Home field advantage. It’s something that sports teams find as a benefit in many situations. Even the Bulls can defeat the Lakers at the United Center.

But home field is more important this weekend in the second round of the NFL playoffs when both the Bears and the Rams play host.

Playing at home proved to be key this past weekend as home teams went 3-1. But will it still be helpful this weekend? Eight teams, four new home field advantages.

The first kickoff, and most important game of the weekend – Philadelphia at Chicago. Now the Bears have seen miracles throughout the season and are now on a four-game win streak at 13-3 on the season.

But Philadelphia isn’t too shabby at 12-5, with a 7-1 record on the road. And they probably won’t take Soldier Field lightly either. Soldier Field has been kind to the Bears this season, giving them all but one win at home this season.

The ball is on Chicago’s field and Soldier Field will be packed with Bears fans who were lucky enough to make the short trek to their own playing grounds. Philadelphia fans will have to cross a few borders to make it to Chicago.

Saturday evening the Raiders will kickoff at New England. The Patriots are on a six-game win streak while the Raiders have just snapped its three game skid against the Jets.

The overwhelming number of fans from Chicago and St. Louis have forced me to move on. Chicago fans will be celebrating during the Raiders-Patriots game and the Rams fans could probably care less.

Moving on.

Baltimore will be at Pittsburgh Sunday for their third meeting between the two teams. Home field seemed to play a bigger role in the meetings – but in opposite ways. Baltimore won in Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh won in Baltimore. Now Baltimore will try to do it again.

But again, Rams fans will be in their pregame festivities and Chicago fans may as well join in on the fun and continue the celebration from Saturday’s win.

The final game of the weekend – Green Bay at St. Louis. Such a dilema for Chicago fans, who do you cheer for? Your nemesis, or your other nemesis?? Nevertheless, it’s the Rams’ time to shine in St. Louis and the home field will certainly bring the Rams a win to wrap up the second round action.

The Rams could throw off the Packers in the TWA Dome. First of all, it’s warmer, and it’s on turf. Green Bay’s home field isn’t tundra yet and Packers are used to their frigid temperatures of Wisconsin.

It’s Round 2 and the pressure is building closer to Super Bowl time. Home field is definitely a factor this weekend, and regardless of the strength of the visiting teams, those without travel time will come away with the second-round wins.