Rams' Matthew Stafford addresses cold-weather concerns after warning from Bears' Ben Johnson

First-year Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson recently warned the Los Angeles Rams that this coming Sunday's divisional-round playoff game between the clubs that will be held at Chicago's Soldier Field will be "the coldest game" the Rams have played this season. 

Before Matthew Stafford became the Rams' starting quarterback, he featured for the Detroit Lions from 2009-20. Thus, Stafford is no stranger to playing cold-weather road games in Chicago and at the Green Bay Packers. 

Matthew Stafford "embracing" the cold ahead of playoff game vs. Bears

"I love NFL football and the history of it — Lambeau Field, the 'Ice Bowl,' all those kinds of things," Stafford said, per Greg Beacham of The Associated Press. "There’s something to it, right? It feels right when football is outdoors, you’re playing it late in the year, it’s cold (and) it means a lot. I’m embracing that, and I know our team is as well." 

Roughly 12 months ago, Stafford completed 26-of-44 pass attempts for 324 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Rams' divisional-round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at a snowy Lincoln Financial Field. He also played in the famous "Snow Bowl" in Philadelphia as a member of the Lions. Thus, it's understandable that the 37-year-old seemingly isn't losing sleep over what he may encounter this weekend. 

"Played in Philly back in the day, (and) there was six inches of snow on the ground," Stafford explained. "Played in other games where it was just cold and dry. Just got to go figure out what the elements are, how it’s going to affect the ball, and then go out and play." 

As of Thursday morning, AccuWeather was predicting that the RealFeel temperature in and around Chicago will be in the single digits when Sunday's game gets underway.

Matthew Stafford gives big update on injured finger

Some Rams fans understandably may be concerned about Stafford's ability to grip cold footballs after he suffered a sprained index finger on his throwing hand during the club's wild-card playoff win at the Carolina Panthers. On Wednesday, Stafford insisted his finger felt "great" and "should be good" for the game in Chicago.

"We did a good job of jumping on it, wrapping it before the plane and all that stuff," Stafford added, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. "Whatever was there is gone now. It feels good." 

On Thursday, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Rams as 3.5-point road favorites over the Bears.