Chicago Bears Defeat Green Bay Packers 31-27
The Chicago Bears secured a 31-27 victory over the Green Bay Packers in their wildcard round game, marking the franchise's largest playoff comeback. The Bears overcame a 21-3 halftime deficit, a rare occurrence as it was only the fourth time in playoff history a team won after trailing by 15 or more points in the fourth quarter. This win was the Bears' first playoff victory in 16 years and allows them to host a divisional round game.
The Packers, who had established a 21-3 lead by halftime, conceded 25 points in the fourth quarter. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams led four scoring drives in the final quarter, three of which resulted in touchdowns. The go-ahead score was a touchdown pass to DJ Moore with less than two minutes remaining. Prior to the game, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport stated that Packers coach Matt LaFleur's contract extension would not be judged solely on the game's outcome. The Packers have been the No. 7 seed for three consecutive seasons and have not reached the Super Bowl since 2010.
During the first half, the Bears struggled significantly, failing on three fourth-down attempts, contributing to the Packers' substantial lead. Williams threw an interception on 4th & 6 from the Green Bay 40-yard line, which led to a Packers touchdown. Another Bears turnover on downs at their own 32-yard line allowed the Packers to extend their lead to 21-3. The Packers' Brandon McManus missed a 55-yard field goal attempt at the end of the second quarter.
In the second half, Chicago added a field goal to make it 21-6. Despite further struggles, including Williams' second interception, the Bears began to close the gap. Running back D'Andre Swift scored a touchdown from five yards out, making it 21-16 with 10:08 left. The Packers responded with a 23-yard touchdown from Matthew Golden after a Jordan Love pass. Williams then connected with Rome Odunze on a 27-yard 4th & 8 pass, setting up an eight-yard touchdown pass to Olamide Zaccheus. A two-point conversion to Colston Loveland made the score 27-24 in favor of the Packers. After a missed 44-yard field goal by McManus, Williams led the Bears on a six-play, 66-yard go-ahead drive, culminating in a 25-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore with 1:43 remaining. The Bears defense stopped a final Packers drive as time expired.
Los Angeles Rams Edge Carolina Panthers 34-31
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Carolina Panthers 34-31 in their wildcard round opener. The Panthers, with an 8-9 record, overcame an early 14-0 deficit to take a 31-27 lead late in the game. Matthew Stafford led the Rams on a seven-play, 71-yard drive, which concluded with a touchdown pass to tight end Colby Parkinson with 38 seconds left, securing the 34-31 victory. Stafford, 37, completed 24 of 42 passes for 304 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, reportedly experiencing a finger/hand concern.
The Rams opened the scoring with a perfect drive led by Stafford, resulting in a touchdown pass to Puka Nacua. Los Angeles capitalized on a Bryce Young interception early in the second quarter, with Nacua scoring his second touchdown of the day on a run play. Panthers left tackle Ickey Ekwonu exited the game in the first quarter with a right knee injury. Fox US analyst Greg Olsen noted the Panthers' offensive line struggles against the Rams' pass rush. Carolina responded, with Young leading a drive that ended in a Chuba Hubbard touchdown, making the score 14-7.
After a muffed punt by Carolina's Trevor Etienne and a Rams' failed fourth down attempt, Young led another Panthers drive, scoring a crucial rushing touchdown to narrow the deficit to 17-14 at halftime. The Panthers tied the game with a 46-yard field goal from Matt Fitzgerald in the third quarter. Stafford then led a drive that resulted in a go-ahead field goal for the Rams, but later threw an interception. Young connected with Coker for 52 yards, leading to Hubbard's second touchdown of the day, putting the Panthers up 24-20.
Stafford led an 11-play, 67-yard drive, capped by a 13-yard touchdown pass to Kyren Williams, giving the Rams a 27-24 lead. After a Panthers' blocked punt, Young threw a touchdown pass to Coker, putting Carolina back up 31-27 with 2:39 remaining. Stafford then led the game-winning drive to Colby Parkinson.