The Los Angeles Rams will take on the Chicago Bears in a pivotal Divisional Round playoff game. Both teams emerged victorious in the wild-card stage, needing last-minute drives to secure their wins. However, their styles of play contrast sharply; the Rams have been quick starters, while the Bears excel at finishing strong.
The Rams, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, are renowned for their ability to jump out to early leads. Under head coach Sean McVay, they consistently rank among the top teams in the league for their effectiveness on scripted plays, achieving positive Expected Points Added (EPA) on more than 50% of their initial 15 plays. This statistic positions them well ahead of other contenders.
In contrast, the Bears, guided by offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, have proven to be formidable in the closing stages of games. They lead the NFL in EPA per play during the fourth quarter and overtime, showcasing the skill of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams has demonstrated a remarkable ability to extend plays and make significant throws, ranking high in big-time throw rate during crucial moments.
For this matchup, a standout player to watch is rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III. Despite being relatively underappreciated, Burden has shown remarkable efficiency, averaging 2.51 yards per route run. He has surpassed the 37.5 receiving yards line in four of his last five games, making him a key target against the Rams” struggling secondary.
Throughout the latter part of the season, the Rams” defensive unit has faced challenges, allowing a high average of yards per coverage target. This trend was evident in their previous playoff matchup, where opposing receivers achieved considerable yardage. As they prepare for the Bears, they must find ways to contain Burden and other offensive threats if they hope to advance.
Betting on Burden to exceed his receiving yards could be a strong move, particularly given the Rams” recent defensive struggles. As the teams prepare for kickoff, fans can expect an intense battle highlighting contrasting strategies and emerging talents.
