ClutchPoints
Winning this week isn’t a given for the Los Angeles Rams. They know they have a challenge ahead with Caleb Williams on the other side. And here are the Rams’ bold predictions for the Divisional Round clash against the Bears.
The Rams earned their spot with a tough 34-31 win over the Panthers. Meanwhile, the Bears put together a shocking 31-27 come-from-behind victory over the rival Packers.
Those outcomes set the stage for Sunday’s game in Chicago at 6:30 p.m. (ET).
Let’s take a look at the high-end outlook for the Rams.
It remains to be seen how he will do with touchdowns because the Rams might get a couple of rushing scores. But look for him to lead four touchdown drives in the contest.
Stafford threw for over 300 yards only four times in the regular season. And he barely topped the mark in the Wild Card Round against the Panthers. But this Bears defense is vulnerable.
Yes, it will be cold. But Stafford said he’s ready for it, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“There’s something to it, right, that feels right when football’s outdoors, you’re playing late in the year, it’s cold, it means a lot,” Stafford said, adding, “I know it’s going to be a great crowd there, and it’ll be a lot of fun. We don’t care what the weather is here, what it is there. Just go play.”
Head coach Sean McVay said Stafford’s veteran status comes into play.
“Fortunately, Matthew’s played in these conditions,” McVay said.
The Bears have an opportunistic defense. They have produced an NFL-best 23 interceptions. And Stafford respects that body of work.
“They’ve got a talented back end that catches the ball when it’s in their area,” Stafford said. “They do a nice job up front as well, affecting the pocket.”
The Bears can’t afford to commit too many resources to Nacua. That would open the door to big plays downfield for Davante Adams. And 20-plus-yard opportunities for tight end Colby Parkinson.
They want the Rams to drive the football, giving them more chances for turnovers. Therefore, Nacua will thrive at the intermediate level.
Besides, Nacua is gonna get his, so to speak. His career postseason average of 108.3 receiving yards per game — albeit a small sample size — ranks No. 1 in NFL history, according to a post on X by NFL Researcher.
It’s the mindset of Nacua that helps set him apart from the crowd, according to therams.com.
“If it’s not me coming down with the ball, nobody can come down with it,” Nacua said postgame.
And Nacua does it all, according to his quarterback.
“Puka did today what he’s done kind of all year for us,” Stafford said. “He’s been unbelievable, handed it to him a couple of times, made some big plays in the pass game as well, great blocking.”
And Nacua...
