The Los Angeles Rams host Matt Nagy’s Chicago Bears in their season opener Sunday at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Bears at Rams odds and lines, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.
The Bears will start QB Andy Dalton under center as he makes his regular-season debut with the team. They’re seeking their second straight season with a playoff appearance after making it as a wild-card team last year despite finishing 8-8. OLB Khalil Mack and DT Akiem Hicks headline the defense as part of what should be one of the league’s best fronts.
The Rams also have a new quarterback, and it’s one who will be a familiar face for the Bears. Former Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford will make his first start with the Rams after sitting out the preseason with the rest of the starting lineup. Last season’s top-ranked defense is once again led by DT Aaron Donald and CB Jalen Ramsey.
Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Rams odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:23 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Bears +300 (bet $100 to win $300) | Rams -400 (bet $400 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Bears +7.5 (-107) | Rams -7.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 45.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Rams key injuries
Bears
- DT Eddie Goldman (knee) out
- OLB Khalil Mack (groin) questionable
- OLB Robert Quinn (back) questionable
- S Eddie Jackson (wrist) questionable
- S Tashaun Gipson (back) questionable
- WR Darnell Mooney (back) questionable
Rams
- No notable injuries
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Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Rams odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Rams 27, Bears 17
Money line
From quarterback to the secondary the Rams have the advantage at most spots in this game. They’re clearly the better team on paper and that should show on the field Sunday night.
While it’s possible Stafford and the offense will get off to a slow start, the Rams will pull away in the second half once they get into a rhythm. I would PASS on the money line of -400, however, and instead bet on the spread.
Against the spread
The Rams went 9-7 ATS in the regular season last year and covered at home 24-10 against the Bears in Week 7. The spread is one of the biggest Sunday, and it’s a lot of points to cover, but the Los Angeles defense will keep Chicago’s offense in check with its pass rush and ball-hawking secondary.
Bet the RAMS -7.5 (-115) to cover.
Over/Under
Largely thanks to their stifling defense the total went Under in 12 of the Rams’ 16 regular-season games last season. I like the UNDER 45.5 (-108) in this game with the Bears looking lackluster offensively and the Rams potentially starting slowly with a new quarterback who hasn’t taken a live game rep in L.A. yet.
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