The Los Angeles Rams secured a thrilling 34-31 victory over the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Wild Card game on January 10, 2026, advancing to the divisional round for the second consecutive year. Matthew Stafford’s late touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson capped a dramatic comeback, showcasing his clutch performance under pressure.
In a tense playoff opener at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Rams established an early 14-0 lead. Stafford connected with wide receiver Puka Nacua for a 14-yard touchdown on the first drive, and after a Panthers turnover, Nacua scored again on a 5-yard run. The fast start put Carolina on its heels, but the home team responded in the second quarter with touchdowns from running back Chuba Hubbard and quarterback Bryce Young, narrowing the gap to 17-14 at halftime. The Rams had a chance to extend the lead before halftime, but a dropped pass by Nacua prevented another score, keeping the game within reach for the Panthers.
The third quarter saw both teams exchange field goals, setting the stage for a back-and-forth fourth quarter. Early in the final period, Hubbard’s second touchdown run gave the Panthers their first lead at 24-20. Stafford quickly answered, leading a drive that ended with a 13-yard touchdown pass to running back Kyren Williams, putting the Rams back ahead 27-24. However, special teams issues haunted Los Angeles when a blocked punt by Isaiah Simmons gave Carolina excellent field position, and Young capitalized with a 7-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Jalen Coker, making it 31-27 with 2:39 remaining. The Panthers’ defense, missing key players like cornerback Jaycee Horn due to injury, struggled to contain Stafford in the final moments.
With the season on the line, Stafford demonstrated his veteran poise, orchestrating a 71-yard drive in the final minutes. He completed 6 of 7 passes, including key throws to Nacua and Davante Adams, before finding tight end Colby Parkinson for a 19-yard touchdown with 38 seconds left. Parkinson described the pass as “perfect,” highlighting Stafford’s precision under pressure. The Panthers’ last-ditch effort fell short as they failed to convert on fourth down, sealing the Rams’ victory and ending Carolina’s playoff run.
Stafford finished with 304 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, adding to his legacy of game-winning drives. Puka Nacua was instrumental with 10 catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns, while on the Panthers’ side, Bryce Young threw for 264 yards and a score, and Jalen Coker had a breakout performance with nine receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown. The game highlighted the resilience of both teams, with Carolina fighting back from an early deficit but ultimately falling short in their first playoff appearance since 2017. Panthers coach Dave Canales expressed mixed emotions, proud of the team’s effort but disappointed by the missed opportunity.
The win advances the Rams to the NFC divisional round, where they will await the outcome of other wild-card games to determine their next opponent. Despite the victory, Rams coach Sean McVay acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly on special teams, which could be crucial in tougher road environments ahead. For the Panthers, the loss ends a promising season under coach Dave Canales, but the competitive showing against a favored opponent provides optimism for future campaigns. The Rams now look to build on this win as they aim for a deeper playoff run, relying on Stafford’s leadership and offensive firepower.
