The los angeles rams vs carolina panthers match player stats delivered one of the most thrilling games of the 2026 NFL Wild Card round on Saturday, January 10. The NFC contest at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, kept fans on edge until the final whistle. Both teams traded big plays, late‑game momentum swings, and standout individual performances in a back‑and‑forth battle that showcased playoff grit and resilience. Ultimately, the Rams pulled out a dramatic 34–31 victory, advancing to the divisional round while the Panthers’ season came to a heartbreaking close.
Quick Match Stats Table
| Category | Los Angeles Rams | Carolina Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 411 | 333 |
| Passing Yards | 295 | 250 |
| Rushing Yards | 116 | 83 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Penalties | 9-83 | 4–35 |
| Time of Possession | 31:46 | 28:14 |
Quick Score Table
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | 7 | 10 | 3 | 17 | 34 |
| Carolina Panthers | 0 | 14 | 3 | 14 | 31 |
Final Score and Game Overview
The final score read Los Angeles Rams 34, Carolina Panthers 31, reflecting a tightly contested matchup. The Rams, who finished the regular season at 12‑5, entered the playoffs as a higher seed and favorite, but the Panthers, an NFC South title winner at 8‑9, refused to fall quietly. Carolina fought back from an early deficit to take the lead late in the fourth quarter before a clutch drive led by Matthew Stafford and capped by a game‑winning touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson shifted the result in Los Angeles’s favor.
Key Player Performances for the Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback Matthew Stafford was the driving force behind the Rams’ offense, completing 24 of 42 passes for 304 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in Sunday’s wild‑card clash. His poise in the final minutes proved decisive, connecting with key receivers to fuel the comeback. Receiver Puka Nacua also delivered a standout performance with 10 receptions for 111 yards and two total touchdowns, displaying his role as a focal point of Los Angeles’s passing attack. Meanwhile, running back Kyren Williams added a touchdown and provided balance with his dual threat on the ground and as a receiver. Kicker Harrison Mevis contributed two field goals to keep the Rams on top of the scoreboard for much of the game.
Key Player Performances for the Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback Matthew Stafford was the driving force behind the Rams’ offense, completing 24 of 42 passes for 304 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in Sunday’s wild‑card clash. His poise in the final minutes proved decisive, connecting with key receivers to fuel the comeback. Receiver Puka Nacua also delivered a standout performance with 10 receptions for 111 yards and two total touchdowns, displaying his role as a focal point of Los Angeles’s passing attack. Meanwhile, running back Kyren Williams added a touchdown and provided balance with his dual threat on the ground and as a receiver. Kicker Harrison Mevis contributed two field goals to keep the Rams on top of the scoreboard for much of the game.
Quarter-by-Quarter Game Summary
The Rams started strong, jumping out to a 14–0 lead in the first half thanks to early offensive success. Carolina responded in the second quarter to close the gap, setting up a tense second half. The third quarter saw both teams trading field goals, keeping the score within reach. With time winding down in the fourth quarter, Carolina surged ahead 31–27 before Los Angeles answered with a thrilling, late touchdown drive. The critical play came with 38 seconds left when Stafford found Parkinson for a 19‑yard touchdown pass, sealing the game in dramatic fashion and sending the Rams on to the next round of the playoffs.
Passing Stats Breakdown: Quarterbacks in Focus
Matthew Stafford’s 304 passing yards highlighted his efficient night, especially when it mattered most. The veteran quarterback’s connection with Nacua and Parkinson proved vital down the stretch, and though he threw an interception, Stafford’s leadership in pressure situations stood out. On the opposite sideline, Bryce Young’s 264 aerial yards and scrambling ability underscored his dual threat as both a passer and runner, making Carolina’s offense unpredictable and effective throughout most of the contest.
Rushing Stats Analysis: Ground Game Impact
While this game featured dynamic passing performances, the running game also played a meaningful role. Rams back Kyren Williams contributed both as a runner and receiver, aiding the balanced offensive attack. Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard made his mark with multiple rushing touchdowns, keeping Carolina close on the scoreboard with physical persistence. The ground game opened up opportunities for big passing plays, shifting field position and keeping defenses guessing.
Rushing Stats Analysis: Ground Game Impact
While this game featured dynamic passing performances, the running game also played a meaningful role. Rams back Kyren Williams contributed both as a runner and receiver, aiding the balanced offensive attack. Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard made his mark with multiple rushing touchdowns, keeping Carolina close on the scoreboard with physical persistence. The ground game opened up opportunities for big passing plays, shifting field position and keeping defenses guessing.
