Rams vs. Panthers final score, results: Matthew Stafford's heroics lifts L.A. past Carolina in wild-card thriller

Jake Mozarsky

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Rams vs. Panthers final score, results: Matthew Stafford's heroics lifts L.A. past Carolina in wild-card thriller image

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For over 15 years, Matthew Stafford has been a staple of late-game drama leading game-winning drives with ease.

On Saturday night in Charlotte, Stafford delivered yet another career-defining performance, shaking off three quarters of inconsistency to guide the Rams down the field in the final minute against a fierce Panthers defense. His five-yard pass to tight end Colby Parkinson gave the Rams the lead with only 38 seconds left, which was enough to beat Carolina 34-31 and move onto the NFC divisional round.

MORE: How Matthew Stafford became Rams all-time leading playoff

Stafford and the Los Angeles offense started off fast, scoring 14 points in the first 16 minutes with two Puka Nacua touchdowns. But, after that, the Panthers made it a game. Bryce Young and Carolina performed valiantly, taking the lead multiple times in the fourth quarter; second-year receiver Jalen Coker had a career game, with nine receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown that nearly proved to be the dagger.

But, Stafford, the ultimate fourth-quarter assassin, led the Rams on a seven-play, 71-yard drive in the final minutes, taking the lead one final time with the Parkinson score. He finished the day completing 24-of-42 passes for 304 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception as Los Angeles avenged its loss to Carolina earlier in the season. The MVP favorite continued to climb up the all-time leaderboards, as the three touchdowns pushed his career total to 423, solidifying his spot as the NFL's all-time 9th-leading passer in touchdowns and moving him further up the list of all-time passing yards leaders.

With the win, Los Angeles moves on to the final eight in the NFL playoffs. With the other two NFC games yet to be played, the opponent is still unclear.

AllSportsPeople followed all the action as Los Angeles and Carolina went back-and-forth in a Wild Card thriller. Check out all the action below.

MORE: What to know about Matthew Stafford's possible hand injury

Rams vs. Panthers score

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Rams vs. Panthers live updates, highlights from 2026 NFL wild-card playoff game

Final: Rams 34, Panthers 31

7:48 p.m.:  Matthew Stafford comes on to kneel and the Los Angeles Rams have moved on.

The MVP favorite threw three touchdowns on the day, including in the final minute. It's enough for a thriller to open up Super Wild Card Weekend.

On the other side, Young and the Panthers performed valiantly, but it was not enough. 

7:47 p.m.:  The Los Angeles Rams survive.

Young hit Jimmy Horn Jr. On fourth down, but the rookie drops it as he tries to run with it. 

With it, the Rams will kneel out and win in Carolina.

7:46 p.m.:  Young throws three incompletions, setting up a 4th & 10 with the game on the line.

Los Angeles takes a timeout with 12 seconds remaining.

7:44 p.m.:  With 32 seconds left, here come Bryce Young and the Panthers offense. 

Young leads the league in game-winning drives (12) since he entered the NFL.

Rams 34, Panthers 31

7:41 p.m. TOUCHDOWN:  The Los Angeles Rams have taken the lead in the final minute at Bank of America Stadium.

Right after the first down, Stafford throws one up to Parkinson, who holds onto the ball by the right sideline and gets into the end zone. It's Stafford's third touchdown of the game.

With 38 seconds remaining, the Rams lead 34-31.

7:40 p.m.:  Los Angeles has another first down. This time, it's rookie Konata Mumpfield for his first catch of the game. 

7:39 p.m.:  The Rams are at the 50 after a six-yard Adams reception.

The next play, Los Angeles has a chunk play, and it's the other star Nacua. He catches an in-route for 18 yards down to the Carolina 30.

7:36 p.m.:  At the two-minute warning, the Rams are up to their 46. Two completions to Nacua and Adams, respectively, has gotten Los Angeles closer.

With two minutes left, do we have another Stafford game-winning drive? Or will the Panthers pull off the upset?

Panthers 31, Rams 27

7:32 p.m. TOUCHDOWN:  Jalen Coker is having the best game of his career, and he just gave the Panthers the lead with 2:39 remaining.

On 3rd & 3, Young lobs one up to the receiver in the back-left of the end zone and he holds on. It's Young's first passing touchdown of the game.

Coker has nine receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown on the day. Now, it's time to see what Matthew Stafford and the Rams have in store.

7:30 p.m.:  Right away, Young hits McMillan on a slant, and No. 4 takes it 16 yards for a first down.

The game has flipped just like that and the Panthers are in the red zone.

