDs 1 INT

L 28-21 to Cardinals

Sam Bradford (Rams)

32-55, 253 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs

L 17-13 to Cardinals

Matthew…

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Author : Jordan Dajani

Publish date : 2024-09-04 17:15:08

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