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Rams-Bears Divisional Kicks Off in Frigid Chicago With Stafford Full Go

Containment of Caleb Williams by a 47-sack Rams front emerges as the swing factor after Chicago lost T.J. Edwards and Ozzy Trapilo.

Overview

  • The NFC divisional game starts Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC, with the National Weather Service forecasting single-digit temperatures, wind and possible snow at Soldier Field, and the Rams favored by 3.5 points.
  • Matthew Stafford said he is good to go after spraining his right index finger and practiced fully, stressing that Los Angeles is embracing the cold conditions.
  • Los Angeles is hopeful right guard Kevin Dotson returns from an ankle sprain to bolster the offensive line, while cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon was placed on injured reserve.
  • Chicago ruled out linebacker T.J. Edwards and left tackle Ozzy Trapilo for the rest of the postseason after wild-card injuries, elevating protection concerns against the Rams’ edge rush.
  • Los Angeles’ pass rush, tied to 47 regular-season sacks with Jared Verse and Byron Young off the edge, is highlighted as the key to containing Williams, who set a Bears playoff record with 361 passing yards last week.