Rams 34-31 Panthers, Stafford leads playoff victory, summary: score, stats, highlights | NFL Wild Card 

Panthers special teams gave Carolina a shot

Parkinson's TD put Rams ahead just after a Panthers score

END GAME - RAMS ADVANCE TO DIVISIONAL ROUND!

That'll do it! The Panthers nearly pulled off a comeback win, but the Rams found a way to win it late. They will advance to the Divisional Round of the playoffs while the Panthers' season is now over.

Young pass INCOMPLETE, dropped by Horn and the Rams take over at the Panthers 28 to end the game

Rams take first timeout

Young pass incomplete under pressure yet again - 4th and 10

Young scrambles to avoid a sack but throws the ball away and wastes time off the clock - 3rd and 10

Young under pressure, pass incomplete - 2nd and 10

Evans kicks to the Panthers 4 and Etienne returns it to the 28

With just 38 seconds left in the game, the Rams are BACK on top! Stafford made the 19-yard pass to Parkinson and he leapt up to make the catch, keeping both feet in bounds to take it into the end zone and finish the job, Panthers trail by 3 after just having made a score to lead.

Stafford pass to Mumpfield complete for 11 yards - 1st down at Panthers 19

Stafford pass incomplete, dropped by Adams - 2nd and 10

Stafford pass to Nacua CAUGHT for 18yards - 1st down at the Panthers 30

Stafford to Adams caught for 6 - 2nd and 4

TWO-MINUTE WARNING

It's anyone's game with just 2 minutes left to play in the Panthers-Rams Wild Card matchup. What was predicted to be an easy win for the Rams has turned into a back-and-forth showdown with the Panthers now leading by 4 points. The Rams have the ball at their own 46 on 1st down.

Stafford pass to Adams is caught for 10 yards - 1st down 

Stafford pass to Nacua for 7 yards - 2nd and 3

Fitzgerald kicks to the 8 and Rivers returns it to the 29

After the Panthers special teams unit blocked the Rams' punt to recover it in Rams territory, the Panthers offense delivered another score. Young made the 7-yard pass to Coker in the end zone for the touchdown and Fitzgerald's PAT was good! Panthers take back the lead yet again with 2:39 left to play!

Young pass incomplete to Evans - 3rd and 3 at the Rams 7

Hubbard pushes thorough for 7 yards - 2nd and 3

Young pass to McMillan caught after a fake for 16yards - 1st down

Evans went to punt and the Panthers BLOCKED it!! Simmons blocked it and Panthers' Incoom RECOVERED it at the Rams 30!

Stafford pass to Corum caught for 10 yards - 4th and 7

Stafford pass to Corum caught for 3 yards - 3rd and 17

Stafford pass to Adams broken up by Jackson - 2nd and 20

Corum gained 7 yards, but the Rams' Dedich was called for Holding, pushing them bacl 10 - 1st and 20

Panthers' Horn was injured during the play

Stafford pass deep to Nacua is CAUGHT for 16yards - 1st and 10

Corum gains 4 - 2nd and 6

Martin punts to Rams 19 and Smith makes the fair catch

Young pass to Coker is incomplete, defended by Durant - 4th and 13

Young pass to Coker is caught, but he's under pressure and gets shoved backwards 2 yards - 3rd and 13

Young pass to Coker for 4 yards.- 2nd and 11

FalseStart on Panthers' Mays - 5 yards, 1st and 15

Evans kicks to the end zone - touchback to Panthers 35

Williams puts Rams back on top!

The Panthers‘ lead was short-lived as the Rams got into the end zone on a 13-yard run by Williams for the touchdown, despite some mistakes. Mevis’ PAT was good and the Rams are back on top with 8:47 to go in the final quarter.

