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The Los Angeles Rams fell short of returning to the Super Bowl last season and have revamped their offense by trading Jared Goff to the Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford. Stafford and the Rams will make their 2021 debut at home against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football. Chicago has made a quarterback change of its own by bringing in Andy Dalton to replace Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles. Dalton has thrown for over 33,000 yards and 218 touchdowns in his NFL career. 

Kickoff from SoFi Stadium is set for 8:20 p.m ET. The latest Bears vs. Rams odds from Caesars Sportsbook lists Los Angeles as 8.5-point favorites, while the over-under is set at 46.5. Before making any Rams vs. Bears picks, make sure to check out the expert NFL predictions from SportsLine NFL expert R.J. White.

White, a Fantasy and gambling editor for CBS Sports and SportsLine, ended the 2020 season on an 80-59 run on all NFL picks, returning more than $1,400 during that span. That success is no surprise, as White has cashed huge twice in the world's most prestigious football handicapping competition, the Las Vegas SuperContest.

Plus, he's 36-15-1 on his last 52 against the spread picks involving the Rams. Anyone who has followed him is way up.

Now, White has set his sights on Bears vs. Rams on Sunday Night Football and just revealed his NFL expert picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are several NFL odds and betting trends for Bears vs. Rams:

  • Rams vs. Bears spread: Los Angeles -8.5
  • Rams vs. Bears over-under: 46.5 points
  • Rams vs. Bears money line: Los Angeles -400, Chicago +310
  • CHI: The total has gone under in six of the Bears' last eight games against the Rams
  • LAR: The Rams are 8-2 straight up in their previous 10 home games

Why the Bears can cover

Chicago's ceiling has been capped by subpar quarterback play lately, but the Bears have managed to make things work. Chicago hasn't fallen below .500 over its previous two seasons and has done reasonably well against the spread away from home. In fact, the Bears went 5-3 against the spread on the road last season and won five of those contests. Both teams have sturdy defensive units, and both teams averaged 23.3 points per game last season.

Stafford's run support is questionable following Cam Akers' season-ending injury. Darrell Henderson is expected to be Los Angeles' primary ball carrier, with Sony Michel also in the mix. Michel was acquired via trade during training camp and may need time to get up to speed with the new playbook. Los Angeles' rushing attack could have to iron out some kinks, and its adjustment period could make it easier for Chicago to cover. 

Why the Rams can cover

The Rams were effective on defense last year. Los Angeles gave up a league-low 281.9 yards per game. Its secondary allowed 190.7 passing yards per game, while the front seven ranked third against the rush. The Rams' star power on the defensive end should help them build on last year's success. Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey are well-equipped to stop a team that's looking to find its way on offense.

Dalton's inability to move the chains in the preseason doesn't make a Bears offensive turnaround seem likely. The Cowboys averaged fewer than 23 points per game in the nine starts he made in 2020.

How to make Bears vs. Rams picks

White is leaning under on the point total, and he's also discovered a critical X-factor that has him jumping all over one side of the spread. He's only sharing that pick, and the rest of his NFL expert picks at SportsLine.

So who wins Bears vs. Rams? And what critical X-factor makes one side of the spread a must-back? Visit SportsLine now to see R.J. White's Bears vs. Rams pick and analysis, all from the NFL expert who is 35-16-1 on his last 52 picks involving the Rams.