7:28 p.m.:  A holding penalty made it a 1st & 20 for Los Angeles, who picks up only three yards in two plays. On 3rd & 17, Stafford has to take Corum on the checkdown but it's way short.

Los Angeles punts, and it gets worse for the Rams. The punt is blocked by Isaiah Simmons, the former No. 8 pick in the NFL Draft. It sets up Carolina in great territory, with a 1st & 10 coming at the Los Angeles 30. 

There's 4:12 remaining.

7:25 p.m.:  Nacua has been quiet in the second half, but he comes up big here for a first down.

Stafford throws a dart over the middle of the field for a 16-yard completion, moving the Rams up to their 39 as the clock ticks below 6:30 remaining.

7:21 p.m.:  Young goes to Coker on the first two plays of the drive, but the receiver loses two yards on second down.

Now, on 3rd & 13, he tries to find Coker again deep, but Durant is right there. It's an incomplete pass.

The Panthers go three-and-out immediately after the Rams score, and Los Angeles can inch closer to the Divisional Round with a long drive and score.

Rams 27, Panthers 24

7:16 p.m. TOUCHDOWN:  Los Angeles takes the lead right back.

An 11-play, 67-yard drive ends with Stafford hitting Williams on a Texas route, and the running back gets in for Stafford's second passing touchdown of the game.

With 8:47 left in Carolina, the Panthers offense will get the ball back.

7:14 p.m.:  The Rams have another first down after a Stafford quarterback sneak. The Rams are down to the Carolina 17, looking to take the lead again.

7:12 p.m.:  On 3rd & 1, Stafford throws deep to Nacua, and it should have ben intercepted but Nacua forced an incompletion. It sets up a 4th & 1 for Los Angeles.

Sean McVay and co. Go for it, and a Williams carry is just enough to move the chains.

7:10 p.m.:  Adams is back and he gets a much-needed first down and more for the Rams.

Stafford finds the receiver wide open over the middle of the field, with it going 23 yards down to the Carolina 39.

Panthers 24, Rams 20

7:04 p.m. TOUCHDOWN:  After a Nate Landman penalty put the Panthers on the 3, Carolina has taken the lead on Hubbard's second touchdown of the game.

No. 30 rumbles forward and lunges into the end zone, and the Carolina Panthers have the lead for the first time today.

End of the third quarter: Rams 20, Panthers 17

7:00 p.m.:  Just like that, the Panthers are in the red zone. On second down, Young finds Coker in stride, who glides all the way to the Los Angeles 9 on a 52-yard completion. Coker now has 122 receiving yards on the day.

The Panthers have a 1st & goal going into the final frame.

6:58 p.m.:  The Rams offense still isn't clicking, and now, it's a turnover.

After getting sacked on second down third down, Stafford is pressured and throws one to Adams on third down. But, it is underthrown and Jackson is there to grab the interception. It's Stafford's third interception against Carolina this season.

Young and the Panthers offense has the ball back right below their 40.

6:54 p.m.:  A personal foul on the kickoff gives the Panthers great starting position, with the ball being moved all the way up to the 46.

Though, Carolina can't do much. On 3rd & 4, Young tried fitting a pass into Legette, but Roger McCreary is there to force the incompletion.

It gets even worse, as Dave Canales opts to go for it again on fourth down right ahead of midfield. Young is immediately pressured by the Rams, and though he creates time there's nobody downfield.

Los Angeles gets a huge stop and takes back over.

Rams 20, Panthers 17

6:46 p.m. FIELD GOAL:  Inside the 30, the Panthers once again get the Rams to third down. Though, this time, Stafford's pass to Nacua in the end zone is incomplete with Mike Jackson in coverage.

It brings out Mevis for a 42-yard field goal, and he hits his second of the game right down the middle.

The Rams have the lead back, but Carolina gets a stop.

6:43 p.m.:  On a 3rd & 5, Stafford looks deep to Adams, but the receiver gets absolutely rocked by a Carolina defender.

Though, it's a personal foul penalty, which moves the ball 15 yards for the Rams and gives them a new set of downs.

6:41 p.m.:  Things are not clicking for Los Angeles, with Stafford once again missing Nacua on second down. He threw it just over the receiver's head.

But, on third down, the Rams get a much needed first down. Stafford connects with Adams over the middle of the field, going for 19 yards to the Carolina 48.

Rams 17, Panthers 17

6:32 p.m. FIELD GOAL:  On 3rd & 7, Young connects with Trimble a few yards short of the marker.

But, Carolina ties the game, with Ryan Fitzgerald nailing a 46-yarder.

