Game Overview ::
By Mike johnson >>
- This game has the highest game total of the weekend.
- Weather is likely to play a factor in this one, as the temperatures will be well below freezing with winds coming into play as well.
- Chicago’s defense is the worst unit left in the playoffs and just lost another key piece to injury last week.
- The Bears were 9-3 in one-possession games this season, while the Rams were 5-5.
- The Rams trailed by multiple scores in only three games this season and came back to tie the score at some point in every instance, while Chicago has trailed by double digits seven times.
How los angeles Will Try To Win ::
The Rams are the Super Bowl favorites right now, despite the fact that they will likely have to play two road games just to get there. That in and of itself explains a lot about what the advanced metrics say about this team and how strong they are on so many levels. They were the #1 ranked offense in DVOA through the run and the pass during the regular season, while their defense was also among the elite. The Rams also led the league in yards per play and scoring. They are a juggernaut, to say the least. Los Angeles had a 12-5 regular season record, with all of their losses being by seven points or less and the Falcons were the only team to beat them that did not make the playoffs. This is a talented team with veteran leadership that is extremely well coached, they will be ready to play.
The Rams had the second highest pass rate in neutral situations this season and Matthew Stafford attempted 42 passes in last week’s win over the Panthers, so make no mistake about it that this team will throw the ball. That being said, this matchup with the Bears defense screams for a run-heavy game plan for Los Angeles. They have a very good offensive line and are facing a depleted Bears defense that has been gashed on the ground often this season. The expected temperatures and the matchup point to a situation where head coach Sean McVay leans on the run to keep the ball moving in a positive direction, while building out their passing concepts from there. This is basically how McVay’s offenses had been structured for a long time, with the Rams leaning heavier on the pass this season with Stafford and his elite receiving options. Expect Kyren Williams and Blake Corum to once again be rotating to stay fresh and this week in this matchup I wouldn’t be shocked if they combine for 30+ carries.
In the passing game, obviously everything starts with Puka Nacua. He was heavily involved early in last week’s game before the Panthers worked diligently to take him away. Last week the Packers were relentlessly targeting Bears slot cornerback Kyler Gordon regardless of who he was covering and we should expect the Rams to do the same, while scheming things in a way to get him on Puka as often as possible. Davante Adams returned to the lineup, but was relatively inefficient against the Panthers with only five receptions on 13 targets. The Rams love using him near the goal line and he sees the highest average depth of target on the team, so don’t be shocked if he steals the show in this one. After those two studs, most of the Rams passing game goes through the tight ends. Colby Parkinson had an incredible play on the game winner last week and is the team’s primary option, while they play multiple tight end formations at a high rate so others get involved as well. Veteran Tyler Higbee had three targets while playing 51% of the snaps last week, including a 36-yard reception. Finally, the team played Davis Allen a lot last week but didn’t target him at all. Rookie Terrance Ferguson has missed the last two games but is out this week. He is a dynamic and versatile receiver who the team is likely to work to get matched up on linebackers at least a couple of times throughout the game. The Rams will use their running game to sustain drives and set up manageable situations, while using their elite talent and scheme to isolate matchups against an overmatched Bears defense through the air.
