The Rams edged out the Panthers in a truly wild Wild Card matchup. We break down the win and what’s next in the 2026 NFL Playoffs for LA.
The Rams traveled to Carolina to take on the NFC South-winning Panthers in the Wild Card Round, and after a 34-31 win, Los Angeles advances to the Divisional Round.
The Rams were the third of three NFC West teams to land in the postseason this year, and for a stretch of the season, they looked like THE team to beat in the NFC. And the Panthers, of course, finished under .500, which was good enough to lock up the NFC South since it’s currently the silliest division in the NFC. LA was heavily favored heading into this one, and the Rams did not disappoint.
This one wasn’t pretty, but LA got the job done when it mattered most. They led 14-0 and looked ready to blow out Carolina. But as they’ve done all season, the Panthers fought back. They took two separate times, but Matthew Stafford showed why he was All-Pro and potentially the NFL MVP. He found Colby Parkinson late in the game
Updated 2026 NFC playoff bracket
Rams vs. Panthers was the first game on the Wild Card Weekend schedule, so we will update this post as more results become available.
Wild Card results
Jan. 10, 2026, 4:30 p.m. ET
Rams 34, Panthers 31
Jan. 10, 2026, 8 p.m. ET
Packers vs. Bears
Jan. 11, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
Bills vs. Jaguars
Jan. 11, 2026, 4:30 p.m. ET
49ers vs. Eagles
Jan. 11, 2026, 8:15 p.m. ET
Texans vs. Steelers
Divisional Round bracket
TBD
Category: General Sports