Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford calls a play in the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium

Rams vs. Panthers 2026 NFL Super Wild Card Preview Odds, Injuries, Prediction

Jason Dayee

The Los Angeles Rams travel to Charlotte to face the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Wild Card round on Saturday afternoon. This matchup features an MVP candidate in Matthew Stafford looking to avenge a Week 13 loss against an 8-9 Panthers squad that defied the odds to win the NFC South.

Los Angeles enters the postseason as a dominant 12-5 team that stumbled down the stretch. They lost three of their final six games, including a critical 31-28 defeat to these very Panthers in November. Carolina enters the tournament as just the fifth team in NFL history to make the playoffs with a losing record. Despite the disparity in win totals, the Panthers own the head-to-head advantage and home-field momentum.

Game Snapshot

  • Kickoff: Saturday, Jan. 10 at 4:30 PM ET
  • Location: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, N.C.)
  • TV: FOX
  • Odds: Rams -10.5, O/U 46.5

Playoff Context and Recent Form

The Rams missed out on the NFC West title by two games after a Week 16 overtime loss to Seattle. However, their resume remains that of a contender. Stafford led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns. Running back Kyren Williams posted his third consecutive 1,000-yard season. This offense ranks first in the league in scoring.

Carolina secured its first playoff berth since 2017 by winning a tiebreaker over the Buccaneers and Falcons. First-year head coach Dave Canales steered the ship through rough waters to claim the division title. The Panthers have won five of their eight home games this season. They rely on a defense that forced three turnovers against Stafford in their regular season meeting.

Injury Report: Adams Returns

The biggest storyline on the injury front is the return of Davante Adams. The Rams star receiver missed the final three games of the regular season with a hamstring injury. He practiced in full this week and carries no injury designation. His presence is vital for Los Angeles. Adams led the league with 14 touchdown receptions despite the missed time.

The Rams offensive line takes a hit with right guard Kevin Dotson ruled out due to an ankle injury. Defensive back Quentin Lake returns after a seven-game absence.

Carolina is relatively healthy entering the postseason. The primary question mark is guard Robert Hunt. He has been on injured reserve since Week 2 with a torn triceps but practiced this week. The coaching staff must decide if he is ready to start in a playoff atmosphere.

Key Matchups and Storylines

Matthew Stafford vs. Panthers Secondary
Stafford endured perhaps his worst game of the season in Week 13. He threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in the final minutes. The Panthers played that game without top cornerback Jaycee Horn and safety Trevon Moehrig. Both defensive backs are active for the rematch. Stafford must protect the football to avoid another upset.

Rams Rushing Attack vs. Carolina Front Seven
Los Angeles found success on the ground in the first meeting. They rushed for 152 yards and averaged 7.2 yards per carry. Kyren Williams faces a Panthers defense that ranked 20th against the run during the regular season. With anticipated rain in Charlotte, Sean McVay may lean heavily on the ground game to control the clock.

Bryce Young on the Big Stage
This marks the playoff debut for the former No. 1 overall pick. Young has shown growth under Canales. He has led 12 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime since 2023. He threw for 206 yards and three touchdowns in the win over the Rams. He needs to play mistake-free football to keep pace with the high-powered Rams offense.

Prediction

The regular season meeting suggests this will be a tight contest. However, playoff football often favors experience and quarterback play. Stafford is a Super Bowl champion playing at an MVP level. The return of Davante Adams adds a dimension to the Rams offense that Carolina did not face in November.

Carolina deserves credit for fighting into the postseason. Yet their -69 point differential highlights significant flaws. The Rams are 10.5-point favorites for a reason. Expect McVay and Stafford to adjust from the Week 13 game plan and exploit the Panthers’ run defense. Los Angeles advances to the Divisional Round.

Pick: Rams 27, Panthers 17

Originally from Staten Island, New York, I’ve spent most of my adult life in Arizona, where my passion for sports continues to grow. A proud University of Arizona graduate, I developed my journalism skills covering mostly football, basketball, and a few other sports for the Daily Wildcat and UATV-3.

Now covering the Kansas City Chiefs for Total Apex Sports, I aim to tell authentic stories that highlight the journeys, triumphs, and challenges of athletes today. I’m passionate about connecting with readers through honest and insightful coverage that reflects my deep love for the game.

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