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Rams break Bears hearts in NFL Divisional Round
Sebastian Tan, AAP • January 19th, 2026 5:20 pm
The LA Rams have kept their Super Bowl dreams alive by downing the Bears in Chicago | Photo: AP
The Chicago Bears have missed out on a historic NFC championship clash, going down to the Los Angeles Rams 20-17 in a gripping overtime encounter at Soldier Field.
The Rams' divisional round win earns them a spot in the conference championship game next Monday (NZ time), where they'll face bitter rivals Seattle in their first Super Bowl qualifier since their winning 2022 season.
Earlier, New England made the AFC championship match after beating Houston 28-16, where they'll face the Denver Broncos.
But it was the Bears-Rams clash that stole the show as, with their season on the line, quarterback Caleb Williams (258 yards, two touchdowns, three interceptions), threw for a late Cole Kmet touchdown to send the game into OT.
Los Angeles failed with their first opportunity to score before safety Kam Curl crucially intercepted Williams' throw on the Bears' drive.
The Rams moved swiftly down the field and a 42-yard Harrison Mevis field goal secured the victory.
MVP contender and Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford provided the fireworks, throwing for 258 yards, while running back Kyren Williams had 21 carries for 87 yards and two touchdowns.
"It was crazy," Stafford said.
"Hell of a play on fourth down by Caleb to get his team to overtime. And just glad we got the ball back."
Star New England quarterback Drake Maye (179 yards) threw three touchdown passes, but had an interception and fumbled four times in snowy and rainy conditions at Gillette Stadium.
The Patriots' defence saved the offence's blushes, intercepting quarterback C.J. Stroud four times, as Houston finished with eight combined turnovers, the most in a playoff game since 2015.
Pats QB Drake Maye scrambles to safety in Massachusetts | Photo: AP
"Just proud of the guys ... (They) battled the elements. This is New England. This is what we're trying to embrace, and we've wanted to embrace all season," Maye said.
The Texans suffered their third consecutive divisional-round loss and will have to wait another year before they can compete for a first Super Bowl ring.
- with AP
