Rams edge Bears 20-17, Stafford leads game-winning drive, face Seahawks next

The Los Angeles Rams narrowly defeated the Chicago Bears 20-17 to advance to the NFC Championship game, despite a lackluster offensive performance.

Why it matters: This victory not only propels the Rams into the next round of the playoffs but also highlights the resilience of their team amidst struggles in execution.

With insufficient yards gained—only 174 by the end of the third quarter—the Rams’ offense faced significant challenges. Quarterback Matthew Stafford completed just 20 of 42 passes for 258 yards without a touchdown, marking a rare playoff performance where he failed to find the end zone.

By the numbers: Stafford's off-target throws were concerning, as he recorded 11 inaccurate passes—his highest as a Ram.

• Despite these difficulties, Stafford managed to orchestrate his 55th career game-winning drive, showcasing his experience and ability to perform under pressure.

Yes, but: The team's overall performance raises questions about their viability against stronger opponents, especially with the Seattle Seahawks looming in the NFC Championship.

• The Rams split their season series with the Seahawks, winning at home but losing in a nail-biting overtime match.

What to watch: As the Rams prepare for the Seahawks, they must improve their consistency on offense if they hope to capitalize on their defensive strengths.

• Puka Nacua expressed confidence in the team’s ability to learn from past mistakes, suggesting an eagerness to return to Seattle and rectify their earlier loss.

The bottom line: While securing a win is the ultimate goal, Sean McVay and his staff will need to refine their offensive strategy ahead of the upcoming challenge.

• McVay himself acknowledged, "Offensively, man, I did not do a very good job for our group tonight," signaling a commitment to improvement.

Zoom In: Stafford's reflections post-game reveal a pragmatic mindset; “Playoff football is about winning... so I'm happy to have played a little bit worse today and going home with a win.”

• It underscores the duality of sporting success—where individual performance often takes a backseat to team achievement in critical moments.

As the Rams gear up for their next showdown, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if they can sharpen their offense and build on this hard-fought victory.