Highlights & Takeaways From Rams’ NFC Divisional Round Win Over Bears

4 Min Read
Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) looks to throw a pass against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

After surviving against the Carolina Panthers on Wild Card Weekend, the Los Angeles Rams traveled to take on the Chicago Bears in the NFC Divisional Round.

Temperatures were cold at Soldier Field, but the Rams went and took care of business with a 20-17 win to advance to their third NFC Championship Game in the Sean McVay era.

It was a nice start for the Rams as Cobie Durant picked off Caleb Williams on fourth down on Chicago’s opening drive. The Rams then put together a 14-play touchdown drive, capped off with a Kyren Williams touchdown.

The Bears had a nice response though with a touchdown drive of their own, setting the stage for what appeared to be a shootout between two high-powered offenses. That is not how the rest of the first half played out, however, as each team only added a field goal to head into the locker room tied at 10.

Matthew Stafford and the Rams offense continued to be out of sync to begin the second half as he missed some throws he usually hits. The defense settled in nicely though, giving L.A. a chance to grab the lead once again after Durant’s second interception of the game.

After both teams exchanged punts once again, things were still tied at 10 going into the fourth quarter.

The Rams offense finally put a drive together to regain the lead as Stafford found Colby Parkinson and Davante Adams for big plays. Puka Nacua then had a fourth-down conversion, setting up Williams’ second touchdown to go up 17-10.

Chicago appeared to be driving down the field to tie it, but the Rams defense came up with a massive fourth down stop in the red zone.

The Rams had a chance to ice it offensively but were unable to do so, leaving the defense needing one more stop.

It came down to a fourth down play and Caleb Williams made an incredible throw to Cole Kmet for a touchdown, sending it to overtime.

The Rams defense had another interception in them in overtime as Kam Curl made a big play to give the offense a chance to win it.

This time, the offense took care of business as Stafford hit Nacua to get into field goal range, setting up the game-winner from 42 yards by Harrison Mevis.

What’s next for the Rams…

With their win, the Rams will advance to the NFC Championship Game, where they will travel to take on the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday. It will be the third meeting between the NFC West rivals with them splitting the first two in the regular season.

Daniel Starkand is a graduate of Chapman University with a degree in journalism and broadcast journalism. He grew up in Burbank, Calif. and played baseball at Burbank High and his first two years at Chapman. Along with serving as a senior writer, editor and social media manager for RamsNewswire.com, Daniel also writes for LakersNation.com, DodgerBlue.com, and RaidersNewsire.com. Contact: daniel@mediumlargela.com
Exit mobile version