Rams beat Panthers in wild-card game to advance

The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Carolina Panthers 34-31 in the wild-card round, advancing to the divisional playoffs. Matthew Stafford capped a 71-yard drive with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson with 38 seconds remaining.

The Los Angeles Rams beat the Carolina Panthers 34-31 in Charlotte on Saturday to advance to the divisional round of the NFL playoffs for the second straight year. The matchup featured multiple fourth-quarter lead changes and a late, 71-yard drive that produced the game-winning score. This game was a rematch of a Week 13 meeting that Carolina won 31-28 earlier in the season. Both teams had notable individual performances that shaped the outcome. Game facts: - Final score: Rams 34, Panthers 31, with Los Angeles advancing to the divisional round. - Matthew Stafford led a 71-yard drive and threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson with 38 seconds left to give the Rams the lead. - Stafford completed 24 of 42 passes for 304 yards with three touchdown passes and one interception. - Puka Nacua had 10 receptions for 111 yards and two total touchdowns; Panthers' Chuba Hubbard ran for two touchdowns and Bryce Young threw for 264 yards with a passing touchdown and a rushing score. - The Rams forced two takeaways in the first half, and the team recorded its 10th game this season with multiple takeaways, tied for the NFL lead according to ESPN Research. Summary: The Rams' 34-31 victory eliminates the Panthers from the playoffs and moves Los Angeles into the divisional round. The outcome was decided late on Stafford's touchdown pass after several fourth-quarter lead changes. Opponents and the divisional-round schedule are undetermined at this time.