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Los Angeles Rams vs Chicago Bears Picks and Predictions – January 18, 2026
The Los Angeles Rams travel to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday, January 18, with kickoff scheduled for 4:25 PM ET. The Rams are favored by 3.5 points on the road, carrying a -200 moneyline, while the Bears sit as +166 underdogs in what could be a high-scoring affair. The total is set at 48.5, and with both offenses trending upward in recent weeks, the Over has gained some early attention.
Los Angeles remains firmly in the NFC playoff race, while the Bears are looking to play spoiler at home and end their season on a high note. With weather conditions always a potential factor at Soldier Field in January, bettors should consider tempo, field conditions, and big-play volatility when targeting sides and totals in this one.
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Los Angeles Rams vs Chicago Bears Odds
These are the latest betting odds. Stay locked into the latest NFL odds page for real-time updates leading up to Sunday.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | -200 | -3.5 (-116) | O 48.5 (-113) |
| Chicago Bears | +166 | +3.5 (-105) | U 48.5 (-108) |
Los Angeles Rams Betting Form
The Rams have re-established themselves as one of the most complete teams in the NFC down the stretch. With a healthy QB and a more balanced offensive approach, they’ve been scoring efficiently and controlling time of possession. Over their last six games, they’ve gone 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS — and their offensive line play has been quietly elite during that span.
Their passing game has returned to form, with explosive downfield shots setting up the run game. More importantly, their defense is getting stops when it matters. They remain a top-10 unit in third-down efficiency and red-zone defense, two critical areas against a Bears team that has struggled to finish drives.
The one concern here is travel and conditions. The Rams haven’t been quite as dominant outdoors in colder climates, but their offensive efficiency and red-zone advantage give them a high floor.
For more on their recent surge, see the Los Angeles Rams team stats and results, and monitor any key absences via the Los Angeles Rams injury report.
Chicago Bears Betting Form
The Bears have shown flashes of offensive upside late in the season, thanks to better QB play and an improved run game. While they’re still inconsistent overall, they’ve covered in three of their last five and have leaned into more aggressive play-calling — especially at home, where they’ve averaged nearly 26 points per game over their last three.
The concern remains on the defensive side. Chicago ranks in the bottom third of the league in explosive plays allowed and continues to struggle with missed tackles and poor third-down execution. Against a sharp offense like the Rams, that could lead to long, sustained drives and few stops.
But don’t count them out entirely. The Bears often play better as home underdogs and could generate enough offense to challenge the number, especially if the Rams don’t start fast. Their ability to protect the quarterback and limit turnovers will be the swing factor.
Check the Chicago Bears team page for updated stats, and confirm the latest injuries on the Chicago Bears injury report.
Los Angeles Rams vs Chicago Bears Matchup Breakdown
This is a pace-versus-efficiency matchup. The Rams aren’t playing fast, but they’re moving the ball at a top-tier rate, while the Bears need tempo and explosive plays to keep up.
- Quarterback Play: Rams have the edge in accuracy, decision-making, and play-action success.
- Defense: Rams are top-10 in red zone; Bears are bottom-10 in third-down defense.
- Weather Factor: Potential cold and wind could limit vertical shots, favoring the more efficient team.
- Turnovers: Rams protect the ball better, which becomes critical in close spreads.
If the Bears can generate one or two explosive plays and steal a possession via special teams or a takeaway, they’ll stay inside the number. But if the Rams control tempo early, they could cover and coast.
Looking to sharpen your NFL strategy? The full NFL betting guide breaks down how to approach totals, game scripts, and key efficiency metrics.
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Los Angeles Rams vs Chicago Bears Predictions and Best Bets
There’s a reason the Rams are laying more than a field goal on the road. They’ve been efficient, balanced, and explosive when needed — and they’re facing a defense that’s struggled to get key stops. Chicago may move the ball early, but Los Angeles has the edge in late-game execution, play-calling, and red-zone efficiency.
If you’re playing the total, the Over leans are justified based on both teams’ recent scoring trends — but weather and red-zone execution could keep this one tighter than expected. Watch for sharp live-bet windows if the opening drives are slow.
Best Bet: Los Angeles Rams -3.5 (-116)
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