After an improbable comeback win over the San Francisco 49ers, the Los Angeles Rams look to keep it going when they face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Week 4.
The Rams did not lose any additional players to injury in their Week 3 victory, but will continue to be shorthanded against the Bears. Cooper Kupp, who suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2, was ruled out for a second consecutive game.
The Rams have won their last three matchups against the Bears, but are returning to Chicago for the first time since Dec. 9, 2018, when they were defeated 15-6 in a frigid game. Head coach Sean McVay called that a humbling experience and is looking forward to a chance at rebounding.
Both teams enter at 1-2 but are trending in different directions. The Rams notched their first win of the season against a tough NFC West rival, while the Bears have dropped two in a row after earning a victory in Week 1.
Chicago lost their last two games by a combined 11 points, so they haven’t exactly played poorly. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has struggled a bit but he is coming off his best performance in the Bears’ 21-16 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
The No. 1 overall pick out of USC completed 33-of-52 passes for 363 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. They were the first touchdowns of Williams’ young career.
He faces a Rams defense that has been led by first-year standouts Braden Fiske and Jared Verse. The duo has been among the rookie leaders in quarterback pressures so far.
Rams’ keys to victory
Big test for Rams offense
While the Bears have struggled to put up points at times, their defense has been among the best units in football this season.
It will be a big test for Stafford and a Rams team that is without Kupp, Puka Nacua and several members of the offensive line.
If the Rams want to win their second straight game, they will need other wide receivers to step up and Kyren Williams to build on his best performance of the season.
Can Matthew Stafford continue success against Bears?
Stafford spent the first 12 years of his career with the Detroit Lions and regularly faced the Bears twice a year. The veteran quarterback is 12-9 against Chicago, having thrown for 5,761 yards, 35 touchdowns and 23 touchdowns.
His 35 touchdowns against the Bears are second to only the 40 he has thrown against the Green Bay Packers. However, Stafford’s 23 interceptions are the most he has thrown against any team.
Stafford last played the Bears in his Rams debut during the 2021 season, completing 20-of-26 passes for 321 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.