The NFL wild-card playoffs kicked off on January 10, 2026, with two dramatic games featuring historic comebacks by the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams, both advancing after nail-biting finishes. ESPN analysts Dan Graziano and Ben Solak provided key insights into the overreactions and lingering questions from these matchups, highlighting the performances of young quarterbacks and tactical decisions.
In the first game, the Bears trailed the Green Bay Packers 21-3 at halftime but mounted a furious rally to win 31-27, capped by Caleb Williams’ 25-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore with 1:43 left. This marked the largest postseason comeback in Bears history and the third-largest fourth-quarter comeback in NFL playoff annals, with Williams throwing for 361 yards and two touchdowns despite early interceptions. Graziano argued that Williams’ clutch play under pressure solidifies him as a future MVP candidate, especially with the Bears’ young talent and first-year head coach Ben Johnson.
The Rams-Panthers game was equally thrilling, as Los Angeles edged Carolina 34-31 after Matthew Stafford led a 71-yard drive, connecting with Colby Parkinson for a 19-yard score with 38 seconds remaining. Stafford finished with 304 yards and three touchdowns, outdueling Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, who threw for 264 yards and a touchdown in a valiant effort. Graziano cautioned against overreacting to Young’s performance, noting that while he showed promise leading an 8-9 division champion, it’s too early for Carolina to commit to a top-tier contract extension.
Ben Solak analyzed tactical aspects, questioning some of Johnson’s aggressive fourth-down calls for the Bears but praising the team’s ability to execute in critical moments. For the Rams, Solak pointed out vulnerabilities in the secondary, particularly against physical receivers like Jalen Coker, which could be exploited in future playoff games. Both analysts emphasized that these comebacks underscored the unpredictable nature of the playoffs and the importance of poise under pressure.
According to CBS Sports, these games set the stage for Wild Card Weekend, with the Bills-Jaguars, 49ers-Eagles, and Chargers-Patriots contests following on Sunday. The Bears’ comeback was historic, while the Rams’ narrow win highlighted the competitiveness of this year’s postseason, with both teams now positioned as serious contenders in their respective conferences.
Looking ahead, the Bears will host a divisional round game, and the Rams are set to face the Seattle Seahawks, contingent on the Eagles defeating the 49ers. The performances of Williams and Stafford have sparked discussions about their teams’ championship potential, but defensive adjustments will be crucial as the playoffs progress. Overall, Saturday’s wild-card action delivered high drama and set a compelling tone for the rest of the NFL postseason.
