The opening weekend of the 2025-26 NFL playoffs has already etched itself into league folklore, delivering what many are calling the most dramatic and entertaining Wildcard Round in history. Across four breathtaking contests, every game was decided by four points or less, with game-winning touchdowns arriving in the dying minutes and a record number of late lead changes.
Unforgettable Finishes and a Legendary Comeback
The action was relentless from the start. An NFL record 12 lead changes occurred in the fourth quarters of the first four games alone, with three of those matches won by the team that was trailing when the clock hit the two-minute warning. The final quarters were offensive spectacles, with three games seeing the combined teams score at least 28 points in the last stanza.
Yet, the story that captured the imagination was in Green Bay. The Chicago Bears, looking utterly lost in the first half, engineered a stunning revival to overcome a 21-3 halftime deficit against their oldest rivals, the Packers. Second-year quarterback Caleb Williams shook off a shaky start to produce a series of magical plays, delivering what local fans are hailing as the city's greatest sporting moment since the Cubs' 2016 World Series win.
The victory was sealed with pure emotion, as first-year head coach Ben Johnson's fiery, expletive-laden post-game locker room address aimed at the Packers quickly went viral online, ensuring his legendary status in Chicago.
The Contenders Emerge From the Chaos
The playoff field is now wide open. The reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles were sensationally eliminated by the San Francisco 49ers, who continue to find ways to win crucial games. With powerhouses like the Lions, Chiefs, and Ravens also absent, the path to the Super Bowl feels genuinely attainable for every remaining team.
The New England Patriots, often criticised for their soft regular-season schedule, silenced doubters with a commanding win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Potential MVP quarterback Drake Maye played with veteran poise in his playoff debut, but it was the Patriots' defence that ultimately secured the victory.
Josh Allen authored another heroic chapter for the Buffalo Bills, willing his team to the first road playoff win of his career against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Allen accounted for three touchdowns despite a stifled running game, absorbing significant punishment to set up a Divisional Round trip to Denver.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams efficiently dispatched the Carolina Panthers, earning a favourable matchup against the Bears in the next round.
Fallout and the Road Ahead
Not all exits are equal. For the Panthers and Jaguars, pushing established contenders to the limit represents clear progress for their rebuilding projects. However, for the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles, first-round elimination sparks a period of intense scrutiny. Packers coach Matt LaFleur's job security is now a major question, while the Eagles face an offensive overhaul, with star receiver AJ Brown likely departing after a sideline confrontation with head coach Nick Sirianni.
As the dust settles, new challenges emerge. The 49ers must travel to Seattle for a tough NFC West decider, doing so without star tight end George Kittle, who suffered a torn Achilles. The Rams, while victorious, have concerns over quarterback Matthew Stafford's throwing hand and the performance of their special teams unit.
One thing is certain: after a Wildcard Weekend for the ages, the road to the Super Bowl is paved with unpredictability and promise for the eight teams left standing.
