Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: Week 14 game prediction

The Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears games is not one people had circled when the season began. Now though? It’s must-see TV.

These are two young, talented football teams starting their climbs to Super Bowl contention, each with different philosophies. The Rams have their own football version of “Showtime.” They’re glitz, glamor and all about scoring points. The Bears are true Chicago-style with their tenacious defense that will hit you and force you into mistakes. Each is paired with an underrated counterpart in the Rams defense and Bears offense, each of whom has had its moments in 2018.

It’s a game that can have major implications on both sides. So who has the edge for victory?

Storylines:

Engines in the cold – The Rams are the hottest offense in the NFL once again and stopping them is a near impossibility. One factor that has aided in this endeavor before though is the weather. They don’t function as well in colder conditions. Earlier this season in Denver, playing in 25 degrees, Jared Goff had his worst performance of the year. Only 208 rushing yards from Todd Gurley against a bad Broncos run defense saved the day.

Forecasts say it should be around 26 degrees at Soldier Field for kickoff. Not only that but there’s the ever unpredictable lake effect winds and also the Bears defense, which is considerably less generous against the run. Goff will need to overcome whatever ailed him in Denver.

Injuries:

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Surprisingly there isn’t much to report on either side here. The Rams go into the game relatively healthy with only Malcolm Brown out with a clavicle injury. The Bears are in a similar position. Eddie Jackson and Bilal Nichols are both questionable but expected to play. Only backup safety Deon Bush is doubtful with a hamstring injury. This will be a rare occurrence in the NFL where two really good and healthy teams meet in December.

Key matchups:

Aaron Donald vs. James Daniels – There’s no question with 16.5 sacks that Aaron Donald is the runaway favorite for Defensive Player of the Year. He’s been unstoppable for the Rams for months now, having at least two sacks in each of his past five games. Blocking him will fall primarily at the feet of Bears rookie left guard James Daniels. The 2nd round pick has had his occasional hiccups, but he also hasn’t allowed a sack this season. This will be his greatest test to date.

Kyle Fuller vs. Brandin Cooks – Gurley and Robert Woods are favorite targets for Goff in the passing game, but the guy who opens up everything for them is Brandin Cooks. His speed and vertical threat ability are things that have sliced up previous defenses all year. He’s already over 1,000 yards. He’ll be going against Kyle Fuller who has six interceptions this season and has played like an All-Pro and fears no challenge. That will be a big showdown.

X-factors:

Mitch Trubisky (QB) – The Bears offense has really missed their quarterback the past two weeks. Chase Daniel was fine in Detroit but really cost them the game in New York. Trubisky is one of their best playmakers and they’re going to need him in a game that likely will require points to win. Not only is he a good passer, but it’s also his ability to scramble and run that has given defenses fits since the season began.

Cory Littleton (LB) – To that end, the Rams need to be prepared for that part of Trubisky’s game. Russell Wilson ran for 92 yards against them back in November. It’s something they’re susceptible to. Littleton is their leading tackler this season and their most active linebacker. He may be the one they choose to spy on the Bears quarterback to make sure he doesn’t go crazy on the ground and try keeping him in the pocket.

Prediction: Rams win 26-23

This should be a close game all the way. It’s two good teams with plenty left to play for. The difference comes in experience. Los Angeles has been here before. They know what it takes to win critical games in December. Chicago is a young team who is still in the process of learning that. The Bears defense might hold the Rams attack in check for a half but eventually Goff and Gurley will engineer enough momentum to escape with the win. Trubisky will do his best to answer but missing the previous two weeks will have affected his rhythm.

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