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The Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears gave it their all in the NFC Divisional Round on Sunday night and delivered an epic matchup that NFL fans will remember for a while.
Rams rookie kicker Harrison Mevis made the game-winning field goal to send Los Angeles home happy, 20-17. The Rams will meet the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship.
Los Angeles running back Kyren Williams kicked the go-ahead run into the end zone and the defense shut down the Chicago Bears at the goal line in what appeared to be the last stand.
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Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker reacts after recovering a sack against Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford during the first half of an NFL Football Divisional Playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Williams’ 5-yard touchdown run ended a 14-play, 91-yard drive with 8:50 left. It was Williams’ second touchdown of the game and was exactly what Los Angeles needed to win the game, as it was extremely difficult to score in the second half.
The Bears’ inability to get into the end zone after a 12-play, 61-yard drive was the closest Chicago got in the second half. The Bears punted three times and Caleb Williams threw a crucial interception in the third quarter on their previous second-half drives.
But Williams had a trick up his sleeve.
With his back against the wall, the Bears star mustered the last bit of magic he could. He took the snap on 4th and 4 from the Rams 14-yard line. He felt the pressure and ran back about 25 yards before deciding to yank the ball into the end zone with three Rams defenders in his face.
Somehow, Williams found tight end Cole Kmet in the end zone for the touchdown. Kmet broke free from Rams cornerback Cobie Durant and got the catch. Cairo Santos scored the tying extra point and the game was sent to overtime.
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Chicago Bears defensive end Dominique Robinson (90) sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford during the second half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Williams made a similar play in the NFC Wild Card Round game against the Green Bay Packers. This play saved their season – just like it did on Sunday night.
During the overtime period, Williams put the game on his shoulder. He made a long run on third down to keep the drive alive early in the series. On 4th and 1, the Bears did not flinch and attempted a first down. Again, Williams’ number was called and he got the mileage to extend the ride. Just when it appeared the Bears had everything going for them, Williams threw his third pick of the night to Kam Curl.
Matthew Stafford then locked down and led the Rams on the game-winning drive that ended with Mevis’ field goal.
Stafford was 20 of 42 with 258 passing yards. He was sacked four times. Williams led the Rams with 87 rushing yards on 21 carries. Colby Parkinson had three catches for 56 yards.
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) celebrates his touchdown with center Coleman Shelton (65) during the first half of an NFL Football Divisional Playoff game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Williams finished 23 of 42 with 257 passing yards, two touchdowns and three picks. D’Andre Swift totaled 76 rushing yards on 19 carries. Bears tight end Colston Loveland led the team with four catches for 56 yards.
The Rams are back in the NFC Championship Game for the first time since the 2021 season. That year, Los Angeles dominated the San Francisco 49ers and then beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.
This will be the third conference title game appearance in the Sean McVay era. The Rams beat the New Orleans Saints in the controversial NFC Championship in the 2018 season. But Los Angeles lost to the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, right, looks to pass as teammate guard Steve Avila, center, blocks Chicago Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (99) during the first half of an NFL Football Divisional Playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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Los Angeles will face the Seahawks for the right to play in Super Bowl LX. The winner will face either the Denver Broncos or New England Patriots.
