Jan. 18, 2026, 9:28 a.m. CT
The Chicago Bears are set to face the Los Angeles Rams in a frigid and windy divisional round playoff game.Chicago’s home-field advantage and quarterback Caleb Williams’ clutch play could lead them to victory.The Rams’ overall talent, coaching experience, and potent offense pose a significant challenge for the Bears.Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford is dealing with a sprained finger on his throwing hand.
The Chicago Bears are set for a frigid, windy, and possibly snowy matchup in the NFC’s divisional playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams. After an emotional comeback win over the Green Bay Packers, the Bears know that they have what it takes, but it is going to be incredibly difficult the rest of the way.
All season long, Chicago has been known as a comeback team. They earned the nickname “Cardiac Bears” due to their knack for making things hard on themselves but finding ways to win anyway. It might not be wise to go about things that way against the Rams, but they will never feel out of a game until it’s over.
Chicago is considered home underdogs in this game, but they have overcome that a lot this season. No matter what, there is a belief in the room that they can find a way to win a football game. For that reason, any result should not surprise anyone. Here’s why the Bears will or won’t win against the Rams on Sunday night.
The Bears will win because they are having a charmed season. Now and again, a team comes out of nowhere that makes it to Championship Sunday at a minimum because they can win no matter how bleak things seem. Chicago has that about them this season.
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They also have the distinct home-field advantage. The Rams, who haven’t played a single game under 40 degrees this season, are coming to a very cold Soldier Field, which is expected to be frigid, snowy and windy, to take on the Bears. Matthew Stafford has a sprained index finger on his throwing hand, which will negatively impact him as well.
If Stafford isn’t his normal self, which is a Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback, the Bears may have an advantage at the position with Caleb Williams playing as well as he has so far. There is something to be said about his “clutch gene,” which is one of the reasons that the Bears have a chance in every single game, no matter how badly things start.
Why the Bears won’t win
Sean McVay would probably admit that Ben Johnson is well on his way to being his equal. However, the experience in the playoffs, including a Super Bowl championship, gives McVay the edge. That type of big-game resume in the NFL is going to pay dividends for the Rams in this one.
Outside of the offensive line, the Rams probably have an advantage at every position on the field in this game. They have been the opposite of clutch in all of their losses, and even in some of their wins, but there is more talent on both sides of the ball. That usually prevails at this stage of the postseason.
Puka Nacua has a case to be the best receiver in the NFL right now. His chemistry with Matthew Stafford is also incredible. With the way that the Bears’ defense plays, Nacua appears to be a big issue for Chicago. Add in the fact that they also have Davante Adams, Kyren Williams, and multiple legit tight-ends, and you have a very scary offensive unit capable of picking up yards and scoring points in bunches. That’s the biggest problem for Chicago.
All season long, miracles have helped the Bears get it done in the final moments of games. That magic is due to run out when things matter most, and the Rams have what it takes to put them away.
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