The divisional matchups are set, and both games feel weird in very different ways. One has weather, emotion, and a fan base playing with house money. The other has travel concerns, injuries, and a team that might just be out of gas. Here’s how the games break down, along with where we land.
Rams at Bears (+4.5)
The Rams are a 4.5-point favorite at Chicago. I think I would probably take both underdogs. Let’s start with Bears +4.5.
Soldier Field was wild at the end of that game. 4.5 is a lot of points. It’s going to be really cold, crappy weather.
Chicago’s season was validated on Saturday night. They’re playing with house money, and yet they still have more firepower dressing out on game day. You can never count them out – offensively, Loveland has been looking like Travis Kelce in his prime. The other receivers they have are killing it, and Caleb’s got his magic.
Here’s the good news for Chicago: Matt Stafford, especially on the road, will throw an ugly pick. Their special teams are a liability every other game.
I think Chicago’s got a fighting chance in this game. I really do. I think the Bears match up okay against the Rams at home. The crowd is going to be pretty special. That is not an easy place to play.
It feels like the Rams peaked about six weeks ago. They’re just not quite right.
Colin’s Pick: Bears +4.5
Middlekauff’s Pick: Bears +4.5
49ers (+6.5) at Seahawks
Seattle is a 6.5-point favorite over the 49ers. I would take the Niners +6.5 to keep it close. Although you can prepare now knowing Kittle’s not going to play. That hurts. This is a really physical game.
It’s going to be hard to not be out of gas after losing Kittle, who really is the heartbeat of the operation. On top of that, you’re heading to Seattle in mid-January. It is not going to be a nice weather game.
Philadelphia took a chunk out of the Niners. You fly all the way back home, then you fly up to Seattle and Seattle’s sitting there waiting. The good news is the Niners fresh off a big win will probably be very good for the first couple of drives.
This feels like a game San Francisco could lead at half and then Seattle comes out relentless. You look up and it’s 30-20 and San Francisco’s out of gas with about eight minutes to go.
If I had to bet anything, I would bet the Niners in the first half. Over the course of the game, Seattle wears them out.
Colin’s Pick: 49ers +6.5, 49ers 1H +3.5
Middlekauff’s Pick: Seahawks -6.5
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