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Rams A CURE FOR WHAT AILS Bears

The Rams came into this season with unfinished business. They never got around to firing coach Scott Linehan in the offseason, and by the time they got around to it after an 0-4 start, their program was sinking fast. Jim Haslett took over with the promise that he could keep his job for another year if he won six games.

The novelty act worked for a couple of weeks, but Football is a tough, physical game and players seem to sense when it's time to cash in and wait until next year. Haslett already is being tuned out by a team that has fallen behind early and taken a beating in its last two games. They are 2-8 and riding a four-game losing streak. The Rams have a couple of decent players, but this is a far cry from the Greatest Show on Turf. Quarterback Marc Bulger has been to a Pro Bowl and wide receiver Torry Holt used to be a great player, but both are unhappy. Rookie Donnie Avery has great speed and has replaced Holt as the Rams' best deep threat. Running back Steven Jackson has missed the last two games with a thigh injury, but likely will be back for the Bears. Defensively, the Rams are paying the price for a series of wasted draft picks. First-round pick Chris Long is a tireless pass rusher with a high motor who has played well.

MATCHUP TO WATCH: Rams WR Donnie Avery vs. Bears CB Charles Tillman: Avery, a second-round pick and the first wide receiver chosen in the April draft, entered the weekend with 25 catches for 392 yards (15.7 per catch) and two touchdowns. Impressive when you consider how awful the Rams have been. He has great speed, a lot of heart and hasn't been around long enough to quit on his teammates like some Rams are doing.

EARLY LINE: Only a fool would believe the Bears are good enough to simply line up opposite this team and win. But this is as close to a guaranteed victory as you are going to find. Maybe Devin Hester can get going on returns, too -- he has had success in the Rams' domed stadium.

Pick: Bears 27, Rams 10.