Hello, Chicago Bears Fans! The Bears are into the divisional round after their amazing comeback victory over the Packers in the Wild Card game. The Bears did suffer some injuries in that game, however, with Ozzy Trapilo and TJ Edwards out for the season. There are rumors the Bears may push Joe Thuney out to left tackle rather than slot in the recently returned Braxton Jones, or the Canadian Eagle Theo Benedet – who played left tackle earlier in the season before being supplanted by Trapilo. However the Bears choose to align their offensive line, they will face a Rams defense with fierce edge rushers led by Jared Verse. And on offense, the Rams will have two elite wide receivers in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams catching balls for future Hall of Fame quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Bears will feature the Iceman, Caleb Williams, in a game with temperatures expected to reach negative digits and wind gusts in the 20-mph range. That environment may have an impact on the team from balmy LA. Here is how our WCG contributors think it will all play out on Sunday night, as the Bears hope to punch their ticket to meet the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC championship game:
GOOCH: Bears 32, Rams 28. I haven’t picked against the Bears all season, and after that amazing comeback, I’m certainly not going to start now. The Bears rely heavily on their run game early in the game, with Kyle Monangai doing heavy work and earning a touchdown to put the Bears up early. Then Ben Johnson works his magic with the play-action pass game, and the occasional trick play, to attack the Rams’ weak secondary. Caleb puts up 250+ passing and throws for two touchdowns, one to Rome and the other to Colston Loveland. Dennis Allen has his boys ready to play, and with his entire secondary available, he keeps the Rams guessing with a variety of nickel and dime packages. Both Booker and Sweat notch sacks, and Stafford fumbles the ball on a strip sack. Bears move on to face the fierce Seahawks in the NFC Championship.
Lester: The weather will certainly be a factor, but the Rams are more than just an explosive passing game. Sean McVay will have his team ready, and they’ll run the ball to keep Chicago’s offense off the field. The Rams also have the better defense, and they’ll do enough to slow Caleb down. I’ve felt the Rams were the best team in the NFC for a while now, so I see the Bears’ season coming to an end… is what I said on a radio spot earlier this week, and I don’t normally change my game pick. But, man… This Bears team really has proven itself this year. Maybe it’s just all those videos the NFL put out has me in a good mood. Maybe the dozen Rams fans trying to talk trash has me riled up. So I am changing my pick this time, Rams 23, Bears 27. Let’s effing go!
Mongo Peanut: Last time the Bears played in frigid conditions, they dominated the Cleveland Browns. While it would be foolish to expect a similar result, I do think the weather tilts the game in the Bears’ favor. I think the Bears force 3 more fumbles and recover two on their way to a 30-23 victory. Caleb has an efficient afternoon going 25-37 and a TD and Swift and Monangai combine for 130 yards on the ground, each tallying a score. I expect this game to be tied at 20 entering the 4th with the Bears pulling away late.
Gary Baugher Jr. Like I said last week, I see no point in picking against the Bears at this point in the season. On paper, the Rams are the better, more rounded team, but the weather can even the score for us, as well as the distance the Rams have to travel to get to us. I think the Bears will win the turnover battle this week and turn those turnovers into points, which ultimately makes the difference in the game. Bears 24, Rams 21.
Sam: I was negative last week, and I realized it’s no place to be. The Rams are an entirely different challenge than the Packers. This game is going to be difficult for a Bears team with a reeling defense. They need a faster start and to get the run game going like it was in October and November. The cold plays a factor, and the crowd is rabid for their team. Bears 34, Rams 31.
Josh: I think Chicago leans heavily into the run game and Stafford grabs chunks, leading to a 17-10 advantage for the Rams heading into the half. Instead of a dramatic comeback, there’s just an inevitable grind, and Chicago pulls ahead while the Rams gas out and Caleb dials it in. The final score is something like 27 Rams-31 Bears in a game that’s comparatively boring.