As the Los Angeles Rams gear up for a frigid, blustery playoff showdown against the Chicago Bears, the last thing they need is a tidal wave of unrealistic expectations. But that’s exactly what former NFL quarterback Alex Smith stirred up when he predicted that Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay might “hang 50” on the Bears defense.
Now, let’s pump the brakes for a moment.
Yes, Chicago’s defense has had its share of breakdowns this season-no one’s denying that. They gave up 42 points to the 49ers, another 42 to the Bengals, and a staggering 52 to the Lions.
Those performances helped drag the Bears defense down to 23rd in the league in points allowed. On paper, it looks like Stafford and the Rams could have a field day.
But playoff football isn’t played on paper. It’s played in the cold, in the wind, in front of screaming fans, and under the weight of every snap meaning everything. And this one’s shaping up to be a classic grinder.
Let’s talk about the Rams offense. It’s been one of the league’s most potent units this season-no question.
Stafford has looked sharp, poised, and in control. This might be the best version of him we’ve seen in his 17-year career.
He’s delivering tight-window throws, reading defenses with veteran savvy, and showing that rare ability to elevate the play of those around him.
But 50 points? That’s a tall order in January football, especially in conditions like these.
The Rams haven’t hit that mark all season, and this isn’t the time to expect them to start. The postseason is a different animal.
The tempo ramps up, the windows shrink, and every possession carries weight. Add in winter weather and a playoff-caliber defense with something to prove, and the margin for error shrinks even further.
And let’s not overlook the officiating factor. The Rams have already had several touchdowns wiped out this year by questionable penalties.
That kind of thing tends to linger in the playoffs, where every call-or non-call-can swing momentum. This isn’t the kind of environment where you can count on clean drives and wide-open lanes.
Then there’s the human element. Chicago’s defense, for all its inconsistencies, has shown it can lock in.
They’ve held teams to as few as 14 points this season. Give a playoff team bulletin-board material-like a national TV prediction that they’re about to get steamrolled-and you better believe they’ll show up with a chip on their shoulder.
McVay knows this. He’s not the type to chase gaudy numbers in a playoff game.
If the Rams build a lead, expect to see Jimmy Garoppolo take over in the fourth quarter to protect Stafford and the playbook. This is about surviving and advancing-not style points.
So while Smith’s confidence in LA’s offense is understandable, it’s also a reminder that in the NFL postseason, what was doesn’t always dictate what will be. The Rams have the firepower, no doubt. But they’ll need discipline, balance, and a little grit to get through what’s likely to be a tightly contested battle.
Because in January, it’s not about lighting up the scoreboard. It’s about making just enough plays to keep your season alive.