The last game of the NFL Divisional Round features the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears in frigid weather conditions in Chicago.
Matthew Stafford and the Rams held off a feisty Panthers team last week, winning 34-30 on the road. They are eyeing their first NFC Championship game appearance since their Super Bowl-winning season in 2022.
Caleb Williams, Ben Johnson, and the cardiac Bears’ storybook season continues following another late-game binge of heroics, erasing an 18-point halftime deficit against Green Bay and escaping with a 31-27 victory during Wild Card weekend.
Oddsmakers see the Rams as 4-point favorites across most books, with the Over/Under marked at 48.5 total points.
Neither team had a complete performance last week, but did just enough to escape with wins.
The Rams jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead, thanks to Puka Nacua’s massive first half, but things got uncomfortable when Carolina stormed back thereafter.
A renowned Rams defense — one that ranks fourth in DVOA — gave up 134 receiving yards to Jalen Coker and allowed Chuba Hubbard a pair of goal-line scores.
In a back-and-forth fourth quarter, trailing by four points, Stafford displayed MVP prowess. On a final drive, he went 6-for-7 on passes and was able to find Colby Parkinson on a 19-yard connection with 38 seconds left to seal the deal for Los Angeles.
Chicago fell behind early, allowing four different Packers receivers score a touchdown, including a monster eight catch, 124-yard day for Romeo Doubs.
However, like most of the regular-season, Williams mustered a clutch fourth quarter in which the Bears scored 25 points with explosive plays to earn their first playoff win in 15 years.
It’s safe to say, at this point in the season, a football team’s identity and culture really come to light in the postseason.
Betting on the NFL?
The Bears giving up big games to Jordan Love and Green Bay’s receiving corps is not surprising; they’ve struggled all year defending the pass.
Chicago’s cornerback group consists of Pro-Bowler Jaylon Johnson, recent IR visitor Kyler Gordon, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The Bears rank 31st, in wide receiver touchdowns allowed this season (22).
With Chicago running man defense at the league’s 10th highest rate, all eyes will be peeled on Nacua and his ability to work in the slot.
Good thing for the Rams: they have Davante Adams lining up opposite, who is all too familiar with these Bears.
In 17 career games, the former Packer averages 5.2 receptions and 63.6 yards per outing against Chicago.
Adams developed a solid chemistry with Stafford as he led all pass-catchers in the NFL with 14 receiving touchdowns this season.
I’m targeting the three-time All-Pro to turn back the clock and show up big once again for the Rams with an NFC Championship ticket on the line.
THE PLAY: Davante Adams to score a touchdown (-120, DraftKings) | Davante Adams Over 54.5 receiving yards (-115, BetMGM)
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Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.