The New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams are just one win away from Super Bowl 60 after dramatic victories in the NFL Divisional Round, sealing their places in the AFC and NFC Championship games respectively.
Both teams overcame difficult conditions, elite opposition and late drama to advance, setting up two blockbuster conference championship matchups next weekend.
Rams Edge Bears in Overtime Thriller in Chicago
The Los Angeles Rams secured a 20–17 overtime victory over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, surviving a late comeback attempt to reach the NFC Championship game.
In freezing Illinois conditions, with temperatures dropping to -8°C and wind chills nearing -13°C, the Rams were tested to the limit by a Bears team that had made a habit of dramatic late rallies throughout the season.
Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams, the 2024 number one overall draft pick, once again showcased his flair for late heroics. With just 18 seconds remaining, Williams escaped the pocket and launched a desperate 40-yard throw that was spectacularly caught by tight end Cole Kmet, forcing overtime and sending the home crowd into raptures.
However, Williams’ magic eventually ran out.
After Chicago’s defence stopped the Rams on the opening possession of overtime, the Bears had a golden opportunity to complete another miracle comeback. Instead, Williams threw his third interception of the game, handing possession straight back to Los Angeles.
Moments later, kicker Harrison Mevis calmly slotted a 42-yard field goal, sealing victory for the Rams and ending Chicago’s postseason run.
Stafford Delivers as Rams March On
Despite offensive struggles for long stretches, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford once again guided his team through adversity. The 37-year-old, who led Los Angeles to Super Bowl glory in 2022, remains one of the leading contenders for this season’s NFL MVP award.
The Rams’ only touchdown came midway through the fourth quarter when Kyren Williams powered in from five yards to break the deadlock. Though Los Angeles were favourites despite being the fifth seed, they were forced to dig deep against a resilient Bears side.
The victory sends the Rams to Seattle next Sunday to face their divisional rivals, the Seahawks, in the NFC Championship game.
Bears’ Remarkable Turnaround Ends in Heartbreak
While Chicago’s season ended in disappointment, their campaign represents a major step forward. Under first-year head coach Ben Johnson and in Williams’ second season, the Bears improved from 5–12 in 2024 to 11–6, winning the NFC North and claiming their first play-off victory in 15 years last week.
Johnson praised his quarterback’s resilience despite the painful ending:
“Some things you just can’t coach — he’s got that. We’ll remember this, and he’s going to be stronger for it.”
Patriots Beat Texans to Reach AFC Championship
Earlier on Sunday, the New England Patriots booked their place in the AFC Championship game with a 28–16 win over the Houston Texans in snowy Massachusetts.
Led by second-year quarterback Drake Maye, the Patriots continued one of the most remarkable turnarounds in NFL history. Under new head coach Mike Vrabel, New England surged from 4–13 in 2024 to 14–3 this season, securing the AFC’s second seed.
It is the Patriots’ first appearance in the AFC Championship game since the final years of Tom Brady’s tenure in New England (2018 and 2019).
Maye Shows Poise Despite Errors
At just 23 years old, Maye once again demonstrated maturity beyond his years. Although he struggled at times in the harsh weather — committing three turnovers and being sacked five times — he also threw three touchdown passes, proving decisive when it mattered most.
Two first-half touchdown throws helped New England build a 21–10 halftime lead, while a stunning 32-yard strike to Kayshon Boutte in the fourth quarter sealed the win. Boutte’s one-handed catch quickly became one of the highlights of the play-offs.
Houston quarterback CJ Stroud, who had thrown just eight interceptions all regular season, endured a nightmare first half, giving up four interceptions, including a pick-six returned by Marcus Jones.
For the Texans, it marked a third consecutive Divisional Round exit despite owning the NFL’s top-ranked defence and arriving on a 10-game winning streak.
Patriots One Win From Super Bowl 60
New England will now travel to face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game next Sunday. In a twist of fate, Maye will come up against Jarrett Stidham, once considered Brady’s successor in New England but now starting for Denver after Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle in their win over Buffalo.
The Patriots’ resurgence has reignited comparisons between Maye and Brady, with many believing the franchise may have finally found its long-term quarterback.
Conference Championship Schedule
The winners of next weekend’s games will advance to Super Bowl 60, which takes place on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Conference Championship Games (All times GMT)
Sunday, January 25
- AFC Championship:
New England Patriots (2) @ Denver Broncos (1) — 20:00 - NFC Championship:
Los Angeles Rams (5) @ Seattle Seahawks (1) — 23:30
Road to the Super Bowl Heats Up
With two compelling championship matchups set, the NFL play-offs are reaching their climax. Veteran star Matthew Stafford and emerging talent Drake Maye remain on course for a potential Super Bowl showdown, while Seattle and Denver aim to stop them.
After a weekend packed with drama, comebacks and defining moments, the road to Super Bowl 60 promises even more high-stakes excitement.
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