NFL Wild Card Playoffs Scores: Rams Hold Off Panthers, Bears Upset Packers
Toronto, January 10, 2026 – The NFL Wild Card round kicked off with intense action on Saturday, featuring a narrow victory for the Los Angeles Rams over the Carolina Panthers and an upset win for the Chicago Bears against the Green Bay Packers. Other games saw the Bills prepare for their matchup against the Jaguars, while the 49ers, Chargers, and Texans advanced in Sunday’s slate.
Rams vs Panthers: Stafford Leads Rams to 20-24 Win
The Los Angeles Rams edged out the Carolina Panthers 20-24 in a hard-fought NFC Wild Card game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Matthew Stafford threw for 304 yards and three touchdowns, while Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua were key contributors. Bryce Young rallied the Panthers late with a touchdown run, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.
Packers vs Bears: Bears Pull Off 27-20 Upset
In a surprising NFC Wild Card clash at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, the Chicago Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers 27-20. Caleb Williams passed for 394 yards and two touchdowns, with Rome Odunze active despite earlier concerns. The Packers, entering on a four-game losing streak, struggled to find rhythm against Chicago’s defence.
Key Facts and Scores
| Game | Score | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|
| Rams vs Panthers | 20-24 | Matthew Stafford (LAR): 304 YDS, 3 TD; Bryce Young (CAR): 216 YDS, 2 TD |
| Packers vs Bears | 20-27 | Caleb Williams (CHI): 394 YDS, 2 TD; Jordan Love (GB): 338 YDS, 2 TD |
| Bills vs Jaguars (Sunday) | Pending | Josh Allen (BUF): 366 YDS, 2 TD; Trevor Lawrence (JAX): 400 YDS, 2 TD |
| 49ers vs Eagles (Sunday) | Pending | Christian McCaffrey (SF): 120 YDS, 1 TD; Jalen Hurts (PHI): 322 YDS, 2 TD |
| Chargers vs Patriots (Sunday) | Pending | Justin Herbert (LAC): 372 YDS, 2 TD; Drake Maye (NE): 439 YDS, 3 TD |
| Texans vs Steelers (Monday) | Pending | C.J. Stroud (HOU): 304 YDS, 1 TD; Aaron Rodgers (PIT): 332 YDS, 2 TD |
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the highlights from the Rams-Panthers game?
The Rams’ defence held strong in the fourth quarter, with Stafford connecting on key passes to Nacua and Williams. Young’s late rally included a touchdown run, but a missed field goal sealed the win for Los Angeles.
How did the Bears upset the Packers?
Chicago’s balanced attack, led by Williams’ passing and Swift’s rushing, overwhelmed Green Bay’s offence. The Bears’ defence forced turnovers, capitalizing on the Packers’ recent struggles.
What is the schedule for the remaining Wild Card games?
Sunday features Bills vs Jaguars at 6:00 PM ET, 49ers vs Eagles at 9:30 PM ET, and Chargers vs Patriots at 1:15 AM ET on Monday. Texans vs Steelers is set for Monday at 1:15 AM ET.