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Rams and Bears Win Wild-Card Thrillers on Late Touchdowns

Special-teams swings and clutch quarterback play decided both games, with the Rams evaluating Matthew Stafford’s thumb before the next round.

Overview

  • Los Angeles edged Carolina 34–31 after Matthew Stafford hit Colby Parkinson for a 19-yard touchdown with 38 seconds remaining.
  • Carolina briefly led 31–27 late, capitalizing on a blocked punt before Bryce Young found Jalen Coker for a touchdown.
  • Stafford injured the thumb on his throwing hand in the second quarter but finished the game and said the finger felt unpleasant, with further evaluation expected.
  • Chicago stunned Green Bay 31–27 after trailing 3–21, as Caleb Williams connected with DJ Moore for the go-ahead score with 1:43 left.
  • Packers kicker Brandon McManus missed from 55 yards before halftime and from 44 late, and both winners advance to the Divisional Round with matchups pending; the Seahawks are viewed as the likely Rams opponent barring upsets.