Matthew Stafford isn’t just preparing for the cold in Chicago-he’s welcoming it like a quarterback who understands the weight of January football.
The Los Angeles Rams (12-5) are heading into a frosty playoff clash with the Chicago Bears, and while most players might be dreading the single-digit temperatures expected at Soldier Field, Stafford is leaning into the challenge. The veteran quarterback, now in his 17th NFL season, sees the icy stage as part of what makes postseason football special.
“There’s something to it; it feels right when football is outdoors and you’re playing late in the year,” Stafford said. “It’s cold, it means a lot - I’m embracing it, and I know our team is as well.”
That’s a notable perspective from a player who’s spent the bulk of his career indoors, first in Detroit and now in Los Angeles. But Stafford’s not just talking the talk. Last weekend, in gusty conditions against Carolina, he shook off a slow start and delivered a clutch, game-winning drive that reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most dangerous arms in the league when the pressure is on.
“You just have to figure out what the elements are, how it’s going to affect the ball, and go play,” he said. “We had wind last week … you just figure it out as you go.”
This week, the Rams will need that same resilience-and then some. Chicago’s defense has been one of the most opportunistic in the league this season, leading the NFL with a +1.1 turnover margin per game.
That’s not just a stat; it’s a mentality. The Bears thrive on forcing mistakes and flipping the field.
And while the Rams aren’t far behind in that department (tied for third at +0.7), ball security will be paramount in a game that could hinge on a single possession.
On the other side of the ball, Bears running back D’Andre Swift is making his long-awaited playoff debut after six seasons in the league. And he’s doing it with a deep appreciation for the quarterback he once shared a locker room with.
“I call him the ‘Goat,’ he’s one of the greats,” Swift said of Stafford. “That’s my guy.
When I got into the league, he was the first person to reach out to me. Going to Detroit, he was the first guy I worked out with.
I have a ton of respect for him. He’s a true warrior.”
But come Sunday night, Swift’s focus won’t be on Stafford-it’ll be on the Rams’ defense, particularly their front line.
“They’ve been phenomenal all year, that’s the strength of their defense, in my opinion,” Swift said. “Their guys up front, they get after it, they’re relentless. We have our work cut out for us.”
That Rams defensive front, anchored by a group that’s been disruptive all season, will be key to slowing down Swift and keeping Chicago’s offense from finding rhythm. And while Stafford and the offense get most of the headlines, the Rams’ ability to control the trenches on both sides of the ball could be the deciding factor.
Los Angeles enters the matchup as a 3.5-point favorite-a nod to their experience, balance, and the Stafford factor. And they’ve got more Georgia ties than just their quarterback. Former Bulldogs offensive lineman Warren McClendon is anchoring the Rams’ protection unit, bringing SEC toughness to the playoff stage.
Elsewhere in the Sunday playoff slate, Houston travels to New England in the early game. That matchup features another former Georgia standout in Kamari Lassiter, a rising star in the Texans’ secondary, along with veteran running back Nick Chubb, who remains a key piece of Houston’s ground game.
But all eyes will be on the cold, hard turf of Soldier Field Sunday night, where Stafford and the Rams are embracing the elements-and the moment.