Rams Survive Soldier Field Madness, Outlast Bears 20–17 in Overtime to Reach NFC Championship

By Larry Belmontes

Date: 1/18/26

Sometimes playoff games are about dominance.

Sometimes they’re about survival.

Sunday night at Soldier Field was the latter.

The Los Angeles Rams withstood a late miracle from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, then slammed the door in overtime, defeating the Chicago Bears 20-17 to punch their ticket to the NFC Championship Game.

It was tense. It was chaotic. And for Chicago, it was heartbreaking.

A Game of Patience and Field Position

From the opening kick, this game felt like a grinder.

The Rams struck first behind Kyren Williams, who capped a 14-play, 85 yard drive with a short touchdown run. Chicago responded methodically, tying the game on a Caleb Williams touchdown pass to DJ Moore early in the second quarter.

By halftime, the teams were locked at 10-10, with neither side able to seize full control. The Rams leaned on ball security and efficiency. The Bears countered with sustained drives and possession dominance.

Kyren Williams Puts the Rams on the Brink

Midway through the fourth quarter, Kyren Williams delivered again.

A bruising 14 play, 91 yard march ended with his second rushing touchdown of the night, giving Los Angeles a 17-10 lead and putting Chicago on the edge of elimination.

At that moment, it felt like the Rams had done just enough.

Then came the throw.

Caleb Williams Delivers the Impossible

With 18 seconds left in regulation, facing the end of Chicago’s season, Caleb Williams uncorked a miracle touchdown pass to Cole Kmet, a season saving strike that stunned Soldier Field and forced overtime.

It was the kind of moment that defines young quarterbacks. Fearless. Desperate. Brilliant.

But playoff football is ruthless.

Overtime Turns Cruel

In overtime, the Bears got the ball, and the moment slipped away.

Williams threw a critical interception, setting the Rams up with prime field position. Three plays later, Harrison Mevis calmly drilled a 42 yard field goal, ending the game and Chicago’s season in a matter of seconds.

No celebration. No hesitation.

Just finality.

The Numbers That Mattered

Chicago actually outgained Los Angeles 417-340 and controlled possession for nearly 40 minutes. But the Rams played mistake-free football when it mattered most.

• Rams turnovers: 0

• Bears turnovers: 3

• Kyren Williams: 87 rushing yards, 2 TDs

• Matthew Stafford: 258 passing yards

• Caleb Williams: 257 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs

In January, those margins decide everything.

Final Word

For Chicago, this loss will sting, but it also signals arrival. Caleb Williams showed he belongs, delivering under impossible pressure in his first playoff run.

For Los Angeles, it’s about resilience. They didn’t flinch. They didn’t fold. They advanced.

The Rams survive Soldier Field.

And now, they’re one win away from the Super Bowl!

Tune into Three And Out each season for PURE football talk with Larry B. and Teran Rodriguez each week!