Sam Bradford posted a career-best passer rating of 117.6 in last week's 31-28 win over Washington. (Getty)

Rams at Bears -- Week 3

Where: Soldier Field, Chicago (grass, outdoors)

When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)

Spread: Bears by 7.5

Forecast: Sunny, high near 61

2012 records – Rams (Overall: 1-1, NFC West: 0-0), Bears (Overall: 1-1, NFC North: 0-1)

Past results: Two most recent meetings – Dec. 6, 2009: Bears 17, Rams 9; Nov. 23, 2008: Bears 27, Rams 3. Series record: Bears hold a 51-34-3 edge.

What matters: Sam Bradford is coming off perhaps the finest game of his three-year career; he posted a career-high 117.6 passer rating in the 31-28 win over Washington. In the last five quarters, he’s hit 33 of 44 throws for 409 yards and four touchdowns, with one interception. He’s buying time, rolling out, and finding receivers. The Rams aren’t likely to grind out consistent gains on the ground, not with Steven Jackson nursing a groin injury and iffy to play. So it will take another sterling outing from Bradford for St. Louis to pull the upset.

Who matters: With the exception of coach Jeff Fisher, no one has changed the Rams’ mentality more than Cortland Finnegan. The feisty seventh-year corner has two interceptions and 15 tackles. Plus, he baited Redskins WR Josh Morgan into committing the crucial personal foul penalty at the end of last Sunday’s game. Finnegan will see a lot of Bears WR Brandon Marshall, who had nine catches for 119 yards and a TD in Chicago’s previous home game.

Key matchups: With left tackle Rodger Saffold out with a knee injury, Wayne Hunter gets the unenviable task of blocking Julius Peppers. The 6-7 defensive end has two sacks and four QB hurries. He and MLB Brian Urlacher key a unit that has seven takeaways, tied for the NFL lead. The Rams’ makeshift offensive line held up well against Washington, but it will be a much tougher challenge at Soldier Field. Guard Harvey Dahl is the only starter from the originally projected starting five.

Injuries of note: Jackson (groin) did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, meaning rookie Daryl Richardson could get the bulk of the carries. He ran 15 times for 83 yards and caught two passes for 19 yards in the win over Washington, but lost a crucial fumble late. Fellow rookie Isaiah Pead also could see increased snaps.

Hunter (ankle) was limited in Thursday’s practice after missing Wednesday’s. If he can’t go, Ty Nsekhe would get the nod.

DT Matt Conrath (knee) also missed Thursday’s practice, dampening hopes he might return this week. DT Michael Brockers (ankle) remains out.

Inside stuff: Brandon Gibson has caught a TD pass of at least 23 yards in each game. With Danny Amendola (20 catches) bound to draw the most attention, Gibson could score again…The Rams haven’t faced a power runner like Michael Bush this year. Bush could have a big day gashing a Rams front missing first-rounder Michael Brockers.

Connections: Bears coach Lovie Smith was Rams defensive coordinator from 2001-03. Rams coach Jeff Fisher played for the Bears from 1981-84. Rams assistant head coach Dave McGinnis was the Bears’ linebackers coach for 10 years (1986-95).

Stats you should know: WR Danny Amendola leads the NFL with 20 catches. He has 230 receiving yards, 97 of those after the catch… Rookie WRs Brian Quick and Chris Givens are still looking for their first catches… The Rams rank 11th in scoring (27.0) after finishing last in 2011 with 12.1 points per game…Bradford has been sacked 2.5 times per game, down from the 3.6 sacks per game St. Louis allowed last year.

Looking ahead: The Rams come home to face division rivals Seattle and Arizona in Weeks 4 and 5 before visiting Miami. Even if the Rams lose Sunday, they could easily be 3-3 after six weeks. That would be one more win than they posted all last season.

Prediction: Bears 27, Rams 20

Get more Rams updates and analysis from Larry Hartstein @CBSSportsNFLSTL.