Caleb Williams vs. the 49ers, Rams’ defense must bounce back– key matchups in the NFL’s post-Christmas slate

Week 17 of the NFL is here with division championships and playoff seeding on the line. Teams must execute on both sides of the ball to give themselves and their fans the best Christmas gift they can offer – a win. 

DAZN News’ Gavin Babbitt breaks down an offense and defense that must come up big this week. 

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Bears Offense vs. 49ers Defense 

The Bears and 49ers square off this week in a game that will impact the top of the NFC standings. The Chicago offense is a top-10 team in total yardage over its last four games and the San Francisco defense has allowed only 17 points per game in that span. 

The Bears’ running game is key. Chicago leads the NFL in runs of 10 yards or more this season, while the San Francisco defense has been excellent at limiting explosive plays.

D’Andre Swift has been effective off the right edge. San Francisco edge rushers Sam Okuayinonu and Bryce Huff have struggled stopping the run in one-on-one situations. Swift will have an advantage here. 

Kyle Monangai has a tougher draw running to the inside. Tatum Bethune has stepped in with the injuries the 49ers have in the front seven and become one of their best run defenders. Bethune’s side-to-side agility is a big asset preventing Monangai breaking to the third level. 

Caleb Williams and the Chicago passing game must succeed for the Bears to win this game. Williams is not an efficient passer – his 57.8% completion rate ranks 28th among quarterbacks this year with at least 300 dropbacks. Williams has an opportunity this week nonetheless. The 49ers defense is lenient regarding passing efficiency. 

Williams can expect a lot of zone coverage from San Francisco. D.J. Moore will be a big part of this game plan with his ability to make contested catches coming from the slot or the outside. Moore and Williams have had success deep and between the numbers. 

Against split-safety looks, Williams will target Moore over the top. San Francisco safeties Ji’Ayir Brown and Malik Mustapha have allowed five combined touchdowns as the nearest defenders in coverage this season. 

If the Bears establish the run, their offense will keep them in this game. Williams has to raise his efficiency when they go to the air – this is an opportunity for the second-year quarterback to establish himself in a big game. 

Rams Defense vs. Falcons Offense

The Rams defense has been great at limiting offensive production for most of the season, but Los Angeles is a top-10 team in the NFL in total points and yardage allowed over the past month. The Rams need a win on the road against the Falcons to stay in the hunt for the NFC’s No.1 seed.  

The Rams have been struggling to defend the pass. Cornerbacks Emmanuel Forbes and Cobie Durant have allowed a combined 12 touchdowns this season. Durant has been prone to allow scores when playing zone. Drake London is excellent at making contested catches against this scheme and Durant must be better as he has a significant size disadvantage in this matchup. Kirk Cousins will be looking London’s way with Durant in the area. 

Linebacker Nate Landman is a weak spot in coverage at linebacker. With the recent production from Kyle Pitts, Landman must be ready when the Atlanta tight end is running intermediate routes. Pitts is a top-10 tight end this season in first downs against zone. Landman’s tackling has been his strength in zone coverage, so he must get Pitts to the ground immediately. If Landman does not limit receptions early, the Falcons will be seeking out this matchup all day. 

Defending Bijan Robinson is a challenge for any defense. Robinson has been productive running straight up the middle, pitting him against Landman, Omar Speights, Poona Ford and Kobie Turner. Landman and Ford are good answers for Robinson with both being top-30 players in play-stopping tackles this season. If they execute they can upend the Atlanta game plan. 

Coverage of Robinson on screen plays is essential for the Rams to slow the Falcons down. The Rams allowed a long screen pass to Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker last week. Omar Speights is key to limiting these plays. Speights has allowed only 83 yards after the catch this season. Robinson's runs after the catch are the backbone of the Atlanta offense. Speights will be needed with the aggressiveness of the Rams’ pass rush. 

This is a week when the Rams will bounce back. They have responded well to adversity all season. While Kirk Cousins and the Falcons are picking up steam the implications of a loss will fuel a great defensive effort.