A compelling NFC Divisional Round matchup is set for Sunday at Soldier Field, where the upstart Chicago Bears, fresh off a historic comeback victory, will host the perennially contending Los Angeles Rams in freezing conditions.

The Bears, riding the breakout of quarterback Caleb Williams and the offensive acumen of first-year head coach Ben Johnson, are in the divisional round for the first time since the 2010 season. They engineered a stunning 25-point fourth-quarter rally to defeat the Green Bay Packers last week. Meanwhile, the Rams, led by MVP favorite Matthew Stafford and NFL receptions leader Puka Nacua, survived a tough challenge from the Carolina Panthers to advance.

Weather and Health as Key Factors
Forecasts predict a high of 19 degrees at kickoff, introducing a significant variable for the warm-weather Rams and the NFL's most prolific passing offense. Stafford has proven capable in the cold before, but the conditions could impact the game's tempo and strategy.

Injury reports will be closely monitored. Stafford (sprained finger) was a full participant in practice and is expected to play. The Rams await the status of three starters: guard Kevin Dotson (ankle), nose tackle Poona Ford (elbow), and cornerback Darious Williams (personal reasons). For Chicago, top receivers DJ Moore (knee) and Rome Odunze (foot) were limited in practice, while cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson is set to return from a concussion.

Coaching and Key Matchups
The game features a stark contrast in coaching tenure. The Rams' Sean McVay, now one of the NFL's longest-tenured coaches, brings a 9-5 postseason record and a Super Bowl ring. He is opposed by Johnson, who won his playoff debut last week after a successful run as Detroit's offensive coordinator.

Critical individual battles will likely decide the outcome:

• For the Rams: Rookie pass rusher Jared Verse must contain the dynamic Caleb Williams, who ranks fifth in scramble yards. Pressuring and corralling Williams is the defense's paramount task.

• For the Bears: Cornerback Jaylon Johnson faces perhaps the league's toughest assignment in covering Puka Nacua, who has averaged 134.5 receiving yards per game since December. Limiting this connection is essential for Chicago.

Betting Market and Outlook
The Rams opened as 4.5-point favorites, but the line has moved to -3.5, reflecting respect for the Bears' momentum and the weather's potential impact. The total has also fallen from 51.5 to 48.5.

While the Bears' home-field advantage and resilience are potent, the Rams' overall quality, experience, and defensive front present a formidable challenge. If Stafford is healthy and the Rams can mitigate Williams' improvisation, they are positioned to advance in a hard-fought, weather-affected contest.