Nacua gains 4 on a rush - 2nd and 6

Stafford takes it himself, gains 2 - 1st down 

Williams takes it again, gains 3 - 3rd and 1

Williams gains another 6 - 2nd and 4

Williams runs it up 2 yards for the 1st down

Stafford's pass to Nacua was NEARLY INTERCEPTED by Scott but Nacua actually defended it to keep it from being a pick in the end zone - 4th and 1

Stafford pass complete to Nacua for 7 yards - 3rd and 1

Williams gains just 2, stopped by Brown - 2nd and 8

Stafford pass caught by Adams for 23yards! 1st down at the Panthers 39

Stafford hands it to Nacua and he gains 5 - 2nd andd 5

Fitzgerald kicked to the Rams 10 and Rivers took it 23 yards to the 33

Panthers take the lead with Hubbard TD

Who saw this coming??

It's a wild game in Carolina! Following an interception by Jackson, the Panthers followed up with a 52-yard catch by Jalen Coker, setting up the score - a Chuba Hubbard 3-yard touchdown run, followed by a Fitzgerald extra point to put the Panthers in the lead with 14:34 to play in the Wild Card game.

Young's pass was caught by Coker for a gain of 3, but Rams' Landman was called for UnnecessaryRoughness, 3 yards - 1st and goal at the 3

Coker on fire today too!

END THIRD QUARTER

What a way to end a quarter! The Panthers looked like they were ready to get creamed in the first quarter, but after making a comeback to tie the game by halftime, they're now on their way to stealing back the lead again.

Stafford threw an interception, caught by Jackson to put the Panthers offense back on the field and Young just sent a 52-yard dime to Coker, setting them up for a 1st and goal at the 9-yard line to start the final quarter.

Young pass to Coker is caught and he's got ROOM TO RUN! He takes off for 52 YARDS - 1st down at the Rams 9

Hubbard stopped after a yard - 2nd and 9

Stafford INTERCEPTED by Jackson

Jackson is on fire today!

Stafford pass INTERCEPTED by Jackson! Panthers take over at their own 38

Stafford SACKED by Gibson for a loss of 8 yards - 3rd and 12

Corum runs it for 6 - 2nd and 4

Panthers go for it on 4th and 4 but with Young under pressure, he throws the ball away and the Rams will take over at their own 48

Young pass incomplete to Legette, broken up by McReary - 4th and 5

Rams' Forbes ran off the field injured after the play

Dowdle takes it again, but Forbes tackles him for a loss of a yard - 3rd and 5

Young pass to Dowdle for 6 yards - 2nd and 4

Evans kicked to the Panthers 2 and Legette took it 29 yards to the 31

Rams' Johnson was called for UnsportsmanlikeConduct, 15 yards - Panthers 1st down at the 46

The Rams couldn't get in the end zone, but they managed to get points on the board as Mevis made the 42-yard field goal to give LA the lead back with 4:17 to play in the 3rd quarter.

RAMS FIELD GOAL!

Stafford's pass to Nacua in the end zone was incomplete, defended by Jackson and it's a 4th down for the Rams

Stafford's pass to Nacua incomplete - 3rd and 6

Williams gains 4 - 2nd and 6

Stafford pass to Adams was almost caught in the air, but he couldn't hang on.

But Rams were given a break with a Panthers' Personal Foul call on Scott, who hit Adams late - 15 yards, 1st down

Stafford pass to Williams caught for 5 yards, but he's stopped there - 3rd and 5

Stafford pass to Nacua broken up by Rozeboom - incomplete, 2nd and 10

Stafford pass to Adams is CAUGHT for 19 yards - 1st down

Panthers' Cherelus was injured on the previous play

Stafford pass to Nacua deep is too high - 3rd and 7

Williams gains 3 yards - 2nd and 7

Fitzgerald kicks to the Rams 1 and Rivers returns it to the 30

The Panthers chose not to go for a 4th-down try and instead opted for a field goal attempt. They tied the game with a 46-yard field goal by Fitzgerald, making it 17-17 with 7:29 to play in the 3rd quarter.

PANTHERS FIELD GOAL!

Young pass caught by Tremble for 4 yards - 4th and 2 and the field goal unit comes out to try from 46 yards

Hubbard is stopped early again - 3rd and 7

Hubbard gains just 2 - 2nd and 8

Young pass short to Hubbard and he runs for 7 yards and the 1st down

Hubbard gains 4 yards - 2nd and 6

Young's pass was incomplete to Coker, but Rams' Fiske was called for Offside, giving Panthers 5 yards and the 1st down

Hubbard gets nowhere on the next play, stopped by Johnson and Speights - 3rd and 5

Hubbard gains 5 - 2nd and 5

Young pass to McMillan CAUGHT for 17 yards - 1st down

Young escapes a sack but throws the ball out of bounds - 3rd and 10

Young pass thrown to the ground, incomplete - 2nd and 10

Hubbard gains 6 - 1st down

Young scrambles for 9 yards - 2nd and 1

Evans punts to the Panthers 13 and Etienne makes the fair catch but it hits him in the helmet a second time...not muffed this time, but concerning

Rams go 3 and out to start second half

And a third try to Adams is not a charm...incomplete again - 4th down and Rams will punt it back

Stafford pass to Adams incomplete again, with Horn and Cherelus on him this time

Stafford pass incomplete to Adams with Jackson covering - 2nd and 10

And we're back!

Rams get the ball to start the second half.

Fitzgerald kicks to the end zone - touchback to Rams 35 

Halftime report - Rams 17, Panthers 14

The Rams looked in control early, but the Panthers made things interesting late, sending the game to halftime with Los Angeles holding a slim 17–14 lead at Bank of America Stadium.

Los Angeles capitalized on Carolina's early mistakes, turning short fields into points. After a failed fourth-down try by the Panthers on their opening drive, Matthew Stafford hit Puka Nacua for a 14-yard touchdown to open the scoring. Another Panthers miscue followed when Bryce Young was intercepted, and the Rams quickly cashed in again early in the second quarter with Nacua finding the end zone for the second time, pushing the lead to 14–0 and quieting the crowd.

The Panthers gradually found their footing. Young settled down and began pushing the ball downfield, connecting on several chunk plays before Chuba Hubbard finished a drive with a 1-yard rushing touchdown. The Rams answered with a steady drive of their own, highlighted by a 36-yard catch from Tyler Higbee, and added a 46-yard field goal to stretch the lead back to 17–7. But just before halftime, Young delivered a confidence-boosting drive, firing a 37-yard strike to Jalen Coker and then scrambling 16 yards for a touchdown. The late score cut the deficit to three and sent the Panthers into the locker room with momentum, and the home crowd back in it.

END SECOND QUARTER

That'll do it for the first half! The Panthers are suddenly within reach!

Evans punts to Panthers 17, out of bounds 

Stafford pass to Nacua was deep but it bounced off his hands - 4th down

Stafford pass incomplete to Nacua - 3rd and 10

Stafford pass incomplete to Nacua - 2nd and 10

Stafford pass to Adams caught for 14 yards - 1st down 

Fitzgerald kicks to the Rams 22 - called for Kickoff Short of Landing Zone penalty, ball placed at the Rams 40

Young takes it in himself!

Panthers get the TD ahead of the half

After getting a turnover on downs for themselves, the Panthers made the most of the opportunity. Bryce Young threw a 37-yard dime to Coker to set up the score and it was Young himself who scrambled 16 yards into the end zone for the touchdown. Fitzgerald's PAT was good and the Panthers make it a 3-point game just before halftime with 37 seconds to play in the first half.

PANTHERS TOUCHDOWN!

Young pass to Dowdle incomplete - 3rd and 10

Young pass to Legette incomplete - 2nd and 10

Young pass deep to Coker is CAUGHT for 37yards! 1st down at the Rams 16 and he gets out of bounds to stop the clock

Young pass deep to Coker was incomplete, but Rams' Lake was called for PassInterference - 10 yards, automatic 1st down

Dowdle gets nowhere...2nd and 10 

Stafford scrambled but instead of running for the 1st down, he threw it and it was incomplete to Higbee - Panthers take over at their own 19

Panthers take final timeout

Stafford pass caught by Higbee for 9 yards - 4th and 3

Stafford hands it off to Williams and he gains just a yard, stopped by Brown as a little scuffle breaks out - 3rd and 12

Panthers take first timeout 

Williams picks up 7 - 2nd and 13

Stafford made the short pass to Williams and he gained 12 but there was an Illegal Block in the Back call on Rams' Avila- 10 yards, 1st and 20

Oops...

TWO-MINUTE WARNING

The Panthers have turned the ball over AGAIN, this time after Etienne muffed the punt return and Reeder recovered it. The last two times the Rams got the ball on a Panthers turnover, they converted it into a score. They now have the ball at the Panthers 26 on 1st down, with the opportunity to do so again.

Corum bursts through for 8 yards - 1st down

Corum gains 7 - 2nd and 3

Evans punts to the Panthers 32 and Etienne takes it but FUMBLES it and it's RECOVERED BY RAMS' REEDER at the Panthers 41

Staffod pass deep to Adams is INCOMPLETE, goes over his head - 4th and 6

Rams take second timeout

Stafford pass incomplete - 3rd and 6

Williams gains 4 - 2nd and 6

Martin punts to the Rams 12 - downed by Incoom

Young pass short to Hubbard was incomplete even though he was wide open with room to run - ouch.

4th and 2 and Panthers will punt.

Dowdle takes it again, but he's tackled by Hamilton for no gain - 3rd and 2

Dowdle pushes through for 8 yards - 2nd and 2

Evans kicks to the Panthers 6 and Etienne takes it 18 yards to the 24

36-yard catch by Higbee!

The Panthers crowd is LOUD and they drew a false start on the Rams early. Another penalty was offset by a 36-yard pass to Higbee, but the Carolina defense stepped up to stop another touchdown. Mevis' 46-yard field goal was good though, giving the Rams a 10-point lead with 5:24 to play in the first half.

RAMS FIELD GOAL!

Stafford's pass to Adams was caught in the air but he landed out of bounds - 4th and 3

Stafford pass to Nacua caught but he's tackled by Moehrig for 4 yards - 3rd and 3

Rams take first timeout

Corum gains a yard, stopped by Wharton - 2nd and 9

Stafford pass DEEP to Higbee is CAUGHT for a 36YARDS and the 1st down at the Panthers 34

Stafford pass to Adams was caught for 4 yards, but Rams' Smith was called for Offsides - 5 yards, 2nd and 15

False Start on Rams' Adams - 5 yards, 2nd and 10

Corum gains 5 - 2nd and 5

Fitzgerald kicks to the end zone - touchback to Rams 35

Panthers on the board!

Chuba Hubbard runs it in for the score.

The Panthers had some big plays with deep passes from Young to rookie WR McMillan and ended the drive with a 1-yard rushing touchdown byChubaHubbard. Fitzgerald's PAT was good and the Panthers get points on the board with 8:53 to play in the first half.

Young pass incomplete to Legette, but Rams' Durant is called for PassInterference, giving Panthers the automatic 1st down

1st and goal at the 1-yard line

Young pass under pressure is incomplete - 3rd and 3

Hubbard gains 8 yards - 2nd and 3 at the 3-yard line

Young pass to McMillan caught again, this time for 22 yards - 1st down at the Rams 11

Young pass to McMillan caught for 14 yards - 1st down at the Rams 33

Young ESCAPES pressure and gets the ball away to COKER for a gain of 15yards - 1st down

Evans gains 3 - 2nd and 7

Evans kicks to the end zone - touchback to Panthers 35

Puka Nacua: TD #2

The Rams maximize on another Panthers turnover and it's Stafford to Nacua again, this time on a 5-yard rushing touchdown for his second TD of the game. Mevis' PAT is good and the Rams extend the lead to start the 2nd quarter with 12:16 left in the first half.

Williams gains 5 yards - 2nd and goal from the Panthers 5

Stafford pass to Nacua caught for 7 yards and the 1st down and goal

Williams takes it again, stopped by Brown after 2 - 2rd and 2

Williams pushes through for a gain of 6 - 2nd and 4

Yikes...

Young's throw intercepted by Rams CB Cobie Durant

END FIRST QUARTER

That takes us to the end of the 1st quarter.

The Rams lead 7-0 and are in good position to score again with the ball at the Panthers 25 on 1st down. Their earlier score came after the Panthers turned the ball over on 4th down, and now they've got the ball after Bryce Young threw an interception.

Stafford pass to Parkinson CAUGHT for 15 yards - 1st down

Rams offense takes over at the Panthers 48 and Williams gains 8 - 2nd and 2

Unnecessary Roughness called on Panthers' Evans, gives Rams another 15 yards

Young pass INTERCEPTED by Durant and he takes it 10 yards to the Panthers 27

Young pass to McMillan caught for 13 yards - 1st down

Young pass caught by Tremble for 7 yards - 1st down

Rams' Witherspoon was injured on the previous play

Young hands it off to Etienne and he gains 4 - 3rd and 6

Young pass incomplete - 2nd and 10

Young pass to Coker CAUGHT for 11yards and the 1st down

Young pass to Etienne just before he's tackled is caught for 11 yards - 3rd and 8

Young SACKED by Ford for a loss of 9 yards - 2nd and 19

Evans punts to the Panthers 19, out of bounds

Corum takes it a third time but he's STOPPED by Wharton for a loss of a yard - 4th and 2 and Rams will punt

Corum takes it again, gains 3 - 3rd and 1

Corum gains 6 - 2nd and 4

Stafford pass to Nacua caught for 12 yards and a 1st down

Corum gains 4 yards - 2nd and 6

Martin punted 55 yards to the Rams 7 and Smith took it but was immediately tackled by Simmons for no gain

Young pass deep to McMillan is incomplete - 4th and 9 

Panthers' Ekwonu was injured on the previous play

Holding on Panthers' Ekwonu - declined

Young was SACKED for a loss of 5 yards by Fiske - 3rd and 9

Young short pass to Hubbard caught for a gain of 6 - 2nd and 4

Hubbard breaks through for 5 yards and the 1st down

Young pass complete to Coker for 7 yards - 2nd and 3

Evans kicks to Panthers 4 and Legette returns it 16 yards to the 20

Stafford ---> Nacua

Rams first TD of the game

After the Panthers turned the ball over on 4th down, the Rams took over in Carolina's territory and maximized on the opportunity in under 2 minutes with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Nacua. The Rams take an early lead with 11:35 still to play in the first quarter.

Stafford pass to Nacua caught for 10 yards and another 1st down

Williams gains 5 - 2nd and 5 

Rams offense on the field

Stafford pass to Nacua CAUGHT for 16yards and the 1st down

Young scrambled and made the pass to Mitchell but Lake broke it up and the Rams will now take over at the Panthers 45

Young pass caught by Legette and he trips but regains his footing to gain 8 - 4th and 1 and Carolina is going for it

Young's pass to Legette was incomplete, broken up by Durant - 3rd and 9 

They give it to Dowdle to start and he gains just a yard - 2nd and 9

Evans kicks to the Panthers 15 and Etienne returns it to the 25

Panthers offense takes the field.

And we are OFF!

The Panthers fans are LOUD at Bank of America Stadium.

The Rams won the toss and elected to defer so the Panthers start us on offense. Here we go!

NFL

Who is singing the national anthem for the Rams vs Panthers NFL Wild Card game?

The NFL playoff opener will feature a familiar Broadway voice before kickoff, adding a touch of theater to Wild Card weekend...

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Dynamic duo

Puka Nacua and Davante Adams form a dynamic duo that has significantly impacted the Rams offense, with Adams mentoring the younger Nacua, who has quickly become a top target alongside the veteran.

The two have a mutual respect for one another, with Nacua admiring Adams' veteran savvy, and Adams being inspired by Nacua's competitive spirit, creating an exciting receiving corps with Matthew Stafford. 

Well...why not?

The force that is Puka

Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has emerged as one of the NFL's premier wide receivers, despite being a Day 3 draft pick and missing time during the 2025 season. Nacua had a record-setting campaign, earning All-Pro recognition while catching nearly 78% of his targets. His physical, fearless style meshes perfectly with quarterback Matthew Stafford, making him a centerpiece of the Rams’ offense and a major driver of their third straight playoff appearance.

Los Angeles’ confidence in Nacua was highlighted by the decision to move on from Cooper Kupp and pair him with Davante Adams, whose skill set complements Nacua’s. Rather than competing for touches, the two formed a productive partnership, combining for over 2,500 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns despite missing four total games. With Nacua anchoring the offense and multiple weapons around him, the Rams enter the postseason believing their passing attack can thrive. even on the road, as they begin their push toward the Super Bowl.

Lessons learned from Rams' Week 13 loss to Panthers...

The Rams' Week 13 loss to the Panthers can be traced to three interconnected factors: tempo, turnovers, and time of possession.

Although the Rams jumped out to an early lead and averaged an impressive 7.4 yards per play, Carolina stuck to a run-heavy game plan that controlled the pace of the game. By rushing 40 times and passing only 20, the Panthers dictated tempo, kept the Rams’ offense off the field, and forced LA into defensive adjustments that favored Carolina’s strategy. Meanwhile, the Rams leaned too heavily on the pass despite having success on the ground, a strategic imbalance that proved costly.

Turnovers and clock control ultimately decided the outcome. LA lost the turnover battle 3–0, including two first-quarter interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) that flipped early momentum and erased what should have been a commanding Rams lead. Carolina held the ball for over 10 more minutes than Los Angeles, wearing down a road-weary defense and limiting scoring opportunities for an otherwise efficient offense.

The lesson for the Rams is clear: to reverse the result in the postseason, they must protect the football, seize control of time of possession, and dictate tempo.

NFL

Who is in the NFL All-Pro Team? Stafford, Nacua, Garrett

After 18 weeks of grueling regular season action a panel of 50 media members has selected the NFL All-Pro teams for 2025, celebrating the top performers across the season.

The headline news is that Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams is named quarterback for the All-Pro first team, beating out competition from Drake Maye.

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NFL

Wild Card rematch: Can 8-9 Panthers pull off playoff upset?

Carolina must win out to avoid finishing below .500, while Rams QB Matthew Stafford looks to redeem Week 13 mistakes with Davante Adams back.

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Rams

Rams face uphill battle in Wild Card game without two key contributors

Dotson and Whittington are huge losses for the Rams as they prepare for a physical Wild Card matchup.

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Bryce Young set for first career playoff start

Bryce Young is know for his calm demeanor and clutch reputation. He now prepares for his first NFL playoff start. Despite external pressure and the Panthers entering as heavy underdogs, Young's approach has remained unchanged - businesslike, steady, and composed.

Head coach Dave Canales and teammates emphasize that this consistency is why Young has excelled in high-leverage moments, including leading six game-winning drives this season, tied for the most in the NFL. One of those comebacks came against the Rams in Week 13, reinforcing confidence in his ability to handle the moment.

Young’s career has been defined by resilience amid inconsistency. While his overall statistics rank in the lower half of the league and Carolina frequently trails late in games, Young has delivered in pressure situations, accounting for 12 game-winning drives in his career, the most among quarterbacks since he entered the league. His improvement since being benched early in 2024 is notable, particularly in pre-snap reads and decision-making.

As Young enters the postseason, his long-term future with the franchise remains tied to continued progress. Carolina plans to exercise his fifth-year option, but a deep playoff run could accelerate broader commitment. While history shows first-time playoff quarterbacks often struggle, the Panthers believe Young’s experience in pressure situations, dating back to high school and college, has prepared him for this stage.

Ultimately, how he performs against the Rams will not only shape the game’s outcome but also help define the next phase of his career.

Bryce Young staying put in Carolina another few years

Panthers-Rams Injury Report/Inactives

Panthers Injury Report

Carolina enters Wild Card Weekend in excellent health, with no players carrying an injury designation into the game. Guard Robert Hunt was activated and available, while Chandler Zavala had been listed as questionable earlier in the week despite full practices, ultimately clearing without issue. Most notably, the Panthers are at full defensive strength compared to Week 13, when they were without Jaycee Horn, Tre'von Moehrig, Christian Rozeboom, and Claudin Cherelus. With Tershawn Wharton returning from injury, Carolina fields its healthiest lineup in weeks for its first home playoff game in a decade.

Panthers INACTIVES

LB Krys Barnes

C Nick Samac

DT Jared Harrison-Hunte

WR David Moore

DE LaBryan Ray

Rams Injury Report

The Rams entered the postseason with several notable absences already confirmed. Offensive lineman Kevin Dotson and wide receiver Jordan Whittington were ruled out earlier in the week and will miss the Wild Card matchup. Tight end Terrance Ferguson, who missed the regular-season finale with a hamstring injury, was listed as questionable but will sit out a second straight game. Defensive back Josh Wallace was also questionable due to an ankle injury and will not play. Los Angeles does get relative stability elsewhere, but depth will be tested, particularly in the secondary.

Rams INACTIVES

QB Stetson Bennett

TE Terrance Ferguson

CB Derion Kendrick

CB Darious Williams

OL Kevin Dotson

WR Jordan Whittington

DB Josh Wallace

It's a windy one in Charlotte today...

Rain and strong winds are expected to significantly affect the Rams-Panthers game today, with potential for thunderstorms early on, leading to slick conditions, more running plays, and challenges for passing games and kickers.

Expect high humidity and winds possibly gusting up to 40+ MPH, impacting ball security and kicking accuracy, though temperatures in the 60s are milder. 

NFL

From dawn in Charlotte, Panthers fans greet a long-awaited playoff return

The winter sun limped over the horizon at 7:32 this morning in Charlotte. And its first rays fell on Panthers fans already in position outside the Bank of American stadium, as they marked their side's return to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

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The Panthers' path to playoffs

The Panthers' path to the postseason wasn't nearly as straightforward as the Rams. Their season came down to the final game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Panthers finished the 2025 regular season with an 8–9 record, but still captured 1st place in the NFC South, marking their first playoff berth since 2017 and their first division title since 2015. They won the NFC South through a three-way tie (8–9 with the Buccaneers and Falcons) and a favorable head-to-head tiebreaker, becoming one of the few teams in NFL history to win a division with a losing record.

Quarterback Bryce Young, in his third NFL season, led the Panthers' offense with over 3,000 passing yards and 23 touchdowns, showing flashes of elite play at times, including setting the franchise single-game passing record with 448 yards in an overtime win, but also inconsistency across the season. Carolina’s offense had notable moments but ultimately struggled with turnovers and efficiency, while the defense and complementary game-planning helped the team stay competitive in close contests.

Despite finishing below .500, the Panthers secured the No. 4 seed in the NFC, setting up their game today as hosts to the Rams.

The Rams' path to the postseason

The Rams finished the regular season 12-5 and second in the NFC West behind the NFC top seed Seattle Seahawks, earning the No. 5 seed in the NFC playoff picture.

Los Angeles has had one of the league's most explosive offenses, scoring 518 points (30.5 per game) and ranking near the top in both total yards and scoring, while also posting a strong +172 point differential.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford led the NFL with 46 touchdown passes and over 4,700 passing yards, and wide receiver Puka Nacua led the league in receptions and finished with over 1,700 receiving yards. Running back Kyren Williams also had a standout season with over 1,200 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Defensively, the Rams were solid overall, though special teams remained a relative weak spot compared with their offense and defense units.

Their strong performance ensured a third straight winning season and playoff berth under head coach Sean McVay, continuing a stretch of sustained competitiveness for the franchise. 

Revenge game for Stafford

The Rams are back in Carolina for the second time this season, but hoping for a much different outcome than the last time. 

The Rams and Panthers played each other in Week 13, when the Panthers upset the Rams 31-28. As is expected today, it was a rainy day in Charlotte in November, and Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford committed three crucial turnovers. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young threw for three long touchdown passes and Carolina snapped the Rams' six-game winning streak.

It was a strip-sack of Stafford on 3rd down that sealed the game for the Panthers. So now the Rams will look to avenge themselves in the postseason, and with a Super Bowl run on the line.

Hello and welcome to the first game of the NFL Wild Card Weekend as the No. 4 Carolina Panthers host the No. 5 Los Angeles Rams!

The game kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte and we'll be here to bring you all the live scores, updates, highlights, and commentary up to the final whistle. The winner will advance to the Divisional Round while the loser will see their season end today.