Bears lose playoff thriller to Rams, but future looks brighter than ever
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Cole Kmet #85 catches a fourteen yard touchdown pass during the fourth quarter to force overtime in the NFC Divisional Playoffs at Soldier Field. Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
The Bears are cleaning out their locker rooms at Halas Hall on Monday after losing a playoff thriller in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams, 20–17, ending their magical season on Sunday night.
The latest: It was one for the storybooks, as the Bears rallied in the final minute of regulation to tie the game. Quarterback Caleb Williams' fourth-down touchdown heave is already being regarded as not just the best play of the season, but perhaps one of the best plays in NFL history.
- On fourth-and-four, Williams ran backward nearly 20 yards while evading Rams defenders before throwing a Hail Mary–like pass off his back foot that landed directly in the hands of a wide-open Cole Kmet for a touchdown.
Yes, but: The play forced overtime, where the Bears were about 15 yards from a game-winning field goal attempt before Williams and wide receiver DJ Moore miscommunicated on a route, leading Williams to throw an interception.
- The Rams then moved the ball easily against the Bears' defense and kicked a 42-yard field goal to win the game.
What they're saying: "It ends quickly, but that's life in this league," head coach Ben Johnson said after the game.
Why it matters: The Monsters of the Midway followed in the footsteps of the 2025 Cubs, gifting fans a playoff experience for the first time in years.
The big picture: This year's team finished with an NFC North crown and a playoff win over their hated rivals, the Green Bay Packers.
Flashback: The Bears wasted no time last offseason in securing first-year head coach Ben Johnson to take the reins of a 2024/25 team that finished 5-12 and in last place in the NFC North.
- Johnson brought intensity to his introductory press conference last January, promising to instill a new culture and throwing shade at Packers coach Matt LaFleur.
Reality check: Johnson and the Bears started 0-2, losing late to the Vikings in the season opener and then getting blown out by the Lions.
- Johnson and his squad never wavered, rattling off 11 wins, including six late comebacks to earn the team the nickname, the "Cardiac Bears."
State of play: Johnson was tasked with developing second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, whose first season was uneven.
- Johnson and Williams clicked and the young quarterback broke the all-time passing record for the franchise.
Zoom out: General Manager Ryan Poles succeeded in hiring Johnson, but his best moves were signing three free agent offensive linemen. Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson fortified protection for Williams all season long.
- The new line not only reduced sacks, but it also helped the Bears finish third in the league in rushing. Dalman and Thuney made the NFC Pro Bowl roster.
- Poles also had success in the 2025 NFL Draft. He picked TE Colston Loveland, WR Luther Burden, LT Ozzie Trapilo and RB Kyle Monangai, who all contributed to this magical season.
What we're watching for: What Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson will do about a struggling Bears defense that led the league in turnovers, but was dismal in every other category.
- Although the unit did play one of its best games on Sunday night.
- The team will have to decide on whether to bring back free agents Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Andrew Billings and Nashon Wright.
The bottom line: The Bears' storybook season may be over, but fans enjoyed a magical ride that helped change expectations for Chicago's most beloved sports franchise.