The Los Angeles Rams overcame a late deficit to defeat the Carolina Panthers and now are set to face the Chicago Bears in the NFC Divisional Round.
It marks the fifth time that the Rams have advanced to the second round under Sean McVay, who is getting ready to coach his 15th career postseason game.
Even more remarkable is that McVay will face his 15th different team when the Rams play the Bears on Sunday Night Football, via John Breech of CBS Sports:
With the Rams facing the Bears in the divisional round, Sean McVay will somehow be facing his 15th different team in 15 career playoff games #Rams #Bears #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/8msh9GoyC0
— John Breech (@johnbreech) January 12, 2026
Since taking over as head coach in 2017, McVay has led the Rams to seven playoff appearances in nine seasons. L.A. has gone 9-5 in the postseason over that span, defeating the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings and Panthers.
The Rams’ five losses have come against the Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles.
McVay facing 15 different teams in 15 playoff games as Rams head coach is an astonishing feat that won’t be duplicated any time soon. However, the streak will come to an end next week if the team is able to get past the Bears.
The Rams would play either the Seahawks or 49ers, two teams they have already defeated in the postseason.
Peyton Manning picks Rams’ Sean McVay as head coach he would want to play for
McVay has been one of the best head coaches in the NFL since joining the Rams and is often praised for getting the most out of his players.
During an appearance on “This Is Football” with Kevin Clark, legendary quarterback Peyton Manning said he would choose McVay as the head coach he would want to play for in the postseason.
Manning’s comments are similar to those of many who speak about McVay, with the common theme being that he has the best interest for his players.
