Chicago Bears (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
It is official. We are in the thick of Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season, folks. Sunday night, the Chicago Bears get their first crack at a prime time matchup.
Again this year, the Bears will meet the Los Angeles Rams, only this time it will be in their brand new building, SoFi Stadium. And this time, things could be far different.
The Rams welcome in a familiar foe to the Bears in former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, who takes the place of Jared Goff. Stafford landing in Los Angeles made the Rams a hot Super Bowl pick after the initial deal, so the Bears will have a harsh test ahead.
Now that the dust has settled and most of the cuts have taken place, both teams’ rosters are essentially ready to go. Stafford is not the only new face in L.A., and the Bears have a few new faces of their own. Some, more than others, could end up surprising on Sunday night.
The Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams may see some unlikely heroes in Week 1.
At this stage, we know what we can expect from several players on both sides. For instance, Khalil Mack will be chomping at the bit. He tends to excel during prime time games and his familiarity with the Rams and Stafford should do him some good.
We know All Pro corner Jalen Ramsey will be fired up, especially if he gets to go head-to-head with Darnell Mooney. Bears fans cannot wait for that matchup for obvious reasons.
Stafford always provides a bit of a challenge, being a guy who is as tough as they come and can sling it with the best of them. David Montgomery will be leaned on heavily, just as Matt Nagy has suggested all offseason.
But again, there will be a few players who could come out of no where and overshadow the stars. These players might just be the reason either side comes away with the victory on Sunday night.