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CHICAGO — It wasn’t pretty, but it was playoff football at its most punishing. The Los Angeles Rams survived a bruising, defense-heavy battle to defeat the Chicago Bears, 20-17, in overtime Sunday night at Soldier Field, punching their ticket to the NFC Championship Game.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
CHICAGO — It wasn’t pretty, but it was playoff football at its most punishing. The Los Angeles Rams survived a bruising, defense-heavy battle to defeat the Chicago Bears, 20-17, in overtime Sunday night at Soldier Field, punching their ticket to the NFC Championship Game.
Played before 60,253 fans in freezing conditions, the divisional-round matchup was defined by long drives, field position, and timely defense. The teams went into halftime tied 10-10, with neither offense able to find consistent rhythm.
Long Drives, Short Margins
Veteran running back Kyren Williams provided the Rams’ lone touchdown of regulation, capping a methodical 14-play, 85-yard opening drive with a 4-yard run off right tackle. According to ESPN Research, the Rams became the first team in the past 25 postseasons to score a touchdown on an opening drive of at least 14 plays.
They weren’t done grinding.
Los Angeles added another 14-play touchdown drive in the fourth quarter, becoming the first team since the Eagles in the 2022 NFC Championship Game to post multiple touchdown drives of 14 plays or more in a single playoff contest.
Despite that efficiency, the Rams’ offense struggled overall. Through three quarters, they managed just 174 total yards — their lowest output of the season.
“Offensively, man, I did not do a very good job for our group tonight,” head coach Sean McVay said after the game. “But I thought our guys were able to overcome it.”
Stafford Battles, Bears Strike Late
Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who led the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns during the regular season, finished 20-of-42 for 258 yards. He failed to throw a touchdown pass for just the second time in his playoff career and for the first time ever in a postseason start with the Rams.
Still, McVay credited his team’s resilience.
“Defensively, it kept us in it in spite of how poor of a job I did,” McVay said. “I’m really grateful for this group being able to find a way.”
Chicago had chances to steal the game. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams completed 23 of 42 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns but was undone by three interceptions.
Facing a seven-point deficit late in regulation, Williams — the former USC star — delivered a clutch moment Bears fans have been waiting for. He found tight end Cole Kmet in the back corner of the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown, forcing overtime and igniting Soldier Field.
Defense Slams the Door
It was only the second overtime playoff game in Bears history, but Chicago’s momentum was short-lived. On the Bears’ lone possession of the extra period, Williams threw his third interception, setting up the Rams in prime position.
Kicker Harrison Mevis drilled a 42-yard field goal to seal the victory.
Defensively, the Rams surrendered more than 400 total yards but made the plays that mattered. Safety Cam Curl led the unit with 13 tackles, including seven solo stops.
Adams Reflects, Rams Roll On
Wide receiver Davante Adams, playing a supporting role with two catches for 24 yards, came up big in overtime with a clutch reception that helped set up the winning kick.
“It felt like one of the old Packer-Bears rivalry games,” Adams told NFL Network’s Stacey Dales.
Next up, the Rams head to the NFC Championship Game to face the Seattle Seahawks, a familiar foe. The teams split their regular-season meetings, with Los Angeles winning 21-19 at SoFi Stadium in Week 11 before falling 38-37 in overtime in Seattle in Week 16.
For now, style points don’t matter. In January, survival is everything — and the Rams are still standing.