The Week 14 Sunday slate of the NFL season concludes with one of the best matchups of the season as the Chicago Bears play host to the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams have built off an excellent 2017 campaign and currently sit with the best record in the entire league. Conversely, Chicago has surprised a lot of NFL fans with their excellent play this season to sit atop the NFC North. In a game with so many playoff implications, I expect both teams to come out with a sense of urgency in this one. As always, let’s take a look at the best value on offer from a betting perspective.
Where to Watch: ESPN, 7 Mate or NFL Game Pass Monday 12:20 pm
Chicago Bears
The Bears enter this one at 8-4 after a crucial road loss to the New York Giants last week. Backup QB Chase Daniel struggled to fill in for starter Mitchell Trubisky, throwing 2 crucial interceptions and surrendering 5 sacks. RB Tarik Cohen showed his excellent receiving ability from the backfield last week, hauling in 12 grabs for 156 yards. Coming off two strong campaigns to start his career, Chicago would’ve been hoping for more from Jordan Howard, who’s currently only averaging 3.4 yards per carry. With Trubisky slated to return this week, the Bears will be looking for a much better offensive display against this fearsome Rams defensive front.
From a defensive standpoint, the 2018 Bears have emerged as arguably the league’s best defence. Led by superstar pass rusher Khalil Mack, the Bears have prided themselves all season on their excellent ability to get after the QB. Chicago has held their opponents to 17 points or less 5 times this season, registering comfortable wins in each of these contests. Their defensive dominance was on display against Detroit a fortnight ago, holding Lions QB Matt Stafford to just 6.2 yards per throw and registering the game-sealing pick-six. Against the talented Rams offence, this Bears defence will need to be at their best here.
Los Angeles Rams
The 11-1 Rams secured the NFC West title last week with a comfortable 14-point road victory over Detroit. RB Todd Gurley was back to his best in this one, totalling 165 yards from scrimmage and 2 touchdowns. QB Jared Goff has been excellent all season and has firmly shaken off the early season whispers that he’s just a system Quarterback. Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks have also emerged as one of the premier receiving duos in the league, combining for a shade under 2000 yards and 8 touchdowns this season. Even without injured receiver Cooper Kupp, this Rams offence is well and truly stacked.
Defensively, I can’t help but feel the Rams have underperformed this season. Although their offence puts up a ton of points, this team has the defensive talent to avoid regular shootouts. One player who hasn’t disappointed is Defensive Tackle Aaron Donald, who is the firm favourite for Defensive Player of the Year. Donald has a league-leading 16.5 sacks on the campaign and has been well supported on the interior by Ndamukong Suh and Michael Brockers. After giving up only 16 points last week, this Rams defence will be after a similar showing here.
Best Bets
Rams -3
Whilst the money has been piling in on the Rams, this is one time that I’m comfortable going with the Public. With Mitchell Trubisky having missed each of the last 2 games through injury, I just can’t see him being 100% fit for this one. As a result, I’m not sure how Chicago will be able to match the scoring onslaught of this excellent Rams offence.
As well as the Bears defence has played this season, the Rams offence is at a completely different level. Against the only comparable offence they’ve played so far, Chicago gave up a whopping 38 points to an inconsistent Patriots attack. Led by Goff, Gurley, and Cooks, the Rams have a versatile attack that can defeat you in multiple ways. Laying only 3 points, I’d recommend backing the Rams here before this number goes up.
Over 52.5 points
After their insane offensive contest with the Chiefs a fortnight ago, I’ve learned my lesson about betting against this Rams offence in prime time. Having been consistent scorers in Sean McVay’s tenure as Head Coach, the Rams have scored 30 or more points in 10 of their 12 games this season. With so many offensive weapons and an NFL rulebook that favours offences, it’s tough for defences to consistently contain this unit.
Whilst they get a lot of plaudits for their defence (and rightly so), this Bears offence has largely performed very well this season. They’ve managed 23 or more points in 11 of their 12 games this season. This has been in large part due to the strong form of QB Mitchell Trubisky, who is probable to start in this one. With the Rams defence having had their struggles of late, I can see Chicago putting up just enough points to allow for the over 52.5 here.
Rams -2 1st Half
Regular followers of the primetime previews will know that I’d love a cheeky Todd Gurley first touchdown scorer bet here. However, I’m instead opting to double down on my Rams full game bet by betting them in the first half. The Rams are my current Superbowl favourite and I expect them to show just how good they are here in primetime. With the Saints hot on their heels, LA can’t afford to slip up either. I expect a fast start here as Trubisky looks to shake off the rust.
Score Prediction: Los Angeles Rams 31-24 Chicago Bears