How DJ Moore's Trade Affects Caleb Williams' Fantasy Value
Short-term hit, but mixed long-term outlook.
Moore was Caleb's clear WR1 — he accounted for 85+ targets that've now "left the building" (per Fantasy Football Today). That's a real loss of a trusted, established target. On the surface, losing your best wideout hurts.
But here's the upside: Those targets are redistributing to three ascending players — Luther Burden III (Ben Johnson is "buying Luther Burden stock right now" at OTAs), Rome Odunze (third-year breakout candidate who was averaging 67.5 yards/game before a foot injury slowed him), and rookie TE Colston Loveland (team leader in receptions last year). Plus, for the first time in his career, Williams has the same HC and OC in back-to-back years — Johnson's scheme is now built specifically around his mobility rather than a Goff-style pocket game (from the Caleb Williams page).
The Fantasy Headliners put it simply: "Caleb Williams is going to score fantasy points… no reason to not have him this year."
The bigger concern isn't Moore leaving — it's the schedule. The Bears face the NFL's toughest strength of schedule in 2026 (.550 opponent win%). That's more likely to cap Williams' ceiling than the receiver shuffle (from the Caleb Williams page).
Bottom line: Moore's departure is a downgrade in target quality, but the volume is flowing to talented young receivers in a year-two system fit. Williams is still a viable QB2 with spike-week upside — just beware the tough matchups.