by The road to Super Bowl LX continues for the boys in Blue and Gold after an instant classic in the Windy City. While the high-flying offense was slowed by the elements, the Los Angeles Rams NFC Championship berth was won in the trenches and on the defensive side of the ball. Matthew Stafford, playing in one of the most hostile environments of his career, managed the game with veteran precision, eventually setting up the “Thiccer Kicker” for the biggest kick of the season. This victory marks the third time in nine seasons under Sean McVay that the Rams have reached the final four, signaling a new era of dominance for the franchise.
Overcoming the Caleb Williams “Miracle”
The game appeared to be under control in the fourth quarter until Bears rookie sensation Caleb Williams delivered a moment of pure postseason magic. Facing a fourth-and-goal with only 18 seconds remaining, Williams heaved a fadeaway prayer to Cole Kmet to tie the game at 17-17, momentarily threatening to derail the Los Angeles Rams NFC Championship run. The Rams’ sideline, however, remained unfazed. Instead of crumbling under the momentum shift, the unit reset during the break, trusting in a defense that had already forced two crucial turnovers on downs earlier in the contest.
Kam Curl’s Game-Changing Interception
The hero of the overtime period wasn’t an offensive superstar, but safety Kam Curl, whose defensive instincts saved the day. On the Bears’ opening possession of the extra period, Curl baited Williams into a deep throw before undercutting the route for his third interception of the game. This takeaway was the catalyst that officially put the Los Angeles Rams NFC Championship trip within reach. By handing the ball back to Stafford at midfield, the defense ensured that the Rams would have the final say in a matchup that featured eight combined turnovers between the two squads.
Kyren Williams: The Engine of the Offense
While the passing game struggled in the 20-degree weather, the ground game provided the necessary spark to keep the chains moving. Kyren Williams was the workhorse for the Los Angeles Rams NFC Championship charge, carrying the ball 21 times for 87 yards and scoring both of the team’s regulation touchdowns. His ability to find small creases in the Bears’ top-ranked interior defense allowed the Rams to win the time-of-possession battle, a factor that proved vital as the game wore on and the Chicago defenders began to fatigue in the overtime period.
Game Stats: Rams vs. Bears Divisional Round
| Statistic | Los Angeles Rams | Chicago Bears |
| Quarterback | Matthew Stafford | Caleb Williams |
| Rushing Yards | 104 | 92 |
| Turnovers Forced | 3 | 1 |
| Field Goals | 2-for-2 | 1-for-2 |
| Final Score | 20 (OT) | 17 |
Stafford’s Postseason Poise
Even when the stats don’t jump off the page, Matthew Stafford’s impact on this Los Angeles Rams NFC Championship journey cannot be overstated. He finished the night 20-of-42 for 258 yards—modest numbers for him—but his 16-yard strike to Puka Nacua in overtime was the “dagger” that set up the game-winning field goal range. Stafford’s calm demeanor in a stadium where he spent years competing as a Detroit Lion was the stabilizing force the Rams needed to overcome the noise and the snow.
The “Thiccer Kicker” Delivers in the Clutch
When the game was on the line, the Rams turned to rookie kicker Harrison Mevis to finalize their Los Angeles Rams NFC Championship invitation. The 42-yard attempt was anything but a “gimme” given the swirling winds at Soldier Field, but Mevis split the uprights with room to spare. Mobbed by his teammates on the frozen turf, Mevis solidified his place in Rams lore, proving that the team’s investment in special teams during the off-season was a masterstroke by the front office.
A Date With Destiny in Seattle
The win sets up a mouth-watering NFC West rematch, as the Rams will now head to Lumen Field to face the No. 1 seed Seattle Seahawks. The Los Angeles Rams NFC Championship showdown will be the third meeting between these rivals this season, with both teams having won one game apiece in the regular season. Seattle, coming off a 41-6 thrashing of the 49ers, represents the final hurdle between Sean McVay and his third Super Bowl appearance. The rivalry has never been more intense, and with a trip to Santa Clara on the line, fans can expect another high-stakes battle next Sunday.
The Rams have proven they can win in the sun of SoFi Stadium and the snow of Chicago. As the Los Angeles Rams NFC Championship preparations begin, the message from the locker room is clear: they aren’t finished yet. With a healthy veteran quarterback and a defense playing its best football of the year, Los Angeles is only 60 minutes away from competing for another Lombardi Trophy.
