Rams Escape with 34-31 Victory Over Panthers in Wild Card Showdown

Thrilling Playoff Battle Captivates NFL Fans

The 2025 NFL playoffs kicked off in thrilling fashion on Saturday afternoon, as the visiting Los Angeles Rams (12-5) defeated the Carolina Panthers (8-9), 34-31. The Wild Card matchup, played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, lived up to its billing as one of the most dramatic games in recent playoff history, with the Carolina Panthers entering the 2026 playoffs as the biggest underdog in the NFL.

Stafford’s Heroics Seal the Victory

The game came down to the wire, with Matthew Stafford’s touchdown pass to tight end Colby Parkinson helping the Rams take the lead with 38 seconds left in the fourth. The Rams hung on to beat the Panthers 34-31 and advance to the divisional round, narrowly avoiding what would have been a historic upset.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (NFL-high 4,707 passing yards and 46 passing touchdowns) and wide receiver Puka Nacua (NFL-high 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns) put on a show in a wild back-and-forth affair. Despite struggling in the second half after injuring his hand, Stafford delivered when it mattered most.

Panthers’ Valiant Effort Falls Short

The underdog Panthers, who made their first playoff appearance in eight years, nearly stunned the world in a gutsy effort led by quarterback Bryce Young. The rematch had added significance, as these teams met in Week 13, with Carolina prevailing 31-28 at home. The Panthers briefly took the lead late in the fourth quarter after blocking a punt, but couldn’t hold on.

What This Means for Both Teams

For the Rams, the victory keeps their Super Bowl hopes alive as they advance to face tougher competition in the divisional round. However, the narrow escape against an 8-9 team raises questions about their consistency. For Carolina, despite elimination, their playoff appearance and competitive performance signal progress for a young team building around Bryce Young. The game showcased that on any given day, underdogs can compete with the league’s elite.