Los Angeles Rams Edge Chicago Bears 20-17 in Overtime Thriller
The Chicago Bears welcomed the Los Angeles Rams to Soldier Field on Sunday. The Rams edged the Bears 20-17 in overtime to wrap up the NFC Divisional Round.
In case you missed it, Chicago recorded its first playoff win since 2010 by rallying from deficits of 21-3 at halftime and 21-6 entering the fourth quarter to stun the Green Bay Packers 31-27 at Soldier Field on Saturday, Jan. 10. Caleb Williams led the game-winning touchdown drive that ended with a 25-yard pass to DJ Moore.
Los Angeles rallied from a deficit to edge the Carolina Panthers 34-31 at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 10. Matthew Stafford threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson with 38 seconds left in regulation. Stafford’s pass capped the fourth and final lead change of the game.
Chicago Bears vs. Los Angeles Rams Injury Report
Rams Head Coach Sean McVay made history in this game. He coached in his 15th postseason game against a 15th different opponent in Chicago. Previously, the 39-year-old faced the Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, and Atlanta Falcons.
The Bears placed Deion Hankins (shoulder/quadriceps), Terrell Smith (knee), Zah Frazier (personal), Kiran Amegadjie (elbow), Shemar Turner (knee), Dayo Odeyingbo (Achilles), Roschan Johnson (thumb), Noah Sewell (Achilles), TJ Edwards (lower leg), Ozzy Trapilo (knee), and Nick McCloud (groin) on injured reserve.
Chicago listed Rome Odunze (foot) and Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck) as questionable.
Chicago’s inactives were Case Keenum, Nick McCloud, Braxton Jones, Jahdae Walker, Ruben Hyppolite II, and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka.
The Rams placed Keir Thomas (undisclosed), Rob Havenstein (ankle), Shaun Dolac (knee), Akhello Witherspoon (shoulder), Stetson Bennett IV, Tanner Ingle, Jarquez Hunter, DJ Humphries, Derion Kendrick, Nick Vannett, and Tutu Atwell (coach’s decision) on injured reserve.
Los Angeles listed Jimmy Garoppolo (back) and Desjuan Johnson (illness) as day-to-day.
Bears vs. Rams Recap
The Bears hosted the Rams in a nationally televised game on NBC and Peacock on Sunday. Chicago is currently coming off a huge turnaround in their first season under Head Coach Ben Johnson, while Los Angeles has been establishing themselves as championship contenders.
Chicago entered with an impressive record of 7-0 in games where they trailed in the fourth quarter, and were underdogs entering Sunday’s game. Meanwhile, Los Angeles’ strong passing game has been a standout trait, with Quarterback Matthew Stafford leading the way.
Previously, Los Angeles beat Chicago 24-14 in the 1950 NFL Playoffs. Chicago eventually beat L.A. in a 24-0 shutout in the 1985 NFC Championship Game.
Los Angeles got on the board first. Kyren Williams rushed right tackle to score a 4-yard touchdown with 6:20 left in the first quarter. Harrison Melvis kicked an extra point for a 7-0 lead. L.A. took a 7-0 lead to end the first.
Chicago tied the game just five seconds into the second quarter. Williams connected with Moore. Cairo Santos kicked an extra point to tie the score at 7. Santos later kicked a 48-yard field goal for a 10-7 lead. Los Angeles tied the game to wrap things up. Mevis kicked a 32-yard field goal to tie the score 10-10 heading into the break.
Neither team capitalized to get ahead in the third quarter. The game remained tied at 10 heading into the final quarter.
Both teams faced a do-or-die situation in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles took a 7-point lead around the midway point. Williams rushed right end for a 5-yard touchdown. Mevis kicked an extra point to give the Rams a 17-10 lead with 8:50 left. Chicago tied the score late in the game. Williams completed a pass short left to Cole Kmet for 14 yards. Santos kicked an extra point to tie the game 17-17 at the end of regulation.
Mevis kicked a 42-yard field goal to lift Los Angeles to a 20-17 win over Chicago in overtime.
Next Steps
The Rams will face the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific on FOX. The Seahawks will host the NFC Championship at Lumen Field. The Bears enter the offseason following a turnaround under Ben Johnson. Caleb Williams’ sophomore season fell just short.
