The Chicago Bears’ crazy comebacks are the reason they’re hosting the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL Divisional Round this Sunday.
Chicago, which rallied from 18 points down to win in the Wild Card round, opened as a home underdog but is seeing early support from the betting market.
Are bettors finally believing in the Bears, or is this move more about the health of L.A.’s quarterback?
My Rams vs. Bears predictions and NFL picks dig into the opening odds and initial adjustments while giving early leans and projections for January 18.
Rams vs Bears predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
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Early Rams vs Bears spread pick: Rams -3.5
This point spread opened at high as Los Angeles Rams -4.5 once the NFC Divisional Round pairings were set. I noted in my “Bet Now, Bet Later” article that this spread was a tricky one, with a half-point hook on the undervalued key number of four.
That ask was especially high considering Los Angeles QB Matthew Stafford is nursing an injury to his throwing hand. And while he isn’t expected to miss this matchup with the Chicago Bears, that doubt was enough to sway initial money toward the home underdog.
We’ve seen this spread come off Rams -4.5 and go through -4, now sitting at -3.5 at some sportsbooks on Monday morning.
This is a much more attractive spread for L.A. backers but honestly, I’d be more inclined to pay a little extra for the moneyline and avoid the points all together. You can shop for an outright ask just below -200.
The forecast for Soldier Field is chilly on Sunday, with game-time temperatures expected to “feel like” single-digits and wind gusts flirting with 30 mph – not exactly California weather waiting for Los Angeles.
Early Rams vs Bears total pick: Under 50.5
The Over/Under opened at 50.5 points and early money on the Over is driving this number upward, with some books already at 51.5 – going through the key stop of 51 points.
It was a tale of two halves for the Bears defense in the Wild Card round. They looked bad in the opening 30 minutes, allowing Green Bay to put 21 points on the board. However, Dennis Allen made some second-half adjustments and that sparked Chicago’s comeback.
If Stafford is limited with a hand injury, we’ll see a slower, grounded attack from L.A. in the Divisional Round. Los Angeles may have to go more methodical to limit the exposure of a defense that made Bryce Young look very good in two meetings this season.
The Rams allowed 31 yards and 250 passing yards, and face a much more explosive downfield attack from Caleb Williams and the Bears.
If I like the Under, I’m making sure I’m getting Under 51.5. I could see this total coming back down later in the week if Stafford is limited in practice and the weather turns worse in Chicago.
Rams vs Bears odds
- Rams vs. Bears spread: Bears -3.5
- Rams vs. Bears moneyline: Rams -205, Bears +172
- Rams vs. Bears Over/Under: 50.5
How to watch Rams vs Bears
- Rams vs. Bears matchup
- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026, kickoff time TBD
- City: Chicago, IL
- Venue: Soldier Field
- TV: TBD
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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