Charlotte, N.C. — Wildcard Weekend opens with one of the most deceptive matchups on the slate. The Rams arrive as heavy favorites with deep postseason experience, while the Panthers enter with nothing to lose — and the confidence of having already beaten this opponent once this season.
That earlier meeting still looms large. In Week 13, Carolina stunned Los Angeles 31–28 in a high-scoring thriller, turning what looked like a routine Rams win into a momentum-shifting upset. The rematch raises the stakes and reframes the narrative, transforming this into a test of composure, discipline, and execution.
Los Angeles knows exactly what went wrong the first time. The Rams lost the turnover battle 3–0, with Matthew Stafford throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble. Clean football sends them to the divisional round. Sloppy football gives Carolina belief — again.
For the Panthers, this game is about confidence and conviction. They’ve already shown they can disrupt the Rams’ rhythm. Now, they must do it again with everything on the line.
Betting Lines (ESPN)
- Spread: Rams -10 (opened at -10.5)
- Moneyline: Rams -600 | Panthers +440
- Over/Under: 46.5
Résumé Check
The Rams finished the regular season at 12–5, navigating one of the league’s toughest schedules with veteran poise. This is familiar territory for Sean McVay’s group — a team comfortable under playoff pressure and built for January football. The offense can score in bursts, the defense can close games, and McVay’s staff understands situational postseason management.
Carolina reached the postseason at 8–9, though the record doesn’t fully capture their path. The Panthers won key games down the stretch while receiving help from division rival Tampa Bay, which dropped seven of its final nine contests. While Carolina lacks playoff pedigree, they’ve proven capable of swinging momentum quickly when opponents get careless.
Star Players to Watch
Rams:
Matthew Stafford is the favorite to win NFL MVP, which would be the first of his career. He’s surrounded by elite talent that elevates the entire offense. The running back duo of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum forces defenses to stay disciplined, while the passing game features two premier weapons in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Both receivers are Alpha’s that can operate outside or from the slot, creating constant matchup problems.
Defensively, Jared Verse anchors the front as one of the league’s most disruptive edge players. Across from him, Byron Young is enjoying a career year with 12 sacks. This Rams defense is deep, aggressive, and extremely well-coached.
Panthers:
Carolina is led by third-year quarterback Bryce Young, who has shown steady growth each season. The Panthers lean on a physical run game featuring Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard, forcing defenses to commit extra resources to stopping the run and opening opportunities for Young. Rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has been a revelation and is firmly in the Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation.
On defense, Carolina’s success hinges on its stars. Derrick Brown and Nic Scourton anchor the front, while Pro Bowl corner Jaycee Horn leads the secondary. All three must deliver standout performances to slow down this explosive Rams offense.
How Each Team Wins
Rams win if:
- They protect the football and eliminate turnovers
- Establish early offensive rhythm to quiet the crowd
- Build a lead and force Carolina out of balance
Panthers win if:
- They win the turnover battle again
- Gain an edge on special teams
- Keep the game competitive going into the fourth quarter
Prediction
This matchup looks lopsided on paper, but Carolina already proved they can beat Los Angeles. Still, expect the Rams to arrive in Charlotte focused and motivated. This time, they play clean football, control the game on both sides, and avoid the mistakes that doomed them in the first meeting.
Rams 34, Panthers 17
Los Angeles moves on to the divisional round — likely on the road once again, a familiar reality for a wild card team that didn’t win its division.
