Quick look:
The good thing about playing on a Thursday night is a team has 10 days to recover before playing again. So the Bears should be rested and ready for the Rams.
St. Louis is a team that won only two games last season and is in the midst of a major rebuilding job. But new coach Jeff Fisher, a former Bear, knows how to make any team competitive. In fact, the Rams nearly beat the Lions in their opener.
More Top Picks Shark Powerdetect Az4002
The Rams are shaping up to be a lot like Fisher’s Titans teams: They play tough, physical defense and can run the ball well behind Steven Jackson.
If the Rams are going to have a shot at beating the Bears, they also will have to throw it well in key situations. Sam Bradford is capable of becoming a top quarterback this year, but he’s going to need help from a suspect group of wide receivers and a questionable line.
Key stat:
The Rams are the youngest team in the NFL with an average age of 25.32. They have 17 rookies on their roster.
Key matchup:
Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis versus Bears running back Matt Forte.
If the Bears can establish the run, they will have a good chance to win with explosive plays off play action. Laurinaitis is one of the league’s better middle linebackers, with a nice blend of athleticism and pop. The Bears might try to get Forte away from Laurinaitis on the edges of the defense.
Early pick:
Bears 23, Rams 19.