The Rams entered Saturday evening’s clash with the Panthers as heavy favorites. A big reason for that was star QB Matthew Stafford. Los Angeles’ veteran signal-caller enjoyed an MVP-caliber season, leading the league in passing touchdowns and passing yards.
Against Carolina, Stafford seemed poised to replicate his regular-season success. He connected on passes all across the Bank of America Stadium in the first two quarters, becoming the Rams' all-time leader in playoff passing yards in the process.
Stafford's performance faded as the game wore on, hampered by an inspired Carolina defense and an apparent hand injury. Nevertheless, his first-half showing was enough to cement his place in Rams history.
Here’s a look at Stafford’s performance vs. Carolina and the players he connected with on his way into the L.A. Record books.
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Matthew Stafford stats today vs. Panthers
Halftime score: Rams 34, Panthers 31
- Completions/Attempts: 24/42
- Passing Yards: 304
- AVG: 7.2
- Passing TDs: 3
- INTs: 1
- Rating: 93.8
Stafford put forth an impressive display in the first half, collecting yardage in bunches. He connected with Puka Nacua for one score and set the BYU alum up for another, although the play was eventually ruled a run play.
Stafford's efficiency was noteworthy. He found his target on eight of his first nine throws, producing a passer rating that would rank as one of the best in postseason history.
All that amounted to an efficient and effective first half showing for Stafford, who reiterated his MVP credentials with another glistening display — this time, under the playoff lights.
The brilliance subsided ever-so-slightly as Stafford's apparent hand injury took center stage. His patented efficiency spurned him as in the third and fourth frame, only returning when his side needed it most: Stafford hit Cody Parkinson for a touchdown in the game's waning moments, delivering a momentous – and hard-fought — win over the Panthers.
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OMG STAFFORD TO PARKINSON FOR THE LEAD!
— NFL (@NFL) January 11, 2026
LARvsCAR on FOX/FOX One
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Rams playoff passing leaders
Stafford's first-half outburst surged him to the top of Los Angeles' postseason record books. He became the Rams' all-time leading playoff passer against the Panthers, eclipsing a host of icons — including Kurt Warner — to take the title of best postseason hurler in franchise history.
MORE: Puka Nacua stats performance vs. Panthers
Here's a look at where he stands on the Rams' all-time list:
| Player Name | Yards | Years |
| Matthew Stafford | 2,292 | 2021-present |
| Kurt Warner | 2,221 | 1999-2001 |
| Jared Goff | 1,300 | 2017-20 |
| Vince Ferragamo | 1,227 | 1978-83 |
| Jim Everett | 1,120 | 1986-89 |
Do playoff stats count in MVP race?
While Stafford enjoyed another sterling day under the lights, the numbers he accrue throughout the postseason will not count towards his MVP candidacy. Votes for the famous award have already been filed, meaning that Stafford cannot actually improve his chances at landing the prize.
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Has Matthew Stafford won a Super Bowl?
Stafford is a Super Bowl champion, having hoisted the hardware in 2022 after leading Los Angeles to a 23-20 win over the Bengals in Super Bowl 56.
Stafford wasn't quite faultless in his showing. He tossed two interceptions on the day, seeing his patented efficiency slow amid Cincinnati's harrowing pass rush.
Still, his final line was reflective of one of his generation's best gunslingers: 26-of-40 passing for 283 yards, three touchdowns and two picks.