Rams-Panthers preview: Rams visit Panthers in NFC wild-card game

The Los Angeles Rams (12-5) visit the Carolina Panthers (8-9) in an NFC wild-card playoff game on Saturday; Matthew Stafford led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns this season and Davante Adams is set to return from a hamstring injury.

The Los Angeles Rams travel to Charlotte to meet the Carolina Panthers in an NFC wild-card playoff game on Saturday. Matthew Stafford arrived at training camp unsure he would play after a back injury and finished the season with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes. Carolina beat Los Angeles 31-28 in Week 13 and earned a playoff spot after needing help in Week 18. The matchup follows a late stretch where the Rams lost several close games and the Panthers enter with many players who have not played in the postseason. Matchup highlights: - Game: Rams (12-5) at Panthers (8-9) in an NFC wild-card playoff on Saturday. - Matthew Stafford led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes this season. - The Panthers beat the Rams 31-28 in Week 13, forcing three turnovers and ending Stafford's streak of 28 touchdown passes without an interception. - Davante Adams returns from a hamstring injury and versatile safety Quentin Lake is back after missing seven games following elbow surgery. - The Rams' defense allowed 28 points per game in its final six contests and struggled late in close games. - The Panthers needed an Atlanta Falcons win in Week 18 to reach the playoffs and have 31 players without postseason experience, including quarterback Bryce Young. Summary: The game will decide which team advances in the NFC playoffs and matches a top passing offense led by Stafford against a Panthers defense that previously forced turnovers in their November meeting. The Rams bring more postseason experience while the Panthers feature many players making their playoff debuts. The immediate next step is the outcome of Saturday's game, which will determine advancement in the playoff bracket.