The Los Angeles Rams advanced to the NFC Divisional Round thanks to some more late-game heroics from Matthew Stafford.
Stafford led the game-winning drive in the Wild Card against the Carolina Panthers, picking up chunk gains through the air before finding Colby Parkinson along the right sideline for a touchdown. Now, Los Angeles heads to NFC North territory as they’re set to take on the Chicago Bears.
Like the Rams, the Bears have an electric offense captained by Caleb Williams and a run game that can gash teams. However, Los Angeles has the upper hand in the running game as they were one of the best at running the football behind a stout offensive line and a formidable duo in Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.
The Rams’ offensive line will get a massive boost on Sunday as head coach Sean McVay announced Kevin Dotson will suit up against the Bears, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
Sean McVay said OL Kevin Dotson will start Sunday vs Bears
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) January 16, 2026
Dotson has been sidelined for weeks after suffering an ankle injury in the Week 16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and his absence was felt across the offense. Stafford had to navigate more internal pressure than usual, while the running game wasn’t able to generate the same explosive plays it could earlier in the season.
With Dotson back in the fold, L.A.’s offensive line should be able to dictate the line of scrimmage against a Chicago front that struggles defending the run. Dotson is one of the best guards in the NFL when it comes to run blocking, knocking defenders off the football and clearing lanes for the backs.
The key to the game will come down to who can limit the explosive passing plays as the Rams secondary has regressed as the season’s gone on. A strong running game will allow Los Angeles to keep the Chicago offense off the field, so Dotson’s return looms large in a matchup that will surely produce plenty of points.
Rams’ Kevin Dotson comments on Derrick Hall stepping on his ankle
There is no love lost between the Rams and Seahawks as they have been heated division rivals for years and are widely considered to be the favorites to win Super Bowl LX.
The two clashed in a thrilling Week 16 overtime game that Seattle ended up winning. Dotson was forced out with an ankle injury, though it was later revealed that Seattle’s Derrick Hall stepped on his ankle on purpose.
While Dotson was not happy with the dirty play, he said he would go out and get his revenge on the field.
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