GAME TIME:
12:00:00 PM, September 29, 2024
SPORT/LEAGUE:
NFL
TEAMS:
LA RAMS
Chicago Bears
PROP BET:
LA RAMS +3 (-110)
UNIT: 1.0
ANALYSIS:
Chicago Bears vs. Los Angeles Rams: Betting Preview and Analysis
Pick: Rams +3
Why Back the Rams?
The line opened with the Bears as slight favorites at -1.5, but early action on Chicago has pushed it up to the key number of -3. Now that it’s settled there, it’s an opportune time to back the Los Angeles Rams, who still offer value despite dealing with some injuries.
Coaching and QB Edge: Rams
The Bears may be looking to secure their first win, but they’re simply laying too many points against a team with a superior head coach and a proven quarterback. Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford have navigated adversity countless times, winning games even when the roster is depleted. They’ve shown they can compete on the road, and McVay’s in-game adjustments will give them the edge against a struggling Bears squad.
Bears’ Offensive Woes
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Offensive Line Issues: The Bears’ offensive line has been a disaster, failing to provide protection or generate a push in the run game. Despite showing improvement, young quarterback Caleb Williams is under constant pressure and has no time to execute cleanly. If Chicago couldn’t run against the Colts’ weak defensive front, they’re going to struggle even more against a Rams defense that, while not elite, is better equipped to stop the run and pressure the QB.
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Broken Offense: The Bears’ offensive scheme is disjointed, and they’ve been unable to establish a rhythm. Their reliance on short passes and erratic blitz pickups have made them predictable, leaving them exposed to mistakes. Even if Williams shows flashes, Chicago’s offense remains one of the least efficient in the league.
Rams’ Resilience and Potential Upside
The Rams are still learning to gel with a makeshift offensive line, but Stafford’s experience and poise under pressure should prove decisive here. Catching a full field goal with a team that has a massive quarterback advantage is hard to pass up, especially in a game projected to be a low-scoring, grind-it-out affair. Even with their own offensive line concerns, Stafford’s ability to make quick reads and McVay’s scheming will keep the Rams competitive.
Final Verdict: Take the Points
The Bears should realistically be 0-3, and they’ve shown little to justify laying a field goal against a team that’s better-coached and more reliable in clutch situations. Stafford’s poise and the Rams’ road experience make this an ideal spot to grab the points that go along. Also, this season, 24 out of the 48 NFL games played so far have been decided by one possession.
Prediction: Rams 20, Bears 17
Play Rams +3 as they have the better QB-coach combination and will keep it close or pull off the outright win.
Results
Loss
Pick Made 6:30:00 PM, September 28, 2024