The Carolina Panthers, having secured a playoff berth with a losing record—only the fifth team in NFL history to do so—now face a formidable Wild Card round challenge against the Los Angeles Rams. The game, a classic underdog story, pits a resilient Panthers squad against a Rams team built for postseason success. All eyes will be on how the Panthers’ defense, spearheaded by star defensive tackle Derrick Brown, can contain the Rams’ offensive attack. Brown, a force in the middle, is poised to wreak havoc on the Rams’ offensive line once again, a matchup that could be pivotal in determining the game’s outcome.
Offensively, the Panthers will rely on the dynamic play of quarterback Bryce Young, who has shown flashes of brilliance with his scrambling ability, including a memorable 16-yard touchdown run in a recent contest. The ground game will also feature running back Chuba Hubbard, whose production will be crucial in maintaining balance and controlling the clock against a tough Rams defense. The Panthers’ path to an upset likely requires a complete performance, with Hubbard finding running lanes and Young making plays both inside and outside the structure of the offense.
A significant subplot for the Rams revolves around their quarterback depth. While veteran Matthew Stafford is the unquestioned starter and leader, the identity of the Rams’ backup quarterback is a point of discussion for the team’s long-term planning. The 2026 QB depth chart behind Stafford remains a topic of speculation, highlighting the importance