We have a brand new ballgame in Charlotte.

6:30 p.m.:  It's another first down for the Panthers.

Young throws out right to Hubbard, who follows his blockers before being brought down right at the marker. It's enough for a new series as Carolina moves inside the Los Angeles 40.

6:28 p.m.:  On 3rd & 5, Young is able to draw Los Angeles offsides and it moves the chains again.

The Panthers are right near midfield.

6:26 p.m.:  Now the Panthers face a 3rd & 10, but unlike Los Angeles they complete it.

It's McMillan, who has a 16-yard completion up to the Carolina 44. The rookie has four receptions for 65 yards on the day.

6:24 p.m.:  Young gains nine yards with his legs on first down, and a Hubbard carry gets a first down. It's only Hubbard's fourth carry, with Young having 20 pass attempts already.

6:21 p.m.:  Stafford targeted Adams deep on the first two plays of the drive, but both came up incomplete. 

On 3rd & 10, he goes for Adams way short of the first down marker, but it does not matter as No. 17 can't hold on.

The Rams go three-and-out to start the second half, and the Panthers have a chance to tie or take the lead. They will start at the 11.

6:19 p.m.:  The second half is underway in Charlotte. We have 30 minutes to decide who moves on to the Divisional Round.

The Rams have the ball first with a 17-14 lead. With Carolina swinging momentum at the end of the first half, a score here would be big for Los Angeles to take some wind out of the Panthers' sails.

Halftime: Rams 17, Panthers 14

6:05 p.m.:  At halftime, we have a three-point game in Carolina.

The Rams came out of the gates blazing, scoring the first 14 points of the game. Though, Young and the Panthers have stormed back, with two rushing touchdowns cutting into the deficit. The Mevis field goal serves as the difference.

Los Angeles will get the ball to start the second half.

6:04 p.m.:  On third down, Stafford has Nacua open on the right sideline, but it goes off the receiver's helmet and he can't hold on. It forces a punt for Los Angeles, ending a promising drive.

Expect the Panthers to kneel out the clock for the first half.

6:02 p.m.:  The Rams come out throwing, with Stafford hitting Adams well above the first down marker. It's a 14-yard completion up to the Carolina 46.

Rams 17, Panthers 14

5:59 p.m. TOUCHDOWN:  Bryce Young delivers when he has to most.

On 3rd & 10 inside the red zone, the quarterback scrambles, beating Nate Landman on a juke and tumbles into the end zone. It's a 16-yard score.

Carolina makes it 17-14 with 37 seconds left in the first half.

5:57 p.m.:  Right after the pass interference, Young finds Coker on a wheel route, and No. 18 catches it in stride. He takes it for 37 yards all the way to the Los Angeles 16.

With the Rams getting the ball to start the second half, a touchdown would go a long way for Carolina.

5:56 p.m.:  On the first play, Young launches deep to Coker, and while it comes up incomplete it's a pass interference on Lake, his second of the game.

This one moves the ball all the way up to the Carolina 47.

5:53 p.m.:  Now facing a 3rd & 12, Stafford finds Higbee but it's short of a first down. It sets up a 4th & 3, and the Rams go for it.

Stafford rolls out right and tries to fit in a pass to a small window, but it's batted down by D.J. Wonnum.

Carolina takes back over with 1:30 remaining in the first half.

5:47 p.m.:  Second-year back Blake Corum has burst onto the scene as a reliable piece for the Rams, and he takes two carries here. The second one goes for eight yards down to the Carolina 26.

5:43 p.m.:  The Rams picked up four yards, and now facing a 3rd & 6 Stafford had Adams down the sideline for a big gain. But, he just overthrows No. 17 and it goes out of bounds.

The Rams go three-and-out for the first time, forcing an Ethan Evans punt. But, a turnover!

Trevor Etienne muffs the punt and the Rams jump on top of it. They now have a new set of downs at the Carolina 42.

5:39 p.m.:  The Panthers had a 3rd & 2, and Young had Hubbard for enough yards to move the chains. But, the back dropped it and Carolina has to punt.

With 3:41 remaining, the Rams have the ball back with a 10-point lead.

Rams 17, Panthers 7

5:33 p.m. FIELD GOAL:  On 3rd & 3, Stafford throws up high to Adams on the right sideline, but Mike Jackson pushes him out of bounds.

It forces a 46-yard attempt from Harrison Mevis, who drills it right down the middle.

Los Angeles has a two-possession lead.

5:30 p.m.:  After the two penalties, the Rams get all the yardage back and more. 

