In an exciting week three matchup where the Rams (1-2) hosted the 49ers (1-2), a ragtag roster marred by injury erased a 10-point fourth quarter deficit, capped off by Jake Karty kicking a game-winning field goal.
With star receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp out for the foreseeable future, head coach Sean McVay turned to wide receivers Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington and Tyler Johnson to fill. While their production didn’t match the stellar performances fans are used to with Nacua and Kupp, they performed when it mattered most, including a 50-yard catch by Atwell that led to a game-tying touchdown from running back Kyren Williams.
That was one of three total touchdowns Williams recorded on Sunday, and as the Rams attempt to resolve their depleted roster, they’ll continue to turn to him against the struggling Bears.
The Bears (1-2) are coming off a close loss to the Colts and much like the Rams, have struggled to find key contributors on offense outside of star wideout D.J. Moore.
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has had mixed reviews on his play so far, but outside factors such as the offensive line, playcalling, and non-existent run game have contributed to his struggles. The USC product threw for 363 yards, but turned the ball over three times via two interceptions and a fumble.
Niners wide receiver Jauan Jennings torched the Rams to the tune of 11 receptions for 175 yards and three touchdowns, so it’ll be key for LA’s secondary to limit Williams through the air. They’re currently Sharp Football analysis’ 22nd-ranked secondary in the NFL, so this will be a chance for first-year defensive coordinator Chris Shula to make a statement.
The run game has been a glaring hole in the Bears’ offense, as running back D’Andre Swift has been disappointing to say the least. After signing a three-year, $24 million contract in the offseason, Swift has been the main culprit behind the second-worst run game in the NFL. The former Georgia bulldog has averaged an abysmal 1.8 yards per carry, and the Bears collective unit has only mustered 1.8 yards per carry and 72.7 yards per game.
The Rams held running back Jordan Mason to 4.1 yards per carry, so if the front seven can maintain momentum against a struggling unit, they’ll force the Bears quarterback to make mistakes through the air.
On the flipside, the aforementioned Kyren Williams will be the core of this offense alongside quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Bears have blown both hot and cold against opposing running backs, as in week three against the Colts, Jonathan Taylor rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns, but the week prior against the Texans, Chicago held Cam Akers to 32 yards.
Since his breakout in 2023, Kyren has been one of the most talented backs in the game and with the injuries mounting, he’ll be depended on as much as ever.
The offense will ultimately flow through Stafford, as even with his primary weapons out, he’s been serviceable, throwing for over 220 yards in each game and a 2:1 touchdown to interception ratio. He won’t single-handedly change the outcome of this game, especially against a stingy Bears secondary, but if he can move the ball downfield alongside the efforts of Kyren Williams and company, this game will come down to the wire.