CHARLOTTE, NC — In a game that lived up to its “Super Wild Card” billing, the Los Angeles Rams exacted revenge on the Carolina Panthers with a 34-31 victory on Saturday afternoon. A late-game connection from MVP-favorite Matthew Stafford to tight end Colby Parkinson proved to be the difference, sending the Rams to the Divisional Round and ending Carolina’s improbable “under .500” playoff run.
The win was anything but easy for Sean McVay’s squad, who entered Bank of America Stadium as 10.5-point favorites but found themselves in a back-and-forth slugfest against a resilient Panthers team that had previously upset them in Week 13.
The Parkinson Punch
With less than three minutes remaining and the game tied at 27, Stafford orchestrated a masterclass 75-yard drive. While much of the focus this season has been on the Rams’ blockbuster addition, Davante Adams, it was the 6’7″ Colby Parkinson who became the hero.
Following a series of quick outs to Adams, Stafford threaded a needle between two defenders in the red zone, finding Parkinson for a 12-yard score. It was Parkinson’s 9th touchdown of the 2025-26 campaign, punctuating a career year for the former Stanford standout.
Bryce Young’s Valiant Stand
The Panthers, who clinched the NFC South with an 8-9 record, refused to go quietly. Bryce Young turned in one of his most poised performances to date, connecting early and often with rookie sensation Tetairoa McMillan.
Young led a frantic final drive that reached the Rams’ 32-yard line. However, a crucial sack by Jared Verse on third down forced Carolina into a difficult 50-yard field goal attempt. While Eddy Piñeiro’s kick had the distance, it hooked wide left as time expired, sparking a jubilant celebration on the Rams’ sideline.
🚨 The “Stafford Finger” Concern
The victory celebration was tempered slightly by a late-game injury scare. In the third quarter, Stafford appeared to jam a finger on his throwing hand against a defender’s helmet. While he finished the game with a taped hand, the veteran quarterback was seen in visible discomfort during post-game interviews.
“It’s the playoffs; everyone’s dealing with something,” Stafford told reporters with a grin, though he was notably avoiding a firm grip with his right hand. “We’ll get the X-rays and do what we need to do. I’ll be out there next week.”
Head coach Sean McVay confirmed the team would monitor the injury closely but expressed confidence in Stafford’s “iron-man” reputation.
What’s Next?
The Los Angeles Rams now await the results of Sunday night’s 49ers vs. Eagles clash to determine their Divisional Round opponent. If the 49ers win, the Rams will prepare for a high-stakes “rubber match” against their NFC West rivals.
For the Panthers, the loss marks the end of a season that defied expectations. Despite the 8-9 finish, head coach Dave Canales has seemingly found his franchise cornerstone in Bryce Young, and the emergence of McMillan suggests a bright future in Charlotte.
