Table of Contents
- Will Matthew Stafford Play vs Bears? The Official Word
- Inside the Finger Injury: What We Know
- Why Sean McVay Has Zero Doubts
- Stafford’s Historical Edge Over the Bears
- What This Means for the Rams’ Playoff Run
- Conclusion: The Veteran’s Resolve
- Sources
The Los Angeles Rams are heading into a high-stakes NFC Divisional Round matchup against the Chicago Bears, and all eyes are on one man: quarterback Matthew Stafford. A recent injury had fans holding their breath, but the news is finally in. So, will Matthew Stafford play vs Bears? The answer is a resounding yes.
Will Matthew Stafford Play vs Bears? The Official Word
Put your fears to rest, Rams Nation. Head coach Sean McVay has officially confirmed that Matthew Stafford will be under center for the crucial playoff game against the Chicago Bears . This comes after a week of speculation following a sprained index finger on his throwing hand, an injury sustained during the wild-card victory over the Carolina Panthers .
Stafford himself has echoed his coach’s confidence, stating he is “not worried at all” about the finger being a factor in the game, even with the notoriously frigid conditions expected at Soldier Field . He’s been a full participant in practice, a clear sign that the team is not holding him back .
Inside the Finger Injury: What We Know
The injury in question is a sprain to the index finger of Stafford’s right (throwing) hand. While any injury to a quarterback’s throwing hand is a cause for concern, the initial diagnostics were promising. X-rays came back negative, showing no fracture or dislocation, which was a huge relief for the Rams’ medical staff and fans alike .
Here’s a quick breakdown of the injury status:
- Type of Injury: Sprained index finger (throwing hand)
- Initial Diagnosis: X-rays negative for fracture/dislocation
- Practice Status: Full participation throughout the week
- Player’s Outlook: “Not worried at all”
This level of transparency and the player’s own nonchalance suggest the Rams are confident this won’t be a lingering issue. For more on how injuries can impact a team’s season, check out our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:common-nfl-injuries-and-recovery].
Why Sean McVay Has Zero Doubts
Sean McVay’s trust in his veteran quarterback is absolute. In his press conferences, McVay has consistently emphasized Stafford’s toughness and ability to play through adversity . This isn’t just blind faith; it’s a relationship built on years of shared success, including a Super Bowl victory.
McVay knows that Stafford’s experience in high-pressure playoff scenarios is an invaluable asset that far outweighs the risk of a minor finger sprain. The coach’s primary focus is on game-planning for the Bears’ defense, not managing his QB’s health status, which speaks volumes about their collective confidence in his readiness .
Stafford’s Historical Edge Over the Bears
Beyond his current health, there’s a compelling statistical reason to believe Stafford can lead the Rams to victory: he has a strong track record against Chicago. Over his career, Stafford holds a 12-10 record against the Bears .
His career stats in 22 games versus Chicago are impressive:
- Passing Yards: 5,985
- Touchdowns: 35
- Interceptions: 24
- Passer Rating: 88.2
While his record at Soldier Field is a more modest 5-7 , his overall body of work shows he knows how to dissect the Bears’ defense. This historical context provides a significant psychological and strategic advantage for the Rams as they prepare for this critical game.
What This Means for the Rams’ Playoff Run
Having a healthy and confident Matthew Stafford is the single biggest factor in the Rams’ quest for another Super Bowl. His leadership, arm talent, and playoff pedigree are irreplaceable. With him at the helm, the Rams’ offense, featuring stars like Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, becomes a legitimate threat to any team in the NFC.
For fans looking to understand the broader playoff landscape, our analysis of [INTERNAL_LINK:nfc-playoff-bracket-predictions] offers a comprehensive look at every contender. The Rams, with Stafford leading the charge, are firmly in that conversation.
Conclusion: The Veteran’s Resolve
In the end, the question “will Matthew Stafford play vs Bears?” has been answered with certainty. His sprained finger is a minor hurdle for a player of his caliber and determination. Backed by Sean McVay’s unwavering trust and his own successful history against Chicago, Stafford is poised to deliver a performance that could define the Rams’ 2026 playoff journey. All signs point to business as usual for the veteran quarterback on the grandest stage.
Sources
- Rams Wire – USA Today
- Let’s Go! Podcast / Rams Wire
- Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
- Brock Vierra, Rams Coverage
- Pro Football Reference / StatMuse
- StatMuse
- By the Numbers Analysis