Rams vs. Panthers: Biggest Unanswered Questions Entering Wild Card Round
The Los Angeles Rams are set to face the Carolina Panthers in the Wild Card round of the 2026 NFL playoffs this Saturday. It is a matchup defined by contrasting momentum and high stakes. The Rams, seeking revenge after a regular-season loss to Carolina, bring an elite offense and deep postseason experience. The Panthers, despite a losing record for the eighth consecutive season, won the NFC South and boast a defense capable of disruption.
As kickoff approaches, both teams must answer critical questions to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive.
Can the Rams’ Run Defense Stop the Bleeding?
The most glaring concern for Los Angeles heading into the postseason is their inability to stop the run, particularly in short-yardage situations. Throughout the 2025 season, the Rams’ run defense has been their Achilles’ heel. While they have statistically ranked reasonably well in second-level yards allowed, the eye test tells a different story one of a unit that can be whittled down by persistent ground attacks.
The Atlanta Falcons exposed this blueprint late in the season, leaning heavily on the run to keep Matthew Stafford and the Rams’ high-powered offense on the sideline. The Panthers, despite their overall offensive struggles, finished top-10 in rushing yards this season. Carolina is likely to exploit this weakness using creative run concepts to control the clock. If the Rams cannot shore up their front seven and stop Carolina on early downs, they risk watching their playoff run end before it truly begins.
Will Matthew Stafford Avoid the Big Mistake?
Matthew Stafford remains one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, but his aggressive style comes with risks. In the Rams’ previous matchup against the Panthers, Stafford threw three interceptions, directly contributing to the loss.
Carolina’s defense thrives on opportunism. They will look to disguise coverages and force Stafford into tight-window throws. With wide receiver Davante Adams getting healthy just in time to pair with Puka Nacua, Stafford has the weapons to dominate. However, the question remains: can he resist the urge to force the ball into coverage against a Panthers secondary that is hungry for turnovers? The Rams need Stafford to be efficient, not just explosive.
Can Carolina’s Offensive Line Protect Bryce Young?
For the Panthers, everything starts up front. Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu faces a massive test against Rams edge rushers Byron Young and Jared Verse. In their last meeting, the Rams were able to pressure quarterback Bryce Young, forcing hurried decisions.
Bryce Young has shown growth, using his legs to pick up crucial first downs and making smarter reads. However, he cannot operate if he is constantly under siege. The Panthers’ ability to sustain drives and convert on third downs an area where they struggled mightily during the regular season, converting just 37% of attempts hinges on giving their quarterback a clean pocket. If Ekwonu and the line can hold up, Young can attack the Rams’ younger cornerbacks downfield.
Is the Rams’ “Team Readiness” a Factor?
There is an intangible element to this game: mental toughness. The Rams have fluctuated this season, holding the No. 1 seed twice only to lose it immediately. They have looked like world-beaters one week and vulnerable the next. Facing a Panthers team playing with “house money” and the energy of a home crowd creates a dangerous environment.
The Rams must prove they are mentally prepared for the grind of the postseason. They cannot afford to overlook a sub-.500 team that has already beaten them once.
Prediction
This game will likely come down to which unit breaks first: the Rams’ run defense or the Panthers’ offensive line. If Los Angeles can force Carolina into third-and-long situations, their pass rush should take over. However, if the Panthers establish the run and keep Stafford off the field, an upset is entirely possible.
Saturday’s Wild Card showdown promises to be a thrilling matchup as both teams fight to extend their seasons.
