NFL play-offs: Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots reach Conference Championships

The Los Angeles Rams secured a nail-biting win in Chicago to beat the Bears in the NFL play-offs and follow the New England Patriots into the Conference Championships.

After leading the Bears to a record number of comeback victories this season, quarterback Caleb Williams had the chance to clinch another after throwing a stunning touchdown pass in the final seconds to send Sunday’s Divisional Round game into overtime.

However, the 2024 number one draft pick threw an interception and on the Rams’ subsequent drive, Harrison Mevis’ field goal secured a 20-17 win in freezing conditions in Illinois.

In Massachusetts, the Patriots also moved to within one win of the Super Bowl, overcoming snow and the vaunted Houston Texans defence to win 28-16.

Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford and Patriots counterpart Drake Maye are the leading contenders for this season’s Most Valuable Player award and could still meet in the NFL’s title decider.

The Rams must travel to divisional rivals Seattle for the NFC Championship game next Sunday, while New England will visit the Denver Broncos in the AFC equivalent.

The winners will play in Super Bowl 60 on Sunday, 8 February at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

More to follow.

Conference seed in brackets, all kick-off times GMT

Sunday, 25 January