Jan. 12, 2026

NFL Wild Card Weekend: Carolina Panthers Eliminated, Chicago Bears Advance

NFL Wild Card Weekend: Carolina Panthers Eliminated, Chicago Bears Advance
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NFL Wild Card Weekend: Carolina Panthers Eliminated, Chicago Bears Advance

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the Wild Card weekend in the NFL including the Panthers loss and Bears win.

The Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams played a dramatic Wild Card playoff game on Saturday, with the Rams pulling out a 34-31 win to advance. Los Angeles jumped out to an early 14-0 lead, but Carolina battled back. The Panthers briefly took a 31-27 lead late in the fourth quarter on a Bryce Young touchdown pass, but Stafford answered with a game-winning 19-yard touchdown throw with under a minute remaining. Despite a strong performance from Young and a resilient effort, Carolina could not mount a final response, ending their season in a close, heartbreaking loss. Is Bryce Young the quarterback of the future for the Panthers? How do we grade the Panthers?

The Chicago Bears rallied for a stunning 31-27 victory over the Green Bay Packers in their NFC Wild Card playoff game at Soldier Field. Chicago overcame a huge early deficit, trailing 21-3 at halftime and still down 21-6 entering the fourth quarter before mounting a comeback. Caleb Williams threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns. Chicago’s comeback was one of the largest in franchise playoff history and marked the Bears’ first playoff win since 2010. The Packers had dominated the first half behind Jordan Love’s four touchdown passes, but struggled in the second half, including a missed Packers field goal late. With the victory, the Bears advance to the NFC Divisional Round, while the Packers’ season ends.