PFF ranks Caleb Williams shockingly low entering Week 9
Caleb Williams has channeled his inner Rodney Dangerfield in 2025.
"I don't get no respect!"
For Chicago Bears fans, Williams represents the most talented and, potentially, the most productive quarterback the franchise has ever fielded. Indeed, it's a franchise that's never fielded a 4,000-yard passer, so the bar to be the best is relatively low.
But that's not Williams' fault. The fact that he's on pace to break the Chicago Bears' single-season yardage record should be celebrated. A solid game or two will put him on pace to be the first Bear to throw for 4,000 yards, too. Again, that should be celebrated.
And as Ben Johnson noted in the days following the Bears' disappointing loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8, Williams is, in fact, getting better.
“He played better this game than I think he had the previous two," Johnson said. "When you look at it, all 60 minutes, and I’m not saying it’s perfect. I actually came away, from watching the tape this morning, encouraged that we took a step in the right direction here this week. I know for some people it’s hard maybe rationalize because the result wasn’t there. But yeah, I saw tangible growth from him. He’s working his tail off.”
Despite all of that 'good,' Williams is still viewed as one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL.
At least, that's what Pro Football Focus apparently thinks.
In their latest QB Power Rankings entering Week 9, Williams is among the five worst quarterbacks in the NFL.
He ranks 27th.
Here are a few names who rank ahead of Caleb Williams:
Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) - No. 24
Spencer Rattler (NO) - No. 23
Bryce Young (CAR) - No. 22
Yes, you read that right. Rattler and Young are both ranked higher than Caleb Williams entering Week 9, and it isn't particularly close.
To add insult to injury, Rattler ranks higher than Williams despite being benched by the New Orleans Saints.
Indeed, these PFF rankings are based on their passing grades, which is why a player like Jacoby Brissett can rank 15th despite not starting every game. With a bit more filtering, Williams would move up a few spots.
Here's another kick to the gut: Pro Football Focus rates former Bears QB Justin Fields as the highest-graded quarterback under pressure.
"After a tumultuous start to the season, Justin Fields delivered one of the best performances of his career," Nick Akridge wrote. "The Jets’ offensive line did a fantastic job protecting him, as Fields was under pressure on only 18.9% of his dropbacks. Even when the Bengals managed to generate pressure, he made them pay — going 4-for-7 for 42 yards and two big-time throws on pressured dropbacks while taking zero sacks."
Williams has a favorable matchup against the Bengals in Week 9. With a strong performance, he should climb these rankings. Otherwise, he really doesn't get the respect he deserves.
Packers Jordan Love Reveals Aaron Rodgers Texts Before Week 8
(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers high fives fans after his team's 27-23 victory against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona.
It’s no secret that when the Packers chose quarterback Jordan Love with the No. 26 overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft, incumbent quarterback Aaron Rodgers was not pleased about it. Rodgers spent the first three years of his career playing behind Brett Favre, but had been the Packers’ starter for 15 seasons and felt the team’s resources would be better spent on offensive weapons, not on his potential replacement.
But for Rodgers, it was never about Love–once the pick was made, he did what he could to impart some wisdom on the new guy. The Packers and Rodgers underwent their breakup three years ago, before the 2023 season, and since Love has taken over for Rodgers, the two have maintained their friendship.
Now, the Packers are prepping to face Rodgers–with the Steelers this season–on Sunday in Week 8.
And Love revealed he’s just heard from Rodgers via text recently.
Jordan Love Still Chats With Aaron Rodgers
Asked what he and Rodgers typically talk about, Love said: “A lot of it is just saying good luck throughout the season. A-Rod texts me and was talking about some of the plays we were running, some of my footwork, complimenting me. Obviously, it is great being able to hear from him, I have got so much respect for him. Any time he gives me pointers, stuff like that, you want to get feedback from a legend like that.”
Indeed, the legend has the Steelers at 4-2, not far behind where the 4-1-1 Packers are sitting. For Love, the matchup comes with some nostalgia.
“Aaron was great,” he said. “Any time being in the quarterback room, you want to have a great relationship with everybody in that room just to make it a fun environment for what you’re gonna be in every day. Obviously, I did not know what to expect. Aaron was great to me, all three years. And I think everybody in that quarterback room with us was great.”
GettyAaron Rodgers is leading the Steelers to a promising season after six games.
Packers Quarterbacks Room Was ‘Fun’
Love recalled that Rodgers, despite the reports of his unhappiness with the drafting of Love, was always open to helping him improve. He wasn’t quite sure, when he first landed in Green Bay, that it was going to go that way.
“You never know how it is going to go. I didn’t know what to expect coming into it,” Love said. “Obviously, being a first-round pick, having A-Rod there, there’s a lot of question marks. You never know how that’s going to be. But I think obviously getting here, just being around A-Rod, being in the quarterback room, those guys welcomed me in with open arms and were great.
“I think that’s what helped build those relationships.”
Packers’ LaFleur Thought Rodgers Was ‘Awesome’ With Jordan Love
Packers coach Matt LaFleur was in the uncomfortable position of trying to develop Love after he was drafted while still working with Rodgers to win games during his final run with the franchise. He praised Rodgers’ mentorship of Love this week.
“I thought he was awesome with him, he did a great job,” LaFleur said. “Being supportive with him, trying to give him nuggets all the time. Jordan leaned into that. The mastery he has of our offense and the protection schemes that we do—I thought it was great for both of them.
“They’re both their own quarterback. At certain times, you can see some similarities.”
