Harrison Mevis kicks a 42-yard field goal in overtime as the Rams defeat the Chicago Bears 20-17 in the NFC divisional playoffs to set up a showdown with Seattle.
Rams coach Sean McVay let his beard grow beyond his typical five-o’clock shadow, ostensibly to keep his face warm.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford donned his neoprene undergarment. Some Rams players reportedly put cayenne pepper in their socks to keep the heat in their feet.
It worked.
On a snowy, windy Sunday night, the Rams got hot just enough at crucial moments before Harrison Mevis kicked a winning 42-yard field goal in a 20-17 overtime triumph over the Chicago Bears in the NFC divisional playoffs before a crowd of 60,253 at Soldier Field.
The Rams nearly were staggered by a late touchdown pass by Caleb Williams to force overtime, but their defense recovered to intercept Williams in the extra period, setting up the decisive drive.
Kyren Williams rushed for two touchdowns and the defense intercepted three passes as the Rams advanced to play the top-seeded Seahawks next Sunday in the NFC championship game at Lumen Field in Seattle.
The Rams split their two NFC West games with the Seahawks, who advanced to the conference title game with a 41-6 rout of the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday.
In Week 11 at SoFi Stadium, the Rams won, 21-19. Five weeks later at Seattle, the Rams lost, 38-37, in overtime.
Now they will play again, the Rams aiming to secure their third Super Bowl berth in nine seasons under McVay.
