If you woke up this morning wondering did the Chicago Bears win on Sunday, you’re likely still processing the absolute chaos that just went down at Soldier Field. Honestly, it was the kind of game that makes you want to check your pulse. The Chicago Bears faced off against the Los Angeles Rams in a high-stakes NFC Divisional Playoff game today, January 18, 2026. This wasn't just another game. It was a heavyweight clash between the surging "Cardiac Bears" and a battle-tested Rams squad led by Matthew Stafford.
The tension in the air was thick. Fans were still buzzing from last week’s miracle comeback against the Packers—an 18-point rally that secured Chicago’s first postseason victory since 2010. But the divisional round is a different beast. Facing Sean McVay and a Rams offense that survived a shootout with the Panthers just seven days ago meant the margin for error was basically zero.
The Final Score: Did the Chicago Bears Win on Sunday?
The short answer? Yes. The Chicago Bears are moving on to the NFC Championship.
It wasn't pretty. At least, not at first. For three quarters, it felt like the dream season under first-year head coach Ben Johnson might finally hit a wall. Stafford was surgical early on, finding Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp for big gains that silenced the home crowd. But this 2025-2026 Bears team has built a reputation on being a "second-half team." They don't just win; they survive.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the atmosphere shifted. Caleb Williams, the rookie sensation who has basically become a folk hero in Chicago overnight, started making those "how did he do that?" plays. The Bears entered the final frame trailing, a position they've found themselves in seven times this season before eventually winning. They did it again today.
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How the Game Swung in Chicago's Favor
The turning point was a defensive stand midway through the fourth. Grady Jarrett, who the Bears signed in the offseason to be the "glue" of the defensive line, collapsed the pocket on a crucial 3rd-and-Goal. The Rams were forced to settle for a field goal, keeping it a one-score game.
Then came the Williams magic.
Driving 80 yards with under four minutes left, Williams looked like a ten-year veteran. He escaped a near-sack from Jared Verse, rolled right, and zipped a pass to Rome Odunze for a 34-yard gain. A few plays later, D'Andre Swift punched it in from the 2-yard line. Soldier Field erupted. The roar was reportedly loud enough to be heard blocks away in the South Loop.
Why This Win Changes Everything for Chicago
When the Bears hired Ben Johnson and drafted Caleb Williams with the first overall pick, people expected improvement. They didn't necessarily expect a trip to the NFC Championship in year one.
Think about where this team was a year ago. They were coming off a 5-12 season. Now, they've won 13 games (including playoffs) and have knocked off two of the NFC's most dangerous teams in back-to-back weeks. This win over the Rams proves that the Wild Card victory over Green Bay wasn't a fluke or a "lucky" bounce. It's a pattern.
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Key Stats from the Victory
- Caleb Williams: 285 passing yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs.
- D'Andre Swift: 94 rushing yards and the go-ahead score.
- Bears Defense: Held the Rams to just 3 points in the final 20 minutes of play.
- Soldier Field Factor: The Bears improved to 8-2 at home this season.
There is something special happening with the chemistry between Williams and his weapons. DJ Moore is playing the best football of his career, and rookie tight end Colston Loveland—who caught the game-sealing two-point conversion last week—has become the ultimate security blanket.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Cardiac Bears"
A lot of national pundits like to say the Bears are "lucky." They point to the fact that Chicago has trailed in the final two minutes of regulation in seven of their wins this year.
But as Williams said after the Packers game, "It's no fluke. It's belief."
Watching them today, you could see it. Even when Stafford was carving them up in the second quarter, there was no panic on the sidelines. Ben Johnson's offense stayed patient. The defense didn't break. If you're still asking did the Chicago Bears win on Sunday because you thought they were overmatched, you haven't been paying attention to the culture shift in that locker room.
The Road Ahead: The NFC Championship
With this win, the Bears are now one step away from the Super Bowl. They will face the winner of the Seahawks vs. 49ers matchup. If the 49ers win, the Bears will head to Santa Clara for a rematch of their Week 17 shootout. If the Seahawks pull the upset, the road to the Super Bowl goes through Chicago.
Imagine an NFC Championship game at Soldier Field in late January. That's the stuff of legends.
Actionable Takeaways for Bears Fans
If you're celebrating this win, here's what you need to keep an eye on as we move into next week:
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- Injury Watch: Keep a close eye on the injury report for Montez Sweat. He appeared to be limping slightly in the fourth quarter. The Bears' pass rush needs him at 100% for the next round.
- Playoff Bracket: Check the final score of the Seahawks/49ers game tonight. This determines whether you need to book a flight to California or get your thermal gear ready for another home game.
- Apparel Restocks: Playoff gear is selling out fast. If you want that "NFC North Champions" or "Divisional Winner" hoodie, you'd better hit the NFL Shop or local Chicago retailers by Monday morning.
The Chicago Bears didn't just win on Sunday; they asserted themselves as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Whether you're a lifelong fan who suffered through the lean years or a newcomer riding the Caleb Williams hype train, enjoy this moment. Chicago football is back, and it's louder than ever.