(Photo: NBC 5 Chicago)

(5) Los Angeles Rams at (2) Chicago Bears

Rams (13-5):

What an entertaining way to start Super Wild Card Weekend! I remember when they played the Carolina Panthers during the regular season, and I noted that Carolina would punch back every time the Rams scored. The same could be said for the postseason game. Many expected a blowout, given the experience they have, but experience doesn’t always guarantee a win. Credit to the Panthers—they gave this team everything they could handle but just fell short. The MVP debate between Matthew Stafford and Drake Maye has been discussed frequently. Truthfully, the drive that put the Rams ahead late in the fourth quarter is exactly why Stafford will win his first MVP. He was as automatic as they come, and the go-ahead touchdown he threw to Colby Parkinson couldn’t have been placed any better—exactly where only his receiver could catch it. That was a true veteran move. During the regular season, the Rams were labeled the most complete team in the league and were a shoe-in to clinch the top seed in the NFC Playoffs. But sometimes, the ball doesn’t roll in the direction you hope. Puka Nacua and Matthew Stafford get much of the attention, deservedly so, but the foundation of their offense has been the offensive line. They clear the way for Kyren Williams and Blake Corum and keep Stafford upright. On Sunday, the Rams will look to make their first NFC Championship game since the 2021 season when they won the Super Bowl.

Bears (12-6):

You don’t have to be a fan to respect this team—coming back to win as many games as they have earns admiration. In the first half against the Green Bay Packers, the game favored the green and gold. Their defense looked strong despite losing Micah Parsons to a torn ACL, and it initially pushed the Bears around. But, as one wise man told me, “losers make excuses, and winners make adjustments.” I’d add: the team that adjusts at halftime is the one that comes away with the win. That’s exactly what happened for the Bears. They released the ball quicker to neutralize the pass rush, and even though the running game didn’t produce huge chunks of yardage, it forced the Packers to respect it and helped open up the passing attack. Caleb Williams looked like a completely different quarterback in the second half and most importantly, he played with a lot more confidence than he showed in the first half altogether. This was by far the definition of a tale of two halves. As I mentioned up top, they find ways to come back and win football games and I tip my cap to them because that’s never easy. I’ve seen a few social media posts questioning if Caleb was the right decision at Quarterback. I don’t forget much and my advice to you is to delete the posts, you still have time.—this game could change perspectives. The Bears are aiming for their first NFC title game since the 2010 season.

Rams X-Factor: Davante Adams

Puka Nacua is Stafford’s primary target, but Davante Adams has stepped into a secondary role flawlessly. Even with defenses focused on Puka, Davante will see plenty of single coverage. He’s elite at winning matchups and remains one of the best route runners in the league. If he gets going early, the Bears won’t be able to sit back, and this will open lanes for the running backs and Puka.

Bears X-Factor: D’Andre Swift

The Bears are a better offense when they establish the run. Last weekend, Kyle Monangai was my X-Factor; this week, it’s D’Andre Swift. He can hurt a defense between the tackles or as a receiver out of the backfield, which will stress the Rams’ linebackers. If Swift is effective early, it will neutralize the Rams’ pass rush and keep their defense honest.

Final Thoughts:

Both teams played thrilling games during Super Wild Card Weekend. The Rams escaped with a three-point victory in Charlotte, while the Bears erased an 18-point deficit to beat the Packers. On Sunday, we’ll see two of the best offensive minds in the sport: Sean McVay and Ben Johnson. Key matchups to watch: Rams receivers vs. Bears defensive backs: Puka can easily rack up 150 yards if left unchecked and the other is the Rams pass rush vs. Bears offensive line: Caleb Williams’ ability to handle pressure will be critical. The Rams must attack Jaylon Johnson strategically, use motion and stack formations to create favorable matchups, win early downs, and stay ahead of the chains. The Bears must feature D’Andre Swift early, mix in the quick passing game, and start fast—don’t rely solely on comebacks. Weather will also play a role.

Prediction:

Rams 28, Bears 24