Bears and Rams Face Frigid NFC Divisional Playoff in Chicago
The NFC Divisional Round Playoff game between the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams is set for January 18. Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois will host this crucial matchup. Forecasters predict temperatures as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit. This extreme cold poses significant challenges for both teams.
Cold Weather Increases Injury Risks for NFL Players
Players should prepare for a slow-paced game with hard hits. Communication may become difficult. The ball could turn unmanageable. Injury risks will rise substantially in these freezing conditions.
The Chicago Sun-Times interviewed Dr. Robert Paras, a sports medicine specialist at RUSH Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Dr. Paras explained how bone-chilling cold affects NFL athletes.
How will the cold impact Bears and Rams players? Dr. Paras stated that tendons and muscles stiffen in cold weather. This stiffness raises the likelihood of muscle pulls, tears, and joint injuries. Players might not achieve their usual running speeds. Reaction times could slow down noticeably.
Hands and feet lose warmth quickly in such temperatures. This reduces players' ability to catch the football effectively.
"When athletes are outside, their bodies sense the temperature change within ten minutes," Dr. Paras said. "The body works to maintain its core temperature. It often constricts blood vessels leading to our extremities to achieve this."
Dr. Paras recommended specific adjustments for players. Warming up earlier than usual helps. Staying properly hydrated is crucial. Moving constantly prevents bodies from cooling down too rapidly.
Bears Hold Cold Weather Experience Advantage
The Chicago Bears possess considerable experience playing in frigid conditions. The Rams lack similar exposure to extreme cold.
The Bears' coldest game this season occurred on December 14 against the Cleveland Browns. Temperatures reached just 8 degrees during that contest.
Bears safety Kevin Byard spoke with the Chicago Sun-Times about the upcoming game. "We've been through the Cleveland game and other cold games," Byard said. "Operating in cold weather will be nothing new for us. Will it make a huge difference for the Rams? Who knows?"
Dr. Paras elaborated on the Rams' potential difficulties. "As Rams players get colder, their hand feel diminishes," he explained. "Their grip strength decreases significantly. The Bears are more acclimated to these changes. If a skilled Rams player struggles to hold the ball, that could lead to more takeaways for Chicago."
Historical data supports this advantage. Since 1964, the Los Angeles Rams have won only one of six games played in temperatures similar to the upcoming forecast. Their most recent such game was in 2022 against the Green Bay Packers. The Rams lost that contest 24-12. Their last victory in comparable cold occurred in December 1989.
Matthew Stafford's Cold Weather Challenges
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford faces particular concerns in freezing conditions. According to Swift Sports Network, Stafford holds a 1-9 record in cold, rainy, or snowy games since moving to Southern California. His completion percentage drops to 55% when temperatures fall below 20 degrees.
Stafford currently deals with a sprained index finger on his throwing hand. The combination of injury and extreme cold could affect his grip, timing, and throwing accuracy.
Despite these challenges, Stafford remains optimistic. The veteran quarterback addressed reporters at a recent press conference. "Both teams are playing in the same conditions," Stafford said. "You just go out and execute as best you can. I love NFL football and its history: Lambeau Field, the Ice Bowl, all those iconic moments. There's something special about it. Football feels right when it's outdoors late in the year, when it's cold and the games mean everything. I'm embracing that experience, and I know our team is too."
