The NFL’s Wild Card Weekend has produced an unprecedented level of excitement, with four of the five games decided by a single score or less. As fans anticipate the final matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans, the weekend has already set several records, highlighting the intensity of this postseason.
The action kicked off on January 11, 2026, as the Los Angeles Rams edged out the Carolina Panthers with a score of 34-31. This was followed by a stunning upset, with the Chicago Bears defeating the Green Bay Packers 31-27. The excitement continued on Sunday, where the Buffalo Bills overcame the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-24 and the San Francisco 49ers triumphed over the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, with a narrow 23-19 victory.
This weekend marked the first time in NFL history that four postseason games were decided by four points or fewer. The last game of the weekend, in which the New England Patriots secured a 16-3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, broke this streak of close finishes, but the drama of the first four games remains significant.
Historic Lead Changes and Last-Minute Touchdowns
An astounding record of 12 lead changes occurred across the first four matches, setting a new benchmark for playoff games. In a thrilling turn of events, the Rams, Bears, and Bills all scored touchdowns in the final two minutes of their respective games. This accomplishment makes this Wild Card Weekend the first in NFL history to feature three different games determined by a game-winning touchdown in the final moments.
The dramatic conclusion of the Rams vs. Panthers game was marked by a touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Colby Parkinson, which occurred with under a minute left on the clock. This pivotal play not only secured the Rams’ victory but also contributed to four lead changes in the fourth quarter, tying another NFL playoff record.
The Bears’ victory added to the excitement as they staged a remarkable comeback against the Packers. Trailing 21-3 at halftime, they scored 25 points in the final quarter, culminating in a touchdown pass from Caleb Williams to D.J. Moore that sealed their win.
Sunday’s games did not disappoint either. The Bills and Jaguars engaged in a fierce battle, trading touchdowns throughout the fourth quarter, with Trevor Lawrence throwing a touchdown pass to Travis Etienne Jr. that briefly gave the Jaguars the lead. However, Josh Allen and the Bills responded decisively, reclaiming the lead with just over a minute remaining.
The 49ers also delivered a thrilling finale against the Eagles, with a critical touchdown pass from Brock Purdy to Christian McCaffrey sealing their victory. The game was marked by tense moments and critical plays that underscored the competitive spirit of the playoffs.
Looking Ahead: The Path to the Super Bowl
The final game of the weekend features the Steelers hosting the Texans, with the Texans currently favored by three points. As the playoffs continue, the early odds suggest that the upcoming matchups will maintain this level of excitement. The Bills are set to face the Denver Broncos, with Buffalo favored by 1.5 points, while the Seattle Seahawks are expected to take on the 49ers, who are favored by a touchdown.
The increased competitiveness this season can be attributed to several factors, including the NFL’s ongoing efforts to promote parity through its salary cap, draft structure, and scheduling. This season has seen exceptionally talented teams, such as the Rams, 49ers, and Bills, end up in Wild Card spots despite their strong performances throughout the regular season.
Through the first four games of the 2025 playoffs, three visiting teams have won after trailing in the final three minutes—an occurrence that had not happened at all in the previous five postseasons. This trend of close games and unexpected outcomes suggests that fans can expect even more thrilling moments as the postseason unfolds.
With one more game to complete the weekend, anticipation remains high for what has already been a historic Wild Card Weekend, setting the stage for a captivating playoff season ahead.
