😯 “Honestly, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw him play.” Coach Sean McVay finally admitted that the Los Angeles Rams’ victory over the Chicago Bears was due to luck and bias from the referees. He also specifically highlighted the impressive performance of one Chicago Bears star. Notably, this player was neither Caleb Williams nor DJ Moore.

In a thrilling NFC Divisional Round playoff game on January 18, 2026, the Los Angeles Rams edged out the Chicago Bears 20-17 in overtime at Soldier Field. The contest was marked by defensive battles, controversial calls, and standout performances. Rams head coach Sean McVay later admitted his team’s victory felt more like a stroke of luck than dominance.

McVay was unusually self-critical in his post-game press conference. He described his play-calling as “terrible” and acknowledged poor decisions that nearly cost the Rams the game. “I did not do a very good job for our group tonight,” McVay said, highlighting a third-and-1 call in overtime as particularly regrettable.

The Rams’ offense struggled against Chicago’s stout defense, managing only 340 total yards compared to the Bears’ 417. Matthew Stafford completed 20 of 42 passes for 257 yards, but the team relied heavily on their run game in the fourth quarter and overtime to seal the win.

Despite the Rams’ advancement to the NFC Championship, McVay emphasized how his players overcame his “bad coaching.” He expressed gratitude for the defense’s resilience, which forced three interceptions from Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and held Chicago to 17 points.

Controversy swirled around the officiating crew led by Shawn Hochuli. Several calls favored the Rams, including a disputed catch by Davante Adams that resembled an interception from a previous game but was ruled complete. Fans and analysts accused the referees of bias, sparking widespread debate.

One particularly contentious moment came when Adams secured a critical reception late in the game. Replays showed the ball potentially hitting the ground, but officials upheld the call. This decision extended a Rams drive that led to points, frustrating Bears supporters who felt robbed.

Social media erupted with claims of rigging. “The NFL is blatantly rigged,” one fan tweeted, echoing sentiments from similar controversies in other playoff games. The league has yet to respond, but the outcry highlights ongoing concerns about officiating consistency.

McVay indirectly addressed the officiating by noting the game’s physicality and close margins. While he didn’t explicitly blame referees, his admission of luck implied external factors played a role in the outcome. “We were fortunate to find a way,” he remarked.

Amid his self-reflection, McVay singled out Bears defensive end Montez Sweat for praise. “Honestly, I couldn’t believe my eyes watching him play,” McVay said, emphasizing Sweat’s disruptive performance that kept the Rams’ offense in check throughout the contest.

Sweat recorded two tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble. His pressure on Stafford was relentless, contributing to four total sacks by the Bears’ defense. McVay called Sweat’s effort “game-changing,” noting it forced adjustments in the Rams’ protection schemes.

Notably, McVay’s commendation bypassed Bears stars like Caleb Williams and DJ Moore. Williams threw for 257 yards with two touchdowns but three interceptions, while Moore had key receptions but couldn’t overcome the turnovers.

Sweat’s standout play exemplified Chicago’s defensive prowess, which limited the Rams to their lowest point total in 13 games. The Bears outgained Los Angeles and dominated time of possession, underscoring how close the matchup truly was.

The game went to overtime after Williams’ miraculous 14-yard touchdown pass to Cole Kmet with 18 seconds left in regulation. The throw, over 50 yards in the air, tied the score at 17-17 and showcased Williams’ poise under pressure.

In overtime, Rams safety Kam Curl intercepted Williams, setting up Harrison Mevis’ game-winning 42-yard field goal. Mevis redeemed himself after an earlier miss, propelling the Rams to face the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship.

For the Bears, the loss ended a season of comebacks and resilience. They converted 47% of third downs and forced two fumbles, but short-yardage failures and turnovers proved costly. Coach Ben Johnson praised his team’s fight but lamented missed opportunities.

McVay’s candidness humanized the victory, reminding fans that even elite coaches err. His respect for Sweat highlighted the mutual admiration between rivals, adding a layer of sportsmanship to the intense playoff atmosphere.

As the Rams prepare for Seattle, questions linger about officiating’s impact. The controversy may prompt league reviews, but for now, Los Angeles celebrates a hard-fought win built on grit, luck, and overcoming adversity.

The Bears’ defense, led by Sweat’s impressive display, nearly pulled off an upset. Chicago’s 4-0 sack performance in a playoff game was their best since 1988, signaling a bright future for the unit.

Ultimately, McVay’s admissions underscore the fine line between victory and defeat in the NFL playoffs. The Rams advance, but not without acknowledging the Bears’ formidable challenge and Sweat’s unforgettable performance.