Rams get bad news regarding Matthew Stafford before coldest playoff game

Mohammad Asif Ansari

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Rams get bad news regarding Matthew Stafford before coldest playoff game image

The Los Angeles Rams will face the Chicago Bears in a divisional playoff game at Soldier Field.

On Tuesday, FOX 35 meteorologist Noah Bergren reported that an AI Euro model suggested record-breaking cold for the final game of the divisional playoff weekend. Along with wind gusts between 20 and 30 miles per hour, wind chills are expected to drop between zero and ten degrees below zero on Sunday afternoon. Although there is no snow currently in the forecast, the extremely cold air is expected to have a major impact on the players.

Matthew Stafford faces a significant challenge with the extreme weather conditions, according to Swift Sports Network. The Rams' QB played primarily in domes during his tenure with the Detroit Lions before joining the Los Angeles Rams. Stafford holds a 1-9 record in cold, rainy, or snowy conditions since moving to Southern California. Stafford's completion percentage typically drops to 55 percent when the temperature falls below 20 degrees.

“[Matthew] Stafford has spent most of his career indoors in Detroit. He played all of his home games in a dome for the Rams; he plays inside in a dome this season,” Swift, host of Swift Sports Network, said. “All but one of his games have been played in warm weather or indoors. The one outdoor game that was even mildly cold was against Carolina earlier in the season. It was 45 degrees, and played outside on the road. Stafford threw two interceptions in that game [Week 13], and the Panthers won 31 to 28. Sunday in Chicago, it's going to be far colder than that.”

Stafford, however, has been dealing with a sprained index finger on his throwing hand. The combination of the injury and the cold could impact his grip and timing.

Chicago relies on its depth and toughness, as usual. The Bears and Rams meet 40 years after their 1986 NFC Championship clash. The Bears defeated the Rams in that cold Soldier Field matchup to advance to Super Bowl XX.

Rams wide receiver Davante Adams discussed the weather during an appearance on "The Stephen A. Smith Show". Speaking to the host, Adams noted that he performed well in the snow during his years with the Green Bay Packers.

"We’re gonna go out there and have a great week of practice and great week of prep,” Adams said. “That's a prerequisite, is how you prepare. And then we go out there, and it doesn't matter if it's 17 or seven or two degrees."

MORE: Is Matthew Stafford ready to play in Chicago? The numbers say he could have problems

The Chicago Bears are the top-scoring unit in the league

Along with replacing T.J. Edwards with D'Marco Jackson, the Bears also announced Theo Benedet will take over at left tackle for Ozzy Trapilo. Trapilo was forced to sit out the game due to a patellar tendon injury, which he sustained in the wildcard round.

Ben Johnson and co. Enters the game with a 7-2 home record this season. Caleb Williams will lead the Bears' offense after recording another fourth-quarter comeback last week. Williams finished with 361 yards and a touchdown to DJ Moore in the wildcard win.

The Rams' offense remains the top-scoring unit in the league, averaging 28 points per game over their last 12 contests, according to the NFL. The Bears' defense will attempt to pressure Stafford after recording only one sack last week. Fans expect a classic battle in the Chicago cold.

The Bears will host the Rams on Sunday, with kickoff from Soldier Field scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT. The winner will move one step closer to the Super Bowl.

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