Bears vs. Rams predictions: Who majority of experts are picking for divisional round game

The Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams will close out divisional-round weekend when the two teams do battle at Soldier Field on Sunday night.

The Bears were one of the better stories this season, with Chicago going 11-6 in the first year under head coach Ben Johnson. That earned the Bears first place in the highly-competitive NFC North and the No. 2 seed in the conference.

Chicago pulled off a ridiculous comeback win in the wild-card round over the Green Bay Packers to set up this matchup with the Rams.

Los Angeles posted a better record than the Bears at 12-5, but that was only good enough for second place in the NFC West and the No. 5 seed in the conference.

The Rams took on the Carolina Panthers in the wild-card round last week and barely held off the NFC South champions with a 34-31 win.

The biggest injury to keep an eye on ahead of kickoff is wideout Rome Odunze, who is questionable to play with a foot injury. However, the expectation is the Bears wideout will play.

Another thing to keep an eye on is the weather, which is expected to be brutal.

Now, a look at which team the majority of experts are picking to win this game.

Bears vs. Rams predictions

Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Bears 24, Rams 21

Iyer: "The Rams played some sloppy, undisciplined defense in Carolina and needed every bit of a banged-up Matthew Stafford being relentless in the passing game. The Bears' defense can fold against the Rams' running game and also give up some big pass plays downfield. Chicago will try to keep this game manageable until the fourth-quarter, when Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson save their best quarterbacking and coaching for last. They also will be aggressive and hungry for key takeaways from Stafford. There's also real concern on how effective Stafford can be with snow, wind and other weather elements in play. The Bears' will grind this game out with their running game and the turnover battle with Williams delivering the game-winning drive."

Bill Bender, The Sporting News: Rams 28, Bears 24

Bender: "The Bears' dream season continued in a 31-27 victory against the Packers. Can first-year coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams push Chicago to the NFC championship game? Chicago is 4-2 S/U and 4-2 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 points or less, and the losses were to Philadelphia and Baltimore. Williams had a 97.6 QB rating with 15 TDs and two interceptions at home during the regular season, and he owns a 94.3 QB rating in the fourth quarter. The Bears just continue to find a way in those late-game situations. Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford suffered a finger injury in the 34-31 thriller at Carolina. The Rams' prolific offense with Stafford is clicking with receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, who combined for 16 catches for 183 yards against the Panthers. Los Angeles averages one turnover per game on the road – and that number needs to stay there. The Rams have given up 30-plus points in three of their last four games – and that is an area of concern on the road. Los Angeles was 5-2 S/U and 4-3 ATS as a road favorite this season."

ESPN

• Stephania Bell: Bears
• Matt Bowen: Bears
• Mike Clay: Rams
• Jeremy Fowler: Rams
• Dan Graziano: Rams
• Kalyn Kahler: Bears
• Pamela Maldonado: Rams
• Eric Moody: Rams
• Jason Reid: Rams
• Lindsey Thiry: Rams

MMQB

• Clare Brennan: Rams
• Mitch Goldich: Rams
• Gilberto Manzano: Rams
• Conor Orr: Bears
• John Pluym: Rams
• Matt Verderame: Rams

CBS Sports

• Pete Prisco: Rams
• Jared Dubin: Rams
• Ryan Wilson: Rams
• John Breech: Rams
• Tyler Sullivan: Rams
• Dave Richard: Rams
• Jamey Eisenberg: Rams

Number of experts picking Rams: 20

Number of experts picking Bears: 5

More NFL News

• Josh Allen sheds tears during postgame presser after loss to Broncos
• Sean Payton shares what Bo Nix said following season-ending injury
• 49ers list of draft picks, free agents and cap space going into offseason
• Raiders rumor pinpoints possible favorite for head coach job
• Mike McDaniel-Raiders rumor is bad news for Eagles, Lions, Bucs
• Tyreek Hill confuses Chiefs, Falcons fans with social media post