Saturday, January 10, 2026 — NFL Playoffs Wild Card Round
A thrilling start to the 2026 NFL Playoffs unfolded Saturday as two Wild Card games delivered dramatic swings, clutch performances and postseason momentum shifts. Both games featured close finishes and standout individual efforts as the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears emerged as victors to advance in the NFC bracket.
Rams Survive Panthers in Wild Finish, 34–31
Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers — Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
In the opening game of Wild Card Saturday, the Rams edged the Panthers 34–31 in a wild back-and-forth contest that featured multiple lead changes and a late-game drive for the ages.
Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford overcame a rough stretch midgame to finish with 304 passing yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner in the final minute. Stafford orchestrated a crucial seven-play, 71-yard drive in the closing moments, capped by a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Colby Parkinson with just 38 seconds left, putting the Rams ahead for good.
Rams receivers also made key contributions, with Puka Nacua hauling in 10 catches for 111 yards and a touchdown, keeping the Rams in striking distance throughout the contest.
The Panthers, led by quarterback Bryce Young, refused to wilt in front of their home crowd. Young completed 21 of 40 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown in his first career playoff start, while running back Chuba Hubbard scored twice on the ground.
Carolina briefly seized the lead late in the fourth quarter, but the Rams’ experience in high-leverage situations ultimately prevailed. With the win, Los Angeles advances to face a higher seed in the NFC Divisional Round.
Bears Rally from 18-Point Deficit to Down Packers, 31–27
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears — Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Saturday night’s prime-time showdown saw one of the most remarkable comeback victories in recent playoff history as the Bears erased an 18-point deficit to upset the Packers 31–27 and punch their ticket to the next round.
The Packers jumped out to a commanding lead, scoring 21 unanswered points through the first half behind the arm of quarterback Jordan Love and contributions from receivers Christian Watson and Jayden Reed. Love finished with multiple touchdowns in the first half, giving Green Bay what appeared to be a firm grip on the contest early.
But the Bears stormed back behind rookie phenom Caleb Williams, who recalibrated the offense with precision in the second half. Williams threw for 361 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdown passes, including the go-ahead score to D.J. Moore, turning the game on its head in dramatic fashion.
Chicago running back D’Andre Swift also contributed a touchdown in the fourth quarter to complete the comeback, helping the Bears erase a three-touchdown deficit.
The victory marked Chicago’s first playoff win since 2010 and set off jubilant celebrations at Soldier Field, as the Bears prepare to host the Rams in the Divisional Round.
Wild Card Weeknd: What’s Next
With both games decided in dramatic fashion, the NFC bracket now features the Bears and Rams advancing to face higher seeds as the postseason continues. These early upsets and comeback victories set the tone for an unpredictable march toward Super Bowl LX, promising more compelling playoff football in the weeks ahead.