Former NFL quarterback Alex Smith didn’t hesitate when asked to assess the Los Angeles Rams’ playoff matchup with the Chicago Bears. Appearing on Up & Adams with Kay Adams, Smith offered a blunt evaluation of the landscape — one that paints Los Angeles as a dangerous postseason opponent capable of overwhelming Chicago, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
“They’re a Juggernaut”
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Smith’s central point was simple: the Rams’ offense is peaking at the right time, and the matchup heavily favors Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford.
“I think the Bears are the weakest team left in the NFC, honestly,” Smith said. “That defense might translate in certain moments, but against the Rams? Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay could hang 40 or 50 on them this weekend — barring a blizzard. They’re going to score a lot of points.”
Adams noted how efficient the Rams looked offensively in their most recent outing, even without Stafford playing a flawless game. Smith agreed, arguing that the underlying efficiency is what makes Los Angeles so dangerous.
“Absolutely. They’re a juggernaut,” Smith said. “Stafford didn’t even look like he was at his best, and they still moved the ball. A lot of that is matchup-based. Carolina gave them some problems a few weeks ago — that defense is talented. Chicago’s defense is not that. It’s not even close.”
Smith pointed to schematic familiarity as another advantage, noting how similar offensive concepts have already stressed Chicago this season.
“You’re going to see a great mix of run and pass,” Smith said. “Look at what San Francisco did to the Bears earlier this year. Same system, similar concepts. Take the over. This is going to be a high-scoring game — weather permitting.”
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Respect for Caleb Williams, But Skepticism About the Setting
While Smith was confident in the Rams’ ability to score, he was careful not to dismiss Chicago’s rookie quarterback.
“I love Caleb. Love his game. Love Ben Johnson,” Smith said. “He’s so unique. And like Bryce Young, he came in with enormous expectations — generational talent, dropped into some dysfunction, coaching changes, play-calling changes.”
Smith credited general manager Ryan Poles for surrounding Williams with better protection and weapons, calling the rookie’s talent undeniable.
“That fourth-and-eight throw? There aren’t many human beings on the planet who can make that throw,” Smith said. “Maybe a couple.”
Still, Smith framed the matchup as less about Williams’ ceiling and more about the environment around him — and the opponent on the other sideline.
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Defense, Weather, and the Stafford Factor
When Adams asked whether the Rams’ defense gave Smith any pause, his answer was direct.
“No. If anything, that’s the knock on the Rams right now,” Smith said.
Smith acknowledged that Los Angeles’ defensive performance has fluctuated as the season progressed, but he ultimately circled back to the same deciding factors: quarterback play and turnovers.
“The over/under is 50.5,” Adams said. “It’s cold, snow is expected — low of 11 degrees — but I still think it’s high scoring.”
Adams pressed him on momentum, particularly with Chicago playing at home. Smith didn’t dismiss it, but he placed far more weight on Stafford’s consistency.
“Momentum is real. But turnovers decide games, and Stafford doesn’t give teams chances,” Smith said. “Stafford has been playing at an MVP level — fewer than 10 interceptions, one of the best seasons of his career. It’s hard to imagine him suddenly turning the ball over.”
Why Smith Sees a Rams Statement Game
The numbers back up Smith’s confidence. Over their final six games, the Rams averaged more than 35 points per game, pairing explosive passing production from Stafford with a balanced rushing attack led by Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Los Angeles consistently moved the ball, even in losses, and showed an ability to stress defenses both vertically and on the ground.
Chicago, meanwhile, generated takeaways throughout the season but struggled to consistently disrupt offenses in other areas, particularly in efficiency and success rate metrics. Against a Rams offense that thrives on rhythm and matchup exploitation, that margin matters.
Smith summed it up succinctly.
“Chicago has a bit of that energy. They’re at home, and that matters,” he said. “But the Rams have too much firepower.”
For Smith, this isn’t just a close playoff game — it’s a spot where Los Angeles announces itself as a legitimate NFC threat, even if winter conditions try to say otherwise.