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The Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears gave it their all in the NFC Divisional Round on Sunday night, delivering an epic matchup that NFL fans will remember for a while.
Rams rookie kicker Harrison Mevis hit the game-winning field goal to send Los Angeles home happy, 20-17. The Rams face the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship.
Los Angeles running back Kyren Williams punched the go-ahead into the end zone and the defense stymied the Chicago Bears at the goal line in what appeared to be the final stand.
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Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker reacts after collecting 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 capped a 14-play, 91-yard drive with 8:50 left in the game. It was Williams’ second touchdown of the game, and it was exactly what Los Angeles needed to win the game as it was extremely difficult to come by in the second half.
The Bears, who didn’t 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 third-quarter interception on their earlier second-half drive.
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 backwards about 25 yards before deciding to fire 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 secured the catch. Cairo Santos hit the extra point of the game and the game was sent to overtime.
BEARS’ NATIONAL ANTHEM SINGER SENDS NFL FANS INTO FRENZY WITH PRE-PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE
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. The play saved their season — just like it did Sunday night.
In overtime, 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 didn’t budge and went for a first down. Again Williams’ number was called and he was given the length needed to extend the drive. Just when it looked like the Bears had everything going, 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 ended with Mevis’ field goal.
Stafford was 20-of-42 with 258 passing yards. He was fired 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 run 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 was 23-of-42 with 257 passing yards, two touchdown passes and three 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.
It will be the third conference title appearance in the Sean McVay era. The Rams defeated the New Orleans Saints in the controversial NFC Championship game 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 take on the Seahawks for the right to play in Super Bowl LX. The winner will face either the Denver Broncos or the New England Patriots.