Stafford finds a wide open Tyler Higbee up the seam, who has a 36-yard reception and the Rams are inside the 40.

5:29 p.m.:  Adams has his first catch of the game on Stafford's seventh completion, but an offsides penalty on the offense draws it back.

Los Angeles has two straight penalties to set up a 2nd & 15.

Rams 14, Panthers 7

5:22 p.m. TOUCHDOWN:  The Panthers get on the board.

A seven-play, 65-yard drive ends with a Hubbard one-yard score. The running back has a team-high six touches on the day as the Panthers make it 14-7 on his fifth touchdown of the season.

Los Angeles' offense is up next with 8:32 remaining in the second.

5:21 p.m.:  Young tries hitting Legette in the back of the end zone on third down, and while it comes up incomplete there's a pass interference penalty on Durant.

It gives the Panthers a fresh set of downs and a chance to cut the lead in half.

5:20 p.m.:  Young and Carolina's receivers have been on point besides the interception, and now, they're in the red zone for the first time.

Young once again hits McMillan on an in-breaking post, and it's a 22-yard completion on his third reception of the game.

The Panthers have a 1st & goal.

5:18 p.m.:  Carolina is across midfield fast, with Young rolling out left and finding Coker for a 15-yard gain.

The next play, Young drops back in a clean pocket and finds McMillan on a comeback route. This one goes for 14 yards down to the Rams 33.

Rams 14, Panthers 0

5:13 p.m. TOUCHDOWN:  Nacua has his second touchdown of the game.

The Rams finish off a seven-play, 48-yard drive with a screen pass to No. 12, who gets into the end zone before being brought down. It counts as a rushing touchdown with the pass going backwards.

Los Angeles is not messing around. And Nacua joins an exclusive club of Rams players.

5:11 p.m.:  The Rams are at the 10, and it's Nacua again. The receiver has five receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown already.

It's 1st & goal.

End of the first quarter: Rams 7, Panthers 0

5:07 p.m.:  The Los Angeles offense keeps on churning.

Now, Stafford finds his tight end Colby Parkinson on a tight end screen, and he rumbles 15 yards all the way to the Carolina 26.

5:05 p.m.:  The Panthers were driving until Los Angeles forces the first turnover of the game.

On 1st & 10, Carolina calls a pass play; Young targeted Coker over the middle of the field and it's intercepted by Decobie Durant.

The Panthers had zero turnovers the first time these two teams played.

5:04 p.m.:  Right after the first down, the Panthers are in Rams territory. Young quickly hits McMillan, who takes it 13 yards for another first down.

5:03 p.m.:  Carolina continues to move the chains. This time, it comes on a 3rd & 6, with Young staying in the pocket but finding Tremble on a curl route.

4:58 p.m.:  On 1st & 10, Young gets sacked for nine yards, putting Carolina near the end zone.

Though, after an 11-yard completion to Tommy Tremble, Young connects with Jalen Coker ahead of the sticks to move the chains.

4:53 p.m.:  The Rams face their first third down of the game, and it's a Stafford handoff to Kyren Williams. But, the back gets absolutely stuffed at the line.

Now, the teams have exchanged punts, and Carolina has it back for their third possession of the game.

4:51 p.m.:  The Rams pick up right where they left off, with Nacua getting the first target of the second drive and going 12 yards for a first down.

4:49 p.m.:  On 3rd & 9, Young tries to find McMillan down the left sideline but overthrows him. It forces the first punt of the game.

Los Angeles has the ball back, starting inside the 10-yard line.

4:44 p.m.:  Carolina has their first first down of the day, with Chuba Hubbard taking a carry five yards to the Carolina 32. 

The next play, Hubbard takes a reception close to the marker, setting up a 2nd & short.

Rams 7, Panthers 0

4:39 p.m. TOUCHDOWN:  The Rams strike fast and take the early lead in Carolina.

Stafford drops back and finds Nacua up the seam, who is open for a 14-yard score. It was his third catch of the drive and 11th touchdown of the season.

Los Angeles capitalizes on the short field and strikes first.

4:38 p.m.:  The Rams' first play is a first down, and it's Stafford's favorite target Nacua. It goes for 16 yards and the Rams are down to the Carolina 29.

4:37 p.m.:  On the first set of downs, Carolina gets nine yards on three plays and comes up short of the first down marker. They decide to go for it on fourth down in their own territory, and Young's pass falls incomplete.

The Rams take over and start the drive in Panthers territory.

4:34 p.m.:  We are underway in Carolina.

Bryce Young and the home team Panthers have the ball first.

