Panthers-Rams wild-card game preview offers seven questions, key matchups and a prediction

The Carolina Panthers host the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC wild-card game; Carolina beat the Rams in Week 13 and enters the playoff matchup as a 10.5-point underdog.

The Panthers return to the playoffs at Bank of America Stadium for an NFC wild-card game against the Los Angeles Rams. It is Carolina's first postseason appearance since 2017 and the team clinched the NFC South with an 8-9 record. The Panthers beat the Rams in Week 13, and the matchup has drawn local excitement with Cam Newton making an appearance and former Panthers Luke Kuechly and Greg Olsen on the broadcast. The Rams arrive as favorites under coach Sean McVay with quarterback Matthew Stafford leading a high-powered passing attack. Key points: - The game is a home playoff contest for Carolina at Bank of America Stadium. - Carolina reached the playoffs at 8-9 and had beaten the Rams in Week 13, when the Panthers rushed for a season-high 164 yards on 40 carries. - Los Angeles is viewed as the stronger regular-season team and is favored by 10.5 points; Matthew Stafford and coach Sean McVay lead the Rams. - Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero previously worked on McVay's staff and that familiarity was credited with helping limit the Rams in the first meeting. - Key player notes include Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker as focal points for Carolina's offense, Puka Nacua and the returning Davante Adams as primary threats for Los Angeles, and the expected return or availability questions around Panthers guard Rob Hunt and Rams guard Kevin Dotson. - Weather forecasts call for warm, windy conditions in Charlotte with roughly a 50 percent chance of rain on game day. Summary: The game's outcome will decide which team advances in the NFC playoffs and will be shaped by defensive strategy, running-game success, and how weather affects passing. Evero's knowledge of the Rams and Carolina's Week 13 win are noted as influential, while personnel availability and game conditions are also factors. Undetermined at this time.