The NFL playoffs are starting in a few weeks, and the New England Patriots are going to be major players. With a top-2 finish locked in and a chance to get the top seed this week, the Patriots look like strong favorites in their conference. New England fans are ready to cheer for their team in the postseason for the first time since 2020.
But one former player is supporting a different team in the playoff race. FOX’s NFL analysts were asked which quarterbacks who haven’t won a Super Bowl deserve to win it this season. Among those analysts was former Patriots star Rob Gronkowski. Instead of picking current Patriots QB Drake Maye, Gronk chose Chicago Bears QB and Maye’s fellow 2024 draft pick Caleb Williams.
“Caleb Williams,” Gronkowski said, according to Clutch Points. “What a turnaround it has been in Chicago with head coach Ben Johnson. [He’s] just making crazy, insane throws and completing them as well.”
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Williams has turned his career around in impressive fashion
To be fair, the situation in Chicago looks dramatically different with Caleb Williams under centre. After enduring a difficult rookie campaign last season, the 2024 first-overall pick has taken a significant step forward and begun to justify the expectations that came with his draft status.
Williams has shown clear growth in his decision-making and command of the offence, cutting down costly mistakes while becoming far more efficient as a passer.
The former USC quarterback has thrown for 3,740 yards and 25 touchdowns this season, while limiting himself to just six interceptions: a marked improvement that reflects both increased confidence and better game management.
Beyond the numbers, Williams has appeared more comfortable reading defences, extending plays when necessary without forcing throws, and delivering in key moments. With improved support around him and a clearer offensive identity, Chicago finally looks to have a franchise quarterback capable of leading the team forward rather than simply surviving Sundays.
However, Maye has been even better for the Patriots this season. Drafted two spots after Williams in 2024, the Patriots QB has 4,203 yards in 2025, throwing 30 touchdowns to just eight interceptions and completing over 70% of his passes this season.
Maye was in MVP talks early this season and has kept up his strong play throughout the year. While some teams were supposed to dominate their divisions, the Patriots have exceeded expectations with Maye leading the way.
The Patriots are now getting ready for their first playoff run since 2020 and their first home playoff game after Tom Brady left. Their game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday will decide if they get a first-round bye in the playoffs. In other sports news, a veteran cop shared theories about a missing coach’s disappearance as investigations continue.
Published: Jan 3, 2026 12:30 pm