The Los Angeles Rams were cruising to the status of the NFC's team to beat in the 2025 NFL playoffs going into their Week 13 matchup against the Panthers. But after a shocking loss to Carolina with quarterback Matthew Stafford cooling off, everything at the top of the conference is in question again.
The Rams fell to 9-3 with the defeat, which gives plenty of hope to other teams trying to either earn the NFC's top seed (with home-field advantage and a bye) for the playoffs. It also opened the door for Los Angeles to lose the NFC West down the stretch.
Here's what the Rams' upset loss means for multiple teams in the NFC playoff picture:
What it means for the Rams
The Rams dropped to No. 2 behind the Bears, who beat the Eagles on Friday. That's because the Bears have a better conference record at 9-3 (6-2) than the Rams (4-3). They also lead the NFC West by a half-game over both the Seahawks (8-3) and 49ers (9-4).
MORE: How Matthew Stafford's miscues doomed Los Angeles in loss to Panthers
What it means for the Bears
The Bears hit the jackpot by moving up two spots in three days. They are now in complete control of the top seed should they win out in Weeks 14 through 18.
What it means for the Eagles
The Eagles have suffered back-to-back tough losses to the Cowboys and Bears. They could have lost more ground had the Rams won, but they still stay a game behind the Rams and Bears as the No. 3 seed.
MORE: How Eagles offense is failing as of late
What it means for the 49ers
The 49ers have yet to have their bye week and have one more loss than the Rams. They will finish their season hoping to make up ground in Weeks 15 through 18 after not playing in Week 14 when the Rams play at the Cardinals.
MORE: NFL playoff picture Updated AFC, NFC standings for Week 13
What it means for the Seahawks
The Seahawks can get into a virtual tie with the Rams should they beat the Vikings as expected in the late afternoon window of Week 13. The Rams, however, did win the first meeting to own the tiebreaker before the teams play again in Week 16.
What it means for the Panthers and Buccaneers
The Panthers kept pace with the Buccaneers, getting to 7-6 while the Bucs are 7-5. Carolina, like San Francisco, has a valuable Week 14 bye while the Bucs play the Saints.