NFL news: Bears, Rams deliver epic playoff game
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The Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears gave it their all in the NFC Division Round on Sunday night, creating an epic matchup that NFL fans will remember for a while.
Rams rookie kicker Harrison Mevis hit the game-winning shot to send Los Angeles home happy 20-17. The Rams will face the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship.
Los Angeles running back Kyren Williams threw the go-ahead score into the end zone and the defense held off the Chicago Bears at the goal line on what appeared to be a final stand.
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Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker reacts after collecting a sack on Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford during the first half of an NFL football 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 in the game. It was Williams’ second goal of the game and was just what Los Angeles needed to win the game, as scoring was extremely difficult in the second half.
The Bears’ failure to get into the end zone after a 12-play, 61-yard drive was the closest Chicago got in the second half. The Bears made three plays, with Caleb Williams making a crucial third-quarter interception on their previous second-half drive.
But Williams had a trick up his sleeve.
With their backs against the wall, the Bears star mustered the last bit of magic he could. He took the kick on 4th-and-4 from the Rams’ 14-yard line. He felt the pressure and after running back about 25 yards, he decided to throw 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 a touchdown. Kmet eluded Rams cornerback Cobie Durant and secured the catch. Cairo Santos took the extra point to tie the game and the game went into overtime.
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Chicago Bears linebacker Dominique Robinson (90) sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford during the second half of an NFL football division playoff game in Chicago on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Williams had a similar play in the NFC Wild Card Round matchup against the Green Bay Packers. The play saved their season, as it did Sunday night.
In the overtime period, Williams put the game on his shoulders. He made a long run in third place to keep the drive alive early in the series. In games 4 and 1, the Bears did not back down and took the first down. Once again Williams’ number was called and he made the necessary distance to extend the drive. Just when it appeared everything was going well for the Bears, Williams threw his third pick of the night to Kam Curl.
Matthew Stafford then locked in and led the Rams on the game-winning drive that resulted in a field goal by Mevis.
Stafford was 20 for 42 with 258 passing yards. He was dismissed four times. Williams led the Rams with 87 yards on 21 carries. Colby Parkinson had three catches for 56 yards.
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) celebrates a touchdown pass with center Coleman Shelton (65) during the first half of an NFL football division playoff game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Williams was 23-of-42 for 257 passing yards, two touchdown passes and three draft picks. D’Andre Swift had 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 topped the San Francisco 49ers and then defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.
This will be the third conference title game of the Sean McVay era. The Rams defeated the New Orleans Saints in the controversial NFC Championship during the 2018 season. However, Los Angeles lost to the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (right) attempts to throw a pass while teammate guard Steve Avila (center) blocks Chicago Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (99) during the first half of an NFL football league 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 the New England Patriots.
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