Receiving Stats Highlights: Top Targets and Yardage
Among receivers, Puka Nacua stood out with his team‑leading contribution, hauling in 10 catches and two touchdowns. His performance exemplified clutch production at key moments and helped the Rams stay competitive. On Carolina’s side, Jalen Coker’s 134 yards receiving demonstrated why he is rapidly becoming a reliable target, contributing explosiveness that tested Los Angeles’s secondary throughout the night.
Defensive Standouts: Tackles, Sacks, and Turnovers
Defensive efforts shaped this playoff thriller as much as offensive output. Although stat sheets often highlight touchdowns and yardage, pressure from both defensive lines kept each team honest. Key tackles limited explosive gains and turnovers influenced field position, swinging momentum multiple times. Carolina’s defense forced critical pauses in the Rams’ offense, while Los Angeles defenders disrupted passing lanes and pressured Young into tough decisions. Overall, defense played a critical role in one of the tightest games of Wild Card Weekend.
Special Teams Contributions and Key Plays
Special teams made its mark with key field goals from Harrison Mevis for the Rams, ensuring consistent scoring opportunities. Panthers kickers and return units contributed to field position battles that made every yard meaningful. While special teams rarely steal headlines in playoff games, in this matchup their precision and timing helped maintain offensive rhythm and created scoring opportunities that kept both teams competitive deep into the final quarter.
Critical Moments That Changed the Game
Several moments altered the trajectory of this Wild Card game. A blocked punt temporarily swung momentum Carolina’s way, setting up a scoring opportunity and a late lead. However, the Rams’ late game drive, capped by Stafford’s touchdown to Parkinson, stands as the defining moment of the game. Key third‑down conversions and situational execution under pressure highlighted the Rams’ poise and ultimately swung the outcome in Los Angeles’ favor.
Comparing Team Stats: Rams vs Panthers Overall Performance
Overall offensive and defensive statistics provided a balanced view of this matchup. The Rams entered the game with one of the league’s top offenses during the regular season, led by Stafford’s elite passing numbers and Nacua’s prolific receiving production. Carolina, though underdog, carried momentum from a strong second half of the season and made plays that mirrored playoff intensity. While both teams executed well on key drives, the Rams’ balanced attack and late pressure plays tipped statistical advantages in their favor.
Impact of the Game on Playoff Standings
This Wild Card victory keeps the Rams’ playoff hopes alive as they advance to face their next divisional opponent, potentially the Chicago Bears, depending on other games’ outcomes. The Panthers, meanwhile, saw their season end despite a spirited effort and strong performances from several key contributors. For Los Angeles, the win maintains momentum and reinforces their position as a serious contender deep into the postseason.
Fan Reactions and Media Highlights
Fans and media responded enthusiastically to this dramatic playoff opener, with social media lighting up around key plays and player highlights. Analysts praised Stafford’s calm leadership and the Rams’ late escape, while Panthers supporters celebrated Carolina’s resilience despite the loss. Across platforms, commentary highlighted Nacua’s heroics and Stafford’s clutch execution, cementing this game as one of the most memorable Wild Card contests of the season.
Conclusion
The los angeles rams vs carolina panthers match player stats 34–31 Wild Card win over the Panthers showcased championship mettle and postseason grit. Los Angeles emerged with a formula that blends veteran leadership, explosive offense, and situational toughness. In contrast, Carolina’s spirited comeback and balanced attack highlight their potential despite the loss. For both teams, this matchup provided a blueprint of strengths and weaknesses that will define offseason strategy and future playoff aspirations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Rams vs Panthers Wild Card game?
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Carolina Panthers 34–31 in their NFC Wild Card matchup.
Who led the Rams offensively in this game?
Quarterback Matthew Stafford led the Rams with 304 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Puka Nacua had 10 catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
How did Bryce Young perform for the Panthers?
Panthers quarterback Bryce Young threw for 264 yards, one passing touchdown, and also scored a rushing touchdown in the playoff loss.
Did any injuries impact the game?
Rams receiver Davante Adams suffered a bloody injury but continued playing, while Panthers offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu suffered a torn patellar tendon and will require surgery.
What’s next for the Rams in the playoffs?
With the Wild Card victory, the Rams advance to the divisional round, where they may face the Chicago Bears depending on other game results.
VISIT MORE: APEX MAGAZINE
