NFL Games Recap Saturday January 10 2026: Dramatic Playoff Comebacks, Clutch Quarterbacks, and Season-Defining Moments

The NFL Games Recap for Saturday, January 10, 2026, delivered everything football fans crave in postseason action: late-game heroics, emotional swings, historic rivalries, and performances that will be remembered for years. As the NFL playoffs kicked off, two wild-card matchups showcased resilience under pressure and the thin margins that define championship football.

From Matthew Stafford’s veteran poise lifting the Los Angeles Rams past the Carolina Panthers to Caleb Williams’ stunning playoff debut leading the Chicago Bears to a comeback win over the Green Bay Packers, Saturday’s games set an unforgettable tone for the 2026 NFL postseason.

Key Points

Matthew Stafford led a late-game touchdown drive to lift the Rams past the Panthers
Puka Nacua and Colby Parkinson played decisive roles for Los Angeles
Bryce Young and Carolina mounted a strong comeback but fell short late
Caleb Williams led an 18-point comeback in his playoff debut
Bears earned their first playoff win since 2010
Packers’ season ended after missed opportunities and late miscues

Rams vs. Panthers: Stafford’s Experience Prevails in Playoff Opener

The Los Angeles Rams opened the 2026 NFL playoffs with a heart-stopping 34–31 road victory over the Carolina Panthers, relying on calm execution and late-game confidence to survive and advance.

Trailing by four points with under three minutes remaining, Matthew Stafford orchestrated a 71-yard drive that epitomized playoff composure. Completing six of seven passes, Stafford capped the possession with a perfectly placed 19-yard touchdown to Colby Parkinson with 38 seconds left, silencing the crowd in Charlotte.

Stafford finished with 304 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, surpassing Kurt Warner as the Rams’ all-time leader in postseason passing yards and completions. Rookie sensation Puka Nacua continued his breakout campaign with 10 receptions for 111 yards, scoring twice and consistently pressuring Carolina’s secondary.

The Panthers showed resilience of their own. Bryce Young threw for 264 yards, added a rushing touchdown, and briefly put Carolina ahead with a late fourth-quarter strike to Jalen Coker. Coker posted career highs with nine catches for 134 yards, while Chuba Hubbard scored twice on the ground.

Despite Carolina’s rally from a 14–0 deficit and their first playoff appearance since 2017, costly late drops and special teams breakdowns proved decisive. Rams coach Sean McVay acknowledged the flaws but emphasized survival over style, a sentiment echoed across the locker room as Los Angeles advanced to the divisional round.

Bears vs. Packers: Caleb Williams Announces Himself on the Playoff Stage

In Chicago, a historic rivalry delivered one of the most dramatic moments of Wild Card Weekend. Caleb Williams led the Bears back from an 18-point deficit, guiding Chicago to a 31–27 victory over the Green Bay Packers and securing the franchise’s first playoff win in 15 years.

Down 21–3 at halftime, Williams steadied himself after early interceptions and delivered when it mattered most. His 25-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore with 1:43 remaining capped a fourth-quarter surge in which Chicago outscored Green Bay 25–6.

Williams threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating why the Bears invested the No. 1 overall pick in him. D’Andre Swift, Olamide Zaccheaus, and rookie tight end Colston Loveland played key roles in the comeback, while the defense sealed the win with a last-second deflection in the end zone.

Green Bay, which led comfortably for much of the game, struggled to close. Missed kicks and stalled drives overshadowed Jordan Love’s four-touchdown performance. The loss capped a difficult season marked by injuries, including the absence of star pass rusher Micah Parsons.

For Chicago, the win symbolized a shift in the balance of the NFL’s oldest rivalry and confirmed the Bears’ emergence as a legitimate postseason threat.

Conclusion: A Playoff Weekend That Defined Grit, Growth, and Belief

Saturday, January 10, 2026, reminded fans why the NFL playoffs are unmatched in drama and intensity. The Rams leaned on experience, trust, and execution, while the Bears embraced belief, resilience, and fearless youth. Though the paths were different, both teams showed that postseason success is earned through composure in chaos and confidence in preparation.

As the divisional round approaches, these victories are more than just wins. They are statements. The Rams proved that veteran leadership still matters under the brightest lights, and the Bears announced that a new era has officially arrived in Chicago. If Saturday was any indication, the road to the Super Bowl will be unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which teams won on Saturday, January 10, 2026?
The Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears won their wild-card games.

Who had the best performance of the day?
Matthew Stafford and Caleb Williams both delivered standout performances, leading late-game comebacks.

How significant was the Bears’ win?
It marked Chicago’s first playoff victory in 15 years and signaled a major shift in the Packers–Bears rivalry.

What’s next for the Rams and Bears?
Both teams advance to the divisional round, with Chicago hosting its next game.

Did either losing team show promise?
Yes. Carolina’s young core and Bryce Young’s development stood out, while Green Bay’s offense showed flashes despite a disappointing finish.

Sources

CBS Sports – Rams vs Panthers wild-card playoff recap
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20260110_LAR@CAR/
CBS Sports – Bears vs Packers wild-card playoff recap
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20260110_GB@CHI/

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