> At a Glance
> – Matthew Stafford threw a 19-yard touchdown to Colby Parkinson with seconds left
> – Puka Nacua posted 10 catches for 111 yards and a TD plus a rushing score
> – Jalen Coker broke out with 9 receptions for 134 yards and a TD for Carolina
> – Why it matters: The 5th-seeded Rams advance while the 8-9 Panthers show future promise
The Los Angeles Rams escaped a furious Carolina comeback, edging the Panthers 34-31 in Saturday’s wild-card opener. The victory sends the 12-5 Rams into the divisional round and ends Carolina’s surprise postseason run.
Stafford Delivers When It Matters
Down late after a blocked punt, Matthew Stafford engineered a 19-yard touchdown strike to tight end Colby Parkinson with time expiring. The soon-to-be 38-year-old finished 24 of 42 for 304 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
Stafford’s clutch drive answered Carolina’s go-ahead score and prevented overtime after Bryce Young’s final four pass attempts fell incomplete.
Nacua’s Two-Way Brilliance
Receiver Puka Nacua dominated from the outset, hauling in a touchdown on the opening series. He ended with 10 receptions on 18 targets for 111 yards and a score, adding 14 rushing yards and another TD on three carries.
His most critical contribution came on defense, breaking up a potential Stafford interception in the end zone that could have flipped the outcome.
Panthers’ Young Core Shines
Despite the loss, Carolina showcased building blocks for 2026:
- Bryce Young: 21-40, 264 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Jalen Coker: 9 catches, 134 yards, 1 TD (12 targets)
- Tet McMillan: 5 receptions, 81 yards (7 targets)
- Chuba Hubbard: 2 rushing TDs, 46 yards (13 carries)
The Panthers entered 8-9 but led late after blocking a punt in the fourth quarter.
Key Takeaways
- The Rams advance to face a yet-to-be-determined divisional opponent
- Stafford’s fourth-quarter poise validates his MVP candidacy
- Carolina’s second-year receiver Coker announced himself on a national stage
- An NFC South still lacking elite teams could be up for grabs next season
Los Angeles moves on with its Super Bowl hopes intact, while Carolina exits with proof its rebuild is ahead of schedule.
