Rams Make History as Rare Road Favorites in Divisional Round

Rams vs. Bears: A Rare Favor

The Los Angeles Rams are entering the divisional round of the playoffs with an unusual edge—favored by 3.5 points over the Chicago Bears. This situation is noteworthy, as it is one of the few instances where a road team has held such odds in this critical playoff stage.

To put this into perspective, since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, there have been 224 divisional round games. Surprisingly, only two of those instances have seen a road team favored by more than 3.5 points. The Rams' placement as third-biggest road favorites is not just a statistic—it showcases the shifting dynamics in modern NFL competition.

A Brief History of Road Favorites

Looking back, the biggest road favorites came in 1979 when the Philadelphia Eagles were favored by 4.5 points at Tampa Bay. In that match, the home team overturned the odds with an impressive upset, defeating the Eagles 24-17. The second-highest spread was recorded by the Baltimore Colts in 1971, who were favored by 4 points against the Cleveland Browns and managed to cover the spread with a 20-3 victory.

Current Standing of the Rams

This year, the Rams find themselves tied with the previously mentioned teams for their favorable but rare position. It's particularly striking when you consider that throughout the history of the NFL playoffs, only 17 out of 224 teams have enjoyed the luxury of being favored while playing on the road. In a league that typically rewards home-field advantage, these numbers highlight how the Rams not only stand out but carry a significant burden of expectation this weekend.

Implications for the Bears

For the Chicago Bears, this rare scenario presents an opportunity to galvanize the team. Head Coach Ben Johnson, known for his motivational prowess, may seize the moment to inspire his players. The underdog narrative can serve as a rallying cry, and with the Bears looking to defy expectations, statements about “nobody believing in us” from the coach might echo throughout their locker room.

“We can use this as fuel. Nobody expects us to win, but that's okay. We thrive on this.” - Coach Ben Johnson

Understanding the Odds

The Rams' status as road favorites is particularly curious, as higher-ranked teams usually earn the privilege of playing at home, often coming off a first-round bye. The dynamics in the 2026 playoffs have shifted considerably—reflecting broader trends in the league where underdogs sometimes rise to the occasion.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead

As we anticipate Sunday's clash, I find myself pondering the implications of these odds. For the Rams, it raises questions on whether they can live up to the favorites' label. For the Bears, it's an opportunity to challenge their naysayers, and a testament to the unpredictable nature of playoff football. So, as we gear up for this showdown, I can't help but feel that the NFL playoffs never cease to amaze.