The Chicago Bears aim to rebound this Sunday as they take on the visiting Los Angeles Rams. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best NFL odds from the top sportsbooks.
NFL Pick: Rams +3 (-120) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Rams vs. Bears
Sunday, September 29, 2024 – 01:00 PM ET at Soldier Field
Rams Edge Past 49ers in Dramatic Finish
The Rams notched their first win of the season with a thrilling 27-24 victory over the 49ers, sealed by Joshua Karty’s 37-yard field goal with just two seconds left on the clock.
Kyren Williams tied the game at 24 with a four-yard touchdown run, leaving just under two minutes for the defense to force a crucial 49ers punt. Xavier Smith’s 38-yard return gave the Rams prime field position near midfield. A pass interference call on a deep Matthew Stafford throw to Colby Parkinson then moved the Rams into striking distance. Williams’ six-yard rush set up Karty’s game-winning kick with mere seconds remaining.
Williams was the standout, tallying 116 total yards and three touchdowns (two on the ground, one through the air). Stafford, steady as ever, completed 16 of 26 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown.
Bears Come Up Short in Indy
The Bears rallied late but couldn’t complete the comeback, losing 21-16 to the Colts. Chicago, trailing by double digits for much of the game, scored both of their touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams set personal bests, completing 33 of 52 passes for 363 yards and his first two NFL touchdown passes. However, his three turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble) proved costly.
Fellow rookie Rome Odunze had a breakout day, catching six passes for 112 yards, including his first NFL touchdown. Cole Kmet added 10 receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown, while DJ Moore chipped in with 78 yards on eight catches.
The Bears’ ground game struggled, mustering only 63 yards on 28 carries. Roschon Johnson led the way with 30 yards on eight attempts, while D’Andre Swift was held to just 20 yards on 13 carries.
On defense, the Bears managed two interceptions and limited the Colts to just 306 total yards. However, critical mistakes led to two Colts touchdowns—one following an offside penalty on a punt, and another after a Williams fumble deep in Bears territory.
NFL Pick
The Rams are short-handed and on the road, but they’re better than their record suggests and could easily be 2-1 right now. They’ve faced the two teams that made it to last season’s NFC Championship Game and put up a fight.
Against the Lions, they came back from 14 points down in the third quarter, took a late three-point lead, but ultimately lost in overtime. Then, against the 49ers, they again came back from a 14-point third-quarter deficit, took a late three-point lead, and this time held on to win.
While the Bears’ defense has been solid, the Rams hold the edge with a more experienced quarterback in Stafford, a strong ground game led by Williams, and a more seasoned coaching staff. Backing the Rams to cover +3 seems logical, given their ability to close out tight games and capitalize on defensive gaps.
NFL Pick: Rams +3 (-120) at Bet365
*21+ Seek help with a gambling addiction at 1-800-Gambler
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
