The Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams advanced to the NFL divisional round after staging dramatic fourth-quarter comebacks in the wildcard playoffs on January 10, 2026. The Bears overcame an 18-point deficit to defeat the Green Bay Packers 31-27, while the Rams edged out the Carolina Panthers 34-31 in a thrilling finish, marking a night of unforgettable playoff action.
In Chicago, the Bears struggled early, trailing 21-3 at halftime as the Packers dominated with three touchdown drives led by quarterback Jordan Love. However, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams ignited a historic rally in the fourth quarter, scoring 25 points to complete the largest playoff comeback in franchise history. Williams, who set a Bears postseason record with 361 passing yards, connected with DJ Moore for the go-ahead touchdown with under two minutes left, capping a six-play, 66-yard drive.
Key to the Bears’ resurgence was the Packers’ misfortunes, including missed kicks by veteran Brandon McManus, who hooked an extra point wide and failed on a 44-yard field goal attempt. The Bears’ defense also stepped up, forcing punts and a critical stop on Green Bay’s final drive, securing their first playoff win in 16 years. This victory highlighted the team’s resilience under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, who aggressively went for it on fourth down despite early failures.
Meanwhile, in Carolina, the Rams faced a tougher-than-expected challenge from the Panthers, who rallied from a 14-0 first-quarter deficit. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, playing through a finger injury, led a clutch 71-yard drive in the final minutes, throwing a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Colby Parkinson with 38 seconds remaining. Stafford finished with 304 passing yards and three touchdowns, overcoming an interception to secure the win.
The Panthers’ Bryce Young impressed in his playoff debut, throwing for 304 yards and a touchdown, but his efforts fell short as Stafford’s experience prevailed. Carolina had taken a late lead with a touchdown pass to Jalen Coker, but the Rams’ last-minute heroics dashed their hopes. The victory sets up a potential divisional round matchup with the Seattle Seahawks, depending on other playoff outcomes.
For the Bears, the win propels them to host a divisional game, where they could face either the Rams or the Philadelphia Eagles. The loss for the Packers raises questions about head coach Matt LaFleur’s future, as the team has now exited in the wildcard round for three consecutive seasons. Both games underscored the unpredictable nature of the NFL playoffs, where momentum swings and quarterback poise are decisive.
Overall, these contests showcased the thrill of postseason football, with young stars like Williams and veterans like Stafford delivering under pressure. The Bears’ miracle in Chicago and the Rams’ thriller in Carolina set a high bar for the remainder of the playoffs, leaving fans anticipating more excitement in the divisional round.
