1946 NFL Championship Game vs. Los Angeles Rams
A legendary quarterback showdown in a Wrigley Field classic that set the tone for the post-war era.
On December 15, 1946, the Chicago Bears hosted the Los Angeles Rams at Wrigley Field for an NFL Championship Game pitting two football powerhouses against one another. Historians cite this matchup as one of the league's most exciting titles ever played. The game highlighted a classic quarterback battle between Sid Luckman and Bob Waterfield, displaying the forward pass at its finest before modern defensive schemes changed the game.
- Date
- December 15, 1946
- Venue
- Wrigley Field, Chicago
- Winner
- Chicago Bears
- Final Score
- 24-14
- MVP Era Context
- Pre-official MVP award designation
Lore & Background
The contest is remembered not just for its score, but for the sheer offensive firepower on display. Both teams traded touchdowns in a back-and-forth battle that saw the lead change hands multiple times. The Bears' defense, anchored by Hall of Famers like George McAfee and Bill George, eventually clamped down on the Rams' high-flying attack in the second half, securing a victory that solidified Chicago's status as the standard-bearer for NFL excellence during the late 1940s.
In Their Own Story
The cold December wind whipped through Wrigley Field, carrying the scent of popcorn and damp wool. Sid Luckman stood under center, his breath visible in the frigid air, eyes locked on the defense. Across the gridiron, Bob Waterfield smiled, confident that his arm could outduel anyone.
Reader's Guide
The game began with an offensive explosion as both teams traded early touchdowns. The Rams struck first, but Sid Luckman and the Bears answered immediately, setting a frantic pace that defined the contest. In the second quarter, the scoring frenzy continued. Bob Waterfield connected for multiple scores, keeping Los Angeles in contention, while the Bears' running game began to eat up the clock. The lead changed hands several times before halftime, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. The turning point came in the third quarter when Chicago's defense finally tightened. Bill George and the secondary stifled the Rams' passing attack, forcing critical turnovers. Luckman capitalized with a crucial drive to extend the Bears' lead. By the fourth quarter, the momentum had shifted decisively. The Bears scored again to seal the game, ending with a 24-14 victory that showcased their superior depth and resilience in a classic championship battle.
Did You Know?
- This was the first NFL Championship Game played at Wrigley Field since 1933.
- Both Sid Luckman and Bob Waterfield were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for their legendary careers.
- The game featured a record number of total yards scored by both teams combined, highlighting the offensive nature of the era.
- Chicago's victory marked their 10th NFL Championship title at that time.
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