Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears

The Rams travel to Chicago for a Divisional Round matchup that feels like a “welcome to the next level” moment for a Bears team that’s already ahead of schedule.

Chicago’s season has been a huge win no matter what happens Sunday. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has shown real star traits — composure, late-game toughness, and the ability to make big throws when the pressure is highest. Last week’s comeback was the kind of game that can change how a franchise views itself, and there’s no question the Bears are building something legitimate under head coach Ben Johnson. The confidence is real, the crowd will be loud, and Soldier Field is going to be a problem if this game stays close into the second half.

But the issue is the opponent. The Rams aren’t just another playoff team — they’re the standard right now. Sean McVay has Los Angeles operating with an elite, balanced attack, and Matthew Stafford is still one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in football when you give him answers pre-snap and rhythm throws early. Stafford doesn’t need chaos to win — he’ll beat you with timing, leverage, and precision, and that’s a nightmare against a defense that has to tackle perfectly and communicate flawlessly for four straight quarters.

The Rams’ weapons force you to play honest. Puka Nacua is a volume monster who wins everywhere, and the Rams have enough support around him to punish any overreaction. If Chicago sits back, Stafford will carve up space. If the Bears get aggressive, McVay is one of the best in the league at dialing up counters that turn pressure into explosives.

For the Bears, the path is clear: control the clock, protect Williams, and create disruption without giving up chunk plays. If they can hit Stafford, steal a possession, and keep it close late, anything can happen. But that’s a tight rope — and it gets harder when the Rams can score in multiple ways and keep you defending the full width of the field.

Great season, great story, and a bright future for Chicago — but this feels like the week the Bears run out of gas against the best team in the NFL.

Pick: Rams 27, Bears 17.