Who Should I Start? Dillon Gabriel or Caleb Williams

Sunday, December 28, 11:49 AM

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel (shoulder) injured his left shoulder at some point during the week and has been ruled out for the Week 17 divisional clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. With Gabriel inactive, Bailey Zappe has been elevated to the 53-man active roster from the practice squad and will serve as rookie Shedeur Sanders' backup this weekend. The 25-year-old Gabriel ended up making six starts for Cleveland in his first year in the NFL in 2025, but he was largely mediocre while failing to push the ball downfield. Gabriel's reign as the team's starting QB ended in Week 11 when he suffered a concussion, opening the door for Sanders to take over. In his six starts, the Oregon product completed 58.9% of his passes for 918 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions while adding 86 rushing yards. Gabriel is expected to compete for the starting gig next year with Sanders and Deshaun Watson (Achilles).

Saturday, December 27, 4:52 PM

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is coming off a stellar Week 16 performance, totaling 250 passing yards and two touchdowns, plus 30 rushing yards, in the thrilling overtime victory over the Green Bay Packers. Alongside head coach Ben Johnson, Williams has led the Bears to an 11-4 record and could clinch the NFC North with a Week 17 win and a Packers loss. He faces the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17, who have allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. In Week 16, the 49ers defense allowed 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to total 277 passing yards and two touchdowns. With good weather expected, Williams offers upside as a QB2 against this injury-plagued 49ers defense.