4:30 p.m.:  There's no better way to welcome playoff football back to Carolina than having Cam Newton back at Bank of America Stadium.

4:14 p.m.:  When these teams played last time, Bryce Young threw three touchdowns and Matthew Stafford threw two interceptions as the Panthers upset the Rams.

What do the teams have in store this time?

3:57 p.m.:  Matthew Stafford, at 37 years old, delivered the most prolific and efficient season of his career, putting him in contention to win his first ever MVP.

He finished the year as the NFL's leader in both passing yards (4,707) and passing touchdowns (46), shattering the franchise's record and guiding the Rams to an 12-5 playoff season.

3:41 p.m.:  Some Rams fans have made the trip all the way east for Los Angeles' opening playoff game.

A trip to San Francisco, the site of Super Bowl LX, is a much easier trip.

3:33 p.m.:  Here's what Joe Davis and Greg Olsen, the two in the broadcast booth, had to say about today's matchup.

Olsen became the first Panthers tight end to put up three straight 1,000+ seasons. He's not the only Carolina legend in the house.

3:17 p.m.:  In his first season in the NFL, Tet McMillan became the most prolific rookie receiver in the NFL.

The No. 8 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft finished the regular season with 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns.

3:07 p.m.:  We're getting closer in Carolina.

Will the Rams jumpstart their postseason run or will the Panthers pull off an all-time upset?

2:55 p.m.:  Young has taken the field for warmups in a slightly rainy Carolina.

2:40 p.m.:  The Rams are entering today's contest as a historic favorite.

2:25 p.m.:  Making his return today is wide receiver Davante Adams, who led all receivers with 14 touchdowns in the regular season.

Adams missed the final three games of the regular season with a hamstring injury.

2:07 p.m.:  The heavily-favored Los Angeles Rams enter the playoffs with the league's top scoring offense, and a huge reason behind that is receiver Puka Nacua.

Nacua led the NFL with 127 receptions, finished second with 1,715 yards and tallied 10 touchdowns.

2:06 p.m.:  Quarterback Bryce Young has arrived for his first playoff start.

Young finished his third regular season with 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

2:02 p.m.:  We are only a few hours away from kickoff of the first of six wild card games. Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina is ready to host its first playoff game in over a decade.

MORE 2026 NFL PLAYOFF NEWS:

Where to watch Rams vs. Panthers

Rams vs. Panthers start time

  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 10
  • Time: 4:30 p.m. ET, 1:30 p.m. PT

The Rams and Panthers will kick off the NFL Wild Card Round as the first of six games.

Kickoff will be at 4:30 p.m. ET, or 1:30 p.m. PT for the Los Angeles faithful, from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

What channel is Rams vs. Panthers on today?

  • TV channel:  Fox
  • Live stream: Fubo

The Rams and Panthers game will be broadcast nationally on Fox. Play-by-play commentator Joe Davis is joined by Panthers legend Greg Olsen, who is the color analyst, in the booth, with Pam Oliver on the sidelines.

Those looking to stream the game can do so on Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.

NFL playoff schedule 2026

Wild-card round

Saturday, Jan. 10

MatchupTime (ET)TVLive stream
Rams at Panthers4:30 p.m.FoxFubo, Fox One
Packers at Bears8:00 p.m.—Amazon Prime Video

Sunday, Jan. 11

MatchupTime (ET)TVLive stream
Bills at Jaguars1:00 p.m.CBSFubo, Paramount+
49ers at Eagles4:30 p.m.FoxFubo, Fox One
Chargers at Patriots8:15 p.m.NBCFubo, Peacock

Monday, Jan. 12

MatchupTime (ET)TVLive stream
Texans at Steelers8:15 p.m.ESPN, ABCFubo, ESPN+

Divisional round

Saturday, Jan. 17

MatchupTime (ET)TVLive stream
TBD vs. TBD4:30 p.m.TBDTBD, Fubo
TBD vs. TBD8:15 p.m.TBDTBD, Fubo

Sunday, Jan. 18

MatchupTime (ET)TVLive stream
TBD vs. TBD3:00 p.m.TBDTBD, Fubo
TBD vs. TBD6:30 p.m.TBDTBD, Fubo

Conference championships

Sunday, Jan. 25

MatchupTime (ET)TVLive stream
AFC championship game3:00 p.m.CBSFubo, Paramount+
NFC championship game6:30 p.m.FoxFubo, Fox One

Super Bowl LX

Sunday, Feb. 8

MatchupTime (ET)TVLive stream
TBD vs. TBD6:30 p.m.NBCFubo, Peacock

Editorial Team