UPDATE: In a heartbreaking overtime loss, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams showcased both brilliance and disappointment during the NFC divisional playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams on January 18, 2026. The game ended with a final score of 20-17, eliminating the Bears from the postseason.
With just 27 seconds left in regulation, Williams delivered a stunning 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Cole Kmet that tied the game, igniting hopes for a miraculous turnaround. However, in overtime, Williams threw a critical interception to Rams safety Kam Curl, sealing the Bears’ fate.
This loss encapsulated the hot-and-cold nature of Williams’ season. After a thrilling 31-27 victory over the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round, Williams struggled, throwing three interceptions against the Rams, a stark contrast to his earlier postseason performance.
Williams reflected on the game, expressing frustration but also determination. “It’s a frustration. It’s a fire. Those are the two words that I’d go with,” he stated in a somber postgame address. “I can’t go back and change it. Going to go back and watch, figure out how I can be better for the near future and help this organization get to where we want to be.”
Stunning Touchdown
In a moment that appeared to defy logic, Williams backpedaled to the 40-yard line before launching a perfectly placed ball into the frigid air at Soldier Field. Kmet caught the ball in the end zone despite tight coverage from Rams safety Quentin Lake. “It just felt like a pop fly in center field,” Kmet described, highlighting the difficulty of tracking the pass.
Head coach Ben Johnson praised the play, stating, “Ridiculous. That’s ridiculous.” This remarkable throw showcased Williams’ ability to perform under pressure, a skill he had demonstrated throughout the season.
Overtime Interception
In a tragic turn, the Bears’ offense began their overtime drive with promise, moving the ball to the Rams’ 48-yard line. However, miscommunication between Williams and wide receiver DJ Moore led to the interception that shifted the momentum. Williams admitted, “Just a miscommunication between him and I,” underscoring the critical nature of timing and execution in high-stakes moments.
Johnson assessed the situation, noting, “I didn’t think he had any jitters or anything like that. Those guys made plays, and we didn’t.” Despite the loss, Williams completed 23 of 42 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns, reinforcing his potential as a star quarterback.
With a total of 618 passing yards and four touchdowns in two playoff games, Williams ranks second in franchise history for postseason passing yards. As the Bears look to the future, the performance of their young quarterback remains a focal point for the organization.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, the Bears’ front office faces critical decisions regarding roster improvements and coaching strategies as they aim to build on this season’s experiences. Williams’ resilience will undoubtedly be tested as he prepares for what hopes to be a transformative offseason.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Williams and the Bears respond to this defeat and what steps they will take to rise again in the upcoming season. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but for Caleb Williams, the determination to improve is clear.
