When it comes to the postseason, all that matters is the final score. While the Panthers entered wild card weekend as significant underdogs, they didn’t play like it, giving the Rams all they could handle to open the 2025 postseason. In the end, however, the Rams survived and advanced, as Los Angeles defeated Carolina, 34-31.
The Rams built a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter, but the Panthers responded with a pair of touchdowns in the period. With an L.A. field goal, the Rams went into halftime up 17-14.
After the two teams traded field goals in the third quarter, Carolina took its first lead of the contest early in the fourth quarter with a 3-yard run by Chuba Hubbard. The Rams came back to regain the lead at 27-24 on Matthew Stafford’s 13-yard touchdown pass to Kyren Williams.
But then the special teams issues that have plagued L.A. all season resurfaced. Isaiah Simmons blocked a punt, setting up the Panthers at the Rams’ 30-yard line. Bryce Young connected with Jalen Coker for a 7-yard touchdown, giving Carolina a 31-27 lead with just 2:39 left on the clock.
That, however, was plenty of time for Stafford and the Rams, who methodically moved the ball into Carolina territory. Despite some struggles throughout the game, Stafford delivered a catchable pass on the right side to tight end Colby Parkinson, who made an outstanding play to secure the catch, get two feet in bounds, and break the plane for the go-ahead score.
The Panthers got the ball back with three timeouts and only 32 seconds remaining from their own 28-yard line. Young threw four straight incompletions, resulting in a turnover on downs and the Rams securing the victory.
Stafford finished the contest 24-of-42 for 304 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Nacua led Los Angeles with 10 catches for 111 yards, scoring two touchdowns—one receiving and one rushing. In his first game back from a hamstring injury, Davante Adams contributed five receptions for 72 yards.
Bryce Young played well for Carolina, completing 21-of-40 passes for 267 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He also added a 16-yard touchdown run late in the first half. Jalen Coker caught nine passes for 134 yards and a touchdown, while star rookie Tetairoa McMillan finished with five catches for 81 yards.
With the win, the Rams advance to the divisional round. Los Angeles will find out their next opponent following the result of Sunday’s matchup between No. 6 San Francisco and No. 3 Philadelphia.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/rams-survive-and-advance-defeat-panthers-34-31
