LOS ANGELES, United States — Matthew Stafford led the Los Angeles Rams to a 34-31 win over the Carolina Panthers in the opening round of the NFL playoffs on Saturday, narrowly avoiding an upset after the Panthers mounted a late comeback.
Stafford, dealing with a hand injury that affected his passing, threw a game-winning touchdown to Colby Parkinson in the final minute, securing the victory and advancing the Rams to the divisional round.
The Rams started strongly, with wide receiver Puka Nacua scoring twice on the opening drive, giving Los Angeles a 14-0 lead. Carolina responded with a rushing touchdown by Chuba Hubbard, and quarterback Bryce Young added a 16-yard touchdown scramble before halftime.
In the second half, Stafford threw an interception, allowing Carolina to take the lead with another Hubbard touchdown. The Rams regained control with a no-look TD pass from Stafford to Kyren Williams, but the Panthers briefly went ahead again after blocking a fourth-down punt, with Young connecting with Jalen Coker for a touchdown.
Stafford’s late connection with Parkinson finalized the Rams’ 34-31 win. Stafford credited his teammates for the victory, saying, “I believe in my teammates. I know they believe in me.”
The Rams, considered Super Bowl contenders, will advance to face an opponent in the divisional round, while other wild card games include the San Francisco 49ers against Philadelphia, Chicago hosting Green Bay, and Buffalo facing Jacksonville.