Rams get ready for Chicago.
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The LA Rams look to get back in the win column when they host longtime nemesis Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. This is the third matchup between the two teams in the past three years with both teams winning a game.
Both teams have formidable defensive units with the Rams ranking higher than the Bears in yards per game allowed and points per game allowed. The Bears are better in the Red Zone limiting opponents to a 36.4% touchdown rate – 1st in the NFL.
Even though the Bears are a game up on the Rams in the NFC, all five wins are by a combined 20 points. Their point differential is +12 (Rams +38), but that doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, it’s about wins and losses.
When it comes to unforced errors, the Bears commit the second-most penalties – 45 for 437 yards. The Rams on the other hand are pretty clean with 24 penalties for 187 yards.
In order for the Rams to pull this game out, the offense has to get back in sync. Jared Goff needs to move around in the pocket, throw short- to mid-range passes and get the ball out quickly. Play action only works if the Rams can run the ball, which they should do all day against Chicago. Darrell Henderson averaged 6.3 yards per carry last week against San Francisco and should get more than 20 carries against a rush defense that allowed 138, 75,144, 103,106 and 112 yards in each game this season.
Hopefully the Rams pass rush can also get back on track this week as Aaron Donald has the opportunity to match up against another subpar guard – Alex Bars. Donald can’t do it on his own and one of the outside linebackers, Justin Hollins, Terrell Lewis and Jachai Polite need to make some noise.
Nick Foles knows how to win and even though his numbers aren’t fantastic, he can get the job done. I expect the Rams to shut down the run game, neutralize Allen Robinson and say a prayer with Micah Kiser and Kenny Young. Rams win this game 20-13.
