Bears vs. Rams in NFC divisional-round playoff game Sunday: What to watch for

WHEN THE BEARS HAVE THE BALL

Unpredictability is one of the best elements of Bears coach Ben Johnson’s offense, both in terms of formations and who’s getting the ball, but a go-to guy has emerged. Quarterback Caleb Williams has targeted rookie tight end Colston Loveland on 31% of his passes over the last three games, and Loveland has had 24 catches for 322 yards and two touchdowns.

Johnson and Williams took a victory lap on the team drafting Loveland 10th overall after his 137-yard game against the Packers in the wild-card round, noting that the selection was widely questioned because the Bears seemed fine at tight end with Cole Kmet and Penn State’s Tyler Warren was thought to be better.

The Loveland-Warren debate will continue for years, but the question of whether the Bears needed him has been answered. He already has proven to be a more effective weapon in the passing game than Kmet, and at this point, it’s hard to imagine Williams without him.

Loveland has developed to the point where he’s playing like a veteran. He has a thorough grasp of the offense, he’s surehanded and blocks well in the running game. He’s the Bears’ future, obviously, but he’s also their present.

That said, if the Rams prioritize him, the Bears have alternatives. The extra day off should have benefitted wide receivers Rome Odunze (foot) and DJ Moore (knee), and Johnson can use Kmet, rookie wide receiver Luther Burden, veteran Olamide Zaccheaus and running back D’Andre Swift, too.

WHEN THE RAMS HAVE THE BALL

Slowing the Rams’ ground game is critical for the Bears. Running back Kyren Williams has 12 career 100-yard games, playoffs included, and it’ll be tough to withstand another one Sunday.

Shutting down Williams doesn’t guarantee anything because the Rams’ Matt Stafford was the NFL’s most prolific quarterback this season. The Bears have enough of a problem dealing with him either way, but they’ll make it a lot harder on themselves if they also let Williams get rolling.

In the eight games in which Williams averaged five or more yards per carry this season, the Rams scored an average of 33.1 points and went 6-2.

The Bears allowed five yards per carry for the season, fourth-worst in the league. They need the big resources they poured into defensive tackles to pay off after signing Grady Jarrett to a three-year, $42.8 million contract last year and using a second-round draft pick on Gervon Dexter in 2023, as well as Andrew Billings.

The defensive line’s ability to stuff the run is even more important for the Bears after losing tackling machine T.J. Edwards at linebacker. Edwards, who broke his leg last week against the Packers, has been the team’s most reliable tackler over the last three seasons.

Without him, and with backup Noah Sewell also out for the season, the Bears likely will start D’Marco Jackson. He’s been a good depth piece for them, but now they’re counting on him to come through in a big way.