Rams vs Bears Week 4 Preview: Williams Excels in Favorable Matchup

The Chicago Bears take on the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field on Sunday, with both teams looking to improve to 2-2 and stay competitive in the NFC.

Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has been showcasing flashes of his potential despite some growing pains. In this matchup, the expectation is that Williams will take another stride forward, exploiting a weak Los Angeles secondary.

Analysis

Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears is coming off his most impressive game as a pro, throwing for 363 yards and achieving 7.0 yards per attempt against Indianapolis in Week 3. This week, he faces another promising opportunity against a vulnerable Los Angeles Rams defense.

The Rams’ defense has been consistently exposed, allowing a league-high 9.81 yards per attempt and the fifth-most passing yards in the league, ranking 28th in coverage grade .

Los Angeles also ranks 31st in defensive DVOA, showing just how much they miss the presence of All-Pro lineman Aaron Donald.

Williams found a connection with rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze, who had a breakout performance with 112 receiving yards last week.

Additionally, tight end Cole Kmet contributed 97 receiving yards. The breakout game from No. 1 receiver DJ Moore seems imminent, and all three Bears running backs have demonstrated capability as pass-catchers. First-year Bear Keenan Allen, who was limited in Wednesday’s practice due to a heel issue, could also add to Williams’ weapons on Sunday.

The passing yard Over/Under for Williams is currently set at 224.5, which is still lower than his Week 1 total of 233.5, suggesting that this might be his most favorable matchup so far. Williams’ adjusted completion percentage of 70.9 and his average depth of target (aDOT) of 8.9 indicate that he is starting to acclimatize to the professional level.

The Rams, despite pulling off an upset over the 49ers in Week 3, might struggle on the road given their subpar defensive statistics. In contrast, the Bears’ defense has shown to be quite solid, ranking eighth in defensive DVOA and generating the third-highest quarterback pressure percentage (31.3%).

Chicago’s standout performance includes:

• Allowing the fourth-lowest EPA per play
• Ranking seventh in defensive grading (PFF)
• Recording six takeaways

The Rams’ offensive line, ranked 23rd in pass-block win rate, may have difficulty holding off Chicago’s defense, which could lead to additional pressure on Los Angeles’ quarterback.

Running back De’Andre Swift has been actively involved in the passing game, turning nine targets into six receptions for 46 yards over the past two weeks, and is expected to be a key contributor again in this matchup.

Rams vs Bears Odds (BetOnline.ag)

• Spread: Los Angeles +3 | Chicago -3
• Moneyline: Los Angeles +134 | Chicago -154
• Over/Under: Over 40.5 | Under 40.5

Betting Trend to Know

The Los Angeles Rams have allowed the highest passing yards per attempt (9.81) in the NFL through the first three weeks, making this a potential game for the Bears’ passing offense to excel.

Rams vs Bears Game Info

• Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
• Date: Sunday, 9-29, 2024
• Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX

Latest Injuries

Chicago Bears:

• Marcedes Lewis (TE): Injured – NIR – Rest
• Keenan Allen (WR): Injured – Heel
• Kevin Byard (DB): Injured – Back

Los Angeles Rams:

• Cooper Kupp (WR): Injured – Ankle
• Logan Bruss (OL): Injured – Finger
• Davis Allen (TE): Injured – Back

Given the mismatch in defensive capabilities and Caleb Williams’ recent form, this matchup could be a prime opportunity for the rookie quarterback to shine. The Bears’ combination of defensive pressure and offensive versatility gives them an edge against the Rams.