UPDATE: In a heart-stopping NFC divisional playoff clash, the Chicago Bears fell to the Los Angeles Rams 20-17 in overtime on January 18, 2026. The game hinged on two critical plays that encapsulated Caleb Williams’ tumultuous season.
With just 27 seconds left in regulation, Williams executed a spectacular 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Cole Kmet, tying the game and sending it into overtime. However, Williams’ dreams of a miraculous comeback were dashed when he threw an interception in overtime, sealing the Bears’ fate.
Williams, who had a strong postseason debut with a 31-27 win against the Green Bay Packers, ended his playoff run with a disappointing three-interception game. His performance has sparked conversations about his up-and-down season, underscoring both his extraordinary talent and moments of struggle.
In the final moments of the fourth quarter, the Bears faced a crucial fourth-and-4 from the Rams’ 14-yard line. Under immense pressure, Williams backpedaled to the 40-yard line and launched a deep pass to Kmet, who caught it in the end zone. Kmet described the pass as feeling “like a pop fly in center field” and praised Williams for his clutch play.
“I just wanted to give him my best ball and give him a shot,” Williams said about the game-tying throw.
However, the excitement quickly turned to despair in overtime. After driving to the Rams’ 48-yard line, Williams attempted a deep pass to DJ Moore, but Rams safety Kam Curl intercepted the ball, ending the Bears’ hopes. The Rams then marched down the field, culminating in a 42-yard game-winning field goal by Harrison Mevis.
Williams’ statistics for the night included 23 completions on 42 attempts for 257 yards, alongside his three interceptions. Despite the loss, his 618 passing yards and four touchdowns across two playoff games rank among the best in Chicago Bears postseason history.
After the game, a visibly frustrated Williams acknowledged the disappointment of the loss but expressed determination to improve. “I’m excited, though, also. Obviously, not happy about the outcome. But that’s over with, and I can’t go back and change it,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Williams and the Bears will need to regroup and analyze their performance as they prepare for next season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the young quarterback responds to this setback and whether he can translate his potential into consistent success.
As the NFL playoffs continue, the Bears’ journey ends here, but the future remains bright for Caleb Williams, who has shown flashes of brilliance despite the heartbreak in Chicago.
