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

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The NFL wild-card playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Carolina Panthers is set to be the ultimate clash of narratives: a bona fide championship contender facing a Cinderella team that rode a thin margin and an opportune division title into the playoffs. The Rams, finishing the regular season at 12-5 and considered one of the NFL's elite, bring with them an offensive firepower that has been unstoppable for most of the year. They enter Charlotte as heavy favorites, carrying the weight of massive expectations on their Super Bowl-experienced roster.

At the center of the Rams' machine is quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has pieced together his best season of his 17 years in the NFL. The 37-year-old veteran has been an absolute statistical marvel, leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns with an astounding 4,707 yards and a career-best 46 touchdowns against only 12 interceptions. His incredible production and efficiency, highlighted by his league-leading passing grade on downfield throws, have placed him firmly in the conversation for the NFL MVP award. For Stafford, this postseason run is the next step in solidifying a legacy that continues to climb.

Standing opposite the juggernaut Rams are the Carolina Panthers, who clinched the NFC South with a sub-.500 record, landing them in the playoffs at 8-9. Their journey was characterized by grit and opportunism, including a signature 31-28 upset victory over these very Rams in Week 13. While they limped into the postseason with a two-game losing streak, they are fueled by the energy of a fanbase that hasn't seen a home playoff game in over a decade. The Panthers represent the quintessential underdog, benefiting from the NFL’s divisional structure to earn a shot at redemption.

The Panthers have the blueprint for beating Los Angeles, having forced two crucial Matthew Stafford interceptions and a late-game fumble in their Week 13 victory —a rare crack in the MVP-favorite's armor. Carolina's defense will need to replicate that aggressive, turnover-forcing performance against a Rams team that is now healthy and driven to correct the mid-season lapse that allowed the upset to happen in the first place.

This game presents a classic playoff scenario: the high-flying, heavily favored offense led by a potential MVP, versus the gritty, home-field underdog determined to prove their legitimacy. Will Stafford continue his career-peak season and march the Rams one step closer to another title, or will the Carolina Panthers summon the magic of their underdog status and deliver a shocking playoff knockout at Bank of America Stadium? The answer will define the opening weekend of the NFC bracket.

AllSportsPeople is tracking live scoring updates and highlights for Rams vs. Panthers in the NFC wild-card round on Saturday. Follow below for complete results from the 2026 NFL playoff game.

STREAM: Watch Rams vs. Panthers live with Fubo (free trial)

Rams vs. Panthers score

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

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.

You already know Puka's watching @KingJames highlights 🏀 pic.twitter.com/3L9EyziCUD

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 10, 2026

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.

Brrrrryce 🥶@CokeCCBCC | #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/DAtmFAmXd3

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 10, 2026

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.

Of course, second-year receiver Xavier Legette had to bring out all the stops for his entrance.

#Panthers WR Xavier Legette rode his horse, Dolla Bill, to today’s playoff game vs the #Rams. 😂🐴

(🎥: @DNewtonespn)pic.twitter.com/sS5laW8qtW

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 10, 2026

MORE 2026 NFL PLAYOFF NEWS:

• Full NFL playoff schedule
• Updated NFL playoff bracket
• Wild-card picks, predictions
• NFL playoff power rankings, 1-14
• SN's expert playoff predictions, Super Bowl 60 picks

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

Sunday, Jan. 11

Monday, Jan. 12

Divisional round

Saturday, Jan. 17

Sunday, Jan. 18

Conference championships

Sunday, Jan. 25

Super Bowl LX

Sunday, Feb. 8