Rams Edge Panthers 34–31 in Thrilling Wild Card Playoff Finish
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Los Angeles Rams advanced in the NFC Playoffs with a dramatic 34–31 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Saturday night, sealing the Wild Card game with a late touchdown pass in front of a raucous Bank of America Stadium crowd.
🏆 Late-Game Heroics Deliver Win for Rams
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford delivered in the clutch, connecting on a **19-yard game-winning touchdown to Colby Parkinson with just 38 seconds left on the clock to break a back-and-forth contest. Stafford finished with 304 passing yards, three touchdowns and an interception, while wide receiver **Puka Nacua hauled in 10 catches for 111 yards and two offensive scores in a standout performance.
🔄 Panthers Fight from Early Deficit
Carolina, making its first playoff appearance in eight years, stormed back after falling behind early. The Panthers trailed 14-0 in the first half but battled back behind the dynamic play of quarterback Bryce Young (264 passing yards, one touchdown and a rushing score), along with a big game from receiver Jalen Coker, who posted 134 yards and a touchdown, and running back Chuba Hubbard, who added two rushing TDs.
The Panthers even took the lead late in the fourth quarter at 31-27 on a Young-to-Coker touchdown, energizing the home crowd and giving Carolina a chance to pull off a major upset.
💔 Heartbreak for Carolina, Celebrations for Stafford’s Crew
Despite Carolina’s grit and multiple lead changes in the final frame, Stafford orchestrated a clutch 71-yard, seven-play drive to retake the lead and clinch the win for the Rams as time expired. The drive highlighted Stafford’s poise and playoff experience under pressure.
The loss marked the end of Carolina’s season — a year filled with resilience and signs of a promising future — while Los Angeles will move on to the NFC Divisional Round with renewed confidence.
📌 Season Summaries
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Rams finished the regular season at 13-5, entering the postseason as one of the NFC’s top seeds and continuing their run as a serious contender.
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Panthers ended 8-10, but their late-season surge and spirited playoff effort drew praise and optimism for the team’s progress under head coach Dave Canales and young stars like Bryce Young.
✅ Summary: In a Wild Card thriller filled with momentum swings and clutch play, the Rams survived a tenacious Panthers squad with a last-minute touchdown from Stafford, 34–31, ending Carolina’s playoff drought and advancing Los Angeles to the next round of the 2026 NFL Playoffs.
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