The Bears will host the Rams on Sunday, with wind chills at Soldier Field predicted between 0 and -10°F. Along with the cold, the Rams also anticipate they will be facing wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph during the Sunday afternoon kickoff.
Stafford was reportedly unconcerned by a recent hand injury, having demonstrated his health during a practice session in 82-degree sunshine at Woodland Hills training complex on Wednesday.
Matthew Stafford planned to wear a scuba-style suit for warmth. The Rams’ QB learned the trick during his tenure in Detroit, while Davante Adams will continue his tradition of not wearing sleeves.
“I’ve worn it quite a few times since I’ve been here it keeps you warmer,” Stafford said.
“We can’t do anything about that,” he added. “I mean, it is what it is, we don’t care what the weather is here, what it is there, just go play.”
Robin Alam – The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 looks on during an NFL Wildcard football game against the Carolina Panthers, on Saturday, January 10, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Caleb Williams is in the midst of a significantly improved year for the Bears. In games played last season, the Williams was sacked 68 times, but that number dropped to 24 this season.
Super Bowl champion McVay said that Williams and the Chicago coaching staff have built a strong rapport during this season, aiding the rookie’s maturity.
“I think he sees things well, got an understanding of some of the concepts Coach Johnson is activating… second reaction plays… playing at a high clip,” McVay said.
Puka Nacua has been a “never-ending learner” that WR Adams has frequently advised:
“Since I’ve been here is just being an open vessel always being open and willing to learn,” Adams said. “I assert myself when it’s time as far as giving unsolicited advice… it’s not just Puka though and I learned a lot from him too so it kind of goes both ways.”
McVay made a different note on his evolving game management. This came in the form of employing staff specifically to help manage game flow and analytics.
“You want to make sure that you’re not making emotional decisions,” McVay said. “You’re using your preparation, you’re staying true to that, while also considering all right the flow of the gam,e the weather, some of the wind, I mean, it was windy and gusty during that point in time as well, and so that does have somewhat of a factor in the decision making.”
While the Rams planned to practice in 80°F weather, McVay joked about using a “cold plunge” to simulate the environment.
“I love that our team doesn’t really ride those ebbs and flows; we just stay steady,” Stafford said.
Additionally, guard Kevin Dotson remained limited on Wednesday. McVay says Thursday’s padded practice will gauge his status.
