Posted on Jan 19

Rams edge Bears 20-17 in OT, advance to NFC Championship behind Mevis, Stafford, Nacua

Posted Jan 19, 2026

The Los Angeles Rams triumphed over the Chicago Bears 20-17 in a thrilling overtime battle, securing their place in the NFC Championship Game.

Why it matters: This victory not only propels the Rams into the next round of playoffs but also highlights the resilience of a team that has rebounded from previous seasons to achieve a remarkable 14-5 record.

The win showcases the effectiveness of quarterback Matthew Stafford and rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua as crucial components of the Rams' offense.
For the Bears, this loss marks the end of an encouraging season with a 12-7 record and poses questions about the development of their young quarterback, Caleb Williams.

What’s new: Harrison Mevis delivered a decisive 42-yard field goal in overtime, clinching the game for the Rams after a closely contested matchup.

This marks Mevis's emergence as a reliable kicker in high-pressure situations, building on the momentum gained throughout the season.
His kick followed a pivotal interception by Kam Curl on the Bears’ first possession of overtime, shifting the momentum firmly in the Rams' favor.

By the numbers: Despite a strong showing, Caleb Williams struggled with three interceptions, undermining his two touchdown passes.

Williams demonstrated flashes of brilliance, particularly with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Cole Kmet that traveled an impressive 51.2 yards in the air.
The turnovers ultimately proved costly for the Bears, highlighting the challenges that come with a rookie quarterback in playoff scenarios.

Yes, but: The Bears performance under first-year coach Ben Johnson showed promise, even in defeat.

Johnson's offensive strategies will need refinement, especially regarding managing game situations and ensuring ball security.
Despite the loss, the potential for growth is evident, particularly with young talents like Kmet and Williams at the helm.

What’s next: The Rams will face the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game, a rematch that promises to test their mettle against a formidable opponent.

The Seahawks secured their spot after a dominant 41-6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, setting up a clash between two teams eager to advance to the Super Bowl.
As the Rams prepare for this critical matchup, they will rely heavily on the synergy between Stafford and Nacua, who have proven to be a dynamic duo throughout the playoffs.

The bottom line: The Rams’ ability to secure a playoff victory, particularly in a pressure-cooker overtime situation, bodes well for their championship aspirations.

With key players stepping up and the coaching staff's strategic decisions paying off, Los Angeles now looks toward the ultimate prize: a return to the Super Bowl.

Rams edge Bears 20-17 in OT, advance to NFC Championship behind Mevis, Stafford, Nacua

Alex Parker

Posted Jan 19, 2026

The Los Angeles Rams triumphed over the Chicago Bears 20-17 in a thrilling overtime battle, securing their place in the NFC Championship Game.

The win showcases the effectiveness of quarterback Matthew Stafford and rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua as crucial components of the Rams' offense.

For the Bears, this loss marks the end of an encouraging season with a 12-7 record and poses questions about the development of their young quarterback, Caleb Williams.

What’s new: Harrison Mevis delivered a decisive 42-yard field goal in overtime, clinching the game for the Rams after a closely contested matchup.

This marks Mevis's emergence as a reliable kicker in high-pressure situations, building on the momentum gained throughout the season.

His kick followed a pivotal interception by Kam Curl on the Bears’ first possession of overtime, shifting the momentum firmly in the Rams' favor.

By the numbers: Despite a strong showing, Caleb Williams struggled with three interceptions, undermining his two touchdown passes.

Williams demonstrated flashes of brilliance, particularly with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Cole Kmet that traveled an impressive 51.2 yards in the air.

The turnovers ultimately proved costly for the Bears, highlighting the challenges that come with a rookie quarterback in playoff scenarios.

Yes, but: The Bears performance under first-year coach Ben Johnson showed promise, even in defeat.

Johnson's offensive strategies will need refinement, especially regarding managing game situations and ensuring ball security.

Despite the loss, the potential for growth is evident, particularly with young talents like Kmet and Williams at the helm.

What’s next: The Rams will face the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game, a rematch that promises to test their mettle against a formidable opponent.

The Seahawks secured their spot after a dominant 41-6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, setting up a clash between two teams eager to advance to the Super Bowl.

As the Rams prepare for this critical matchup, they will rely heavily on the synergy between Stafford and Nacua, who have proven to be a dynamic duo throughout the playoffs.

The bottom line: The Rams’ ability to secure a playoff victory, particularly in a pressure-cooker overtime situation, bodes well for their championship aspirations.

With key players stepping up and the coaching staff's strategic decisions paying off, Los Angeles now looks toward the ultimate prize: a return to the Super Bowl.