For over two decades, Los Angeles was without any NFL football teams. But this year, the City of Angels had two franchises — the Rams and Chargers — representing it in the playoffs.

And while only the Rams came out victorious, the Divisional Round marked an important moment for the NFL and for fans living in Southern California, marking a sign of good things to come. 

At the Coliseum, longtime Rams fan James Cabral arrived for the team's contest against the Cowboys about five hours before kickoff. 

"Rain or shine, we’re always here," he said of his tailgating party. "Win, lose, beginning to end, the last ones almost. Usually we’re here early."

Cabral, his wife, and two kids are all Rams season ticket holders who never miss a home game. He became a fan decades ago when the franchise first played at the Coliseum. When the team left for St. Louis, Cabral remained a supporter from afar.

And after returning to Los Angeles in 2016, the Rams have made the playoffs for the second straight post season. 

"The NFL is definitely back in L.A.," Cabral said with a smile. "They have no reason to leave now."

It's a feeling shared by fans of the Chargers, a team who made the playoffs this year for the first time since 2013. 

"We just come together as a community and when community comes together, we’re like the added person on the football field," said Ed Duran, the President of the Bolts Brigade. "We’re just so proud that they made it to where they made it this year."

He and Jorge Arteaga put together a watch party for the Chargers game against the New England Patriots. By coming together for road games, the duo is hoping to bring more and more fan support for the NFL. 

"We haven’t had professional football in L.A. for so long and for not just one team, but two to be representing the NFL in Los Angeles and doing well? It’s just a sense of pride," Arteaga explained. 

And with both the Chargers and Rams ringing in the new year with playoff appearances, the success has given fans hope for the future.