The divisional round of the NFL playoffs has arrived, and for the first time in 15 years, the Chicago Bears are involved. The Bears advanced to the next round of the postseason after mounting an incredible comeback against the Green Bay Packers to win 31-27 at Soldier Field. That win guaranteed another game on the lakefront, as they will take on the Los Angeles Rams in bitter cold weather.
The Rams took care of business in their opening playoff game last week, narrowly defeating the Carolina Panthers 34-31 on the road. They are set to make their fourth road trip in five weeks and will play in conditions they haven’t experienced all year long.
Despite the conditions and travel, the Rams are as formidable as anyone left in the playoffs. Their offense is led by a leading MVP contender and multiple elite skill players, while their defense can get after the quarterback up front. It’s going to be a challenge for the Bears to overcome these Rams and keep their Super Bowl hopes alive. Here are five Rams players we’ll be watching on Sunday night:
QB Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford has saved his best for one of his last seasons. The 37-year-old signal caller produced the best season of his storied career in 2025, throwing for more than 4,600 yards, 46 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Stafford was the best quarterback in football for the vast majority of the season, and his play has him as a frontrunner for the MVP award. But all of that took place in the regular season, and we know the playoffs are a different story.
Last week against the Panthers, Stafford was dialed in as he threw for three touchdowns and over 300 yards. But a sprained finger impacted his play towards the end of the game, which could become a factor in the freezing cold weather. Stafford was a full participant in practice this week and will be good to go. He should still have success against a Bears defense that has allowed too many yards in recent weeks, but his play could be impacted by the weather and finger injury.
RB Kyren Williams
Running back Kyren Williams is as steady as they come. For three straight years, Williams has totaled over 1,100 yards and double-digit rushing touchdowns as the Rams’ bell cow back. He’s almost guaranteed to total at least 65 yards and a touchdown, though his usage could increase with the cold weather conditions.
With how stout the Rams’ offensive line has been, the Bears will have their hands full trying to contain Williams. They had the sixth-worst run defense in the regular season and allowed an average of 153 yards on the ground over their last four games. This could be a big day for Williams, and the Bears must be prepared to contain him.
WR Puka Nacua
There may be no one in the NFL more dangerous at wide receiver than Puka Nacua. The All-Pro receiver turned in the best season of his young career in 2025, totaling 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns. Nacua was sensational against the Panthers last weekend, drawing 18 targets for 10 catches, 111 yards, and a touchdown. The Bears’ secondary will need to keep their eyes on Nacua at all times when he’s on the field, as he’s a threat to make a big play at any given moment.
Nacua can do it all, whether he’s shaking defenders out of their cleats on lethal double moves or making highlight catches while draped by a cornerback. Of course, he has Davante Adams on the opposite side and multiple tight ends who are capable of making big plays down the seams, too. But limiting Nacua should be a top priority for the Bears’ defense.
EDGE Jared Verse
The Rams are fortunate to have not one, but two disruptive edge rushers that can get after the quarterback in Byron Young and Jared Verse, who both made the Pro Bowl this season. While Young has had the better season statistically speaking in most categories, Verse will be the one the Bears need to contain more given the potential mismatch on the offensive line.
Verse tends to line up over the left tackle, and the Bears lost theirs due to injury. Ozzy Trapilo suffered a ruptured patellar tendon last week, which will keep him out of action for a long time. Theo Benedet will likely start in his place, and pass protection has not been his strong suit. Containing Verse will be challenging on the left side during pass plays, so the Bears offense will need to be ready for how disruptive he can be.
CB Emmanuel Forbes
Once deemed a first-round bust a couple of years ago, Emmanuel Forbes has found new life with the Rams in their secondary. Forbes, who began his career with the Washington Commanders in 2023, flamed out quickly and caught on with the Rams in 2024. In his first year as a full-time starter, Forbes has a remarkable turnaround, totaling three interceptions, 18 passes defensed, and a forced fumble during the 2025 regular season.
Forbes has shown to be a bit of a boom-or-bust player as well. He allowed six touchdowns in the regular season and allowed 623 yards in pass coverage. He has improved since coming into the league, but the Bears receivers and tight ends can get after him.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Rams: Los Angeles players to watch in divisional playoffs
