Full Breakdown
Rams Prepare for Cold Showdown Against Bears in NFC Divisional Playoff
1/18/2026, 2:28:03 AM
Key Matchup Overview
The Los Angeles Rams are set to face the Chicago Bears in the NFC divisional-round playoff game on Sunday. This matchup features the No. 2-seeded Bears against the No. 5 Rams, with significant implications for both teams as they vie for a spot in the NFC Championship. The game is expected to be played under challenging weather conditions, with temperatures potentially dropping into the teens and wind chills below zero degrees.
Player Focus: Harrison Mevis
Rams kicker Harrison Mevis, who hails from northern Indiana, is familiar with the cold weather expected at Soldier Field. Mevis, who was signed by the Rams in November to replace Joshua Karty, has demonstrated impressive performance, successfully converting 12 of 13 field-goal attempts and all 39 extra points during his tenure. In the previous wild-card game against the Carolina Panthers, he contributed significantly with two field goals and four extra points.
Mevis acknowledges the challenges posed by the cold and windy conditions, noting that the football may not travel as far as it would in warmer climates. He plans to assess the wind conditions before and during warmups, adapting his strategy accordingly. “Just play your ball and slice the wind and spin it to win it,” Mevis stated, emphasizing a straightforward approach to kicking in adverse weather.
Special Teams Dynamics
The Rams' special teams unit, including interim special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica and punter Ethan Evans, is preparing for the windy conditions that could impact their performance. Evans, who also serves as the holder for field goals and extra points, remarked that no major adjustments are necessary for the game. He emphasized the importance of executing basic kicking fundamentals: “Field goals have got to go through the uprights, punts got to go outside the numbers with good hang time and kickoffs got to get on the ground just like any other game.”
Implications for the Game
The performance of the Rams' special teams, particularly in the face of challenging weather, could play a pivotal role in the outcome of the game against the Bears. With both teams looking to capitalize on any mistakes, the ability to adapt to the conditions will be crucial for success.
What's Next
As the Rams prepare for this critical playoff matchup, all eyes will be on how they manage the cold and windy conditions at Soldier Field. The outcome of this game will determine who advances to the NFC Championship, making it a significant event in the NFL playoff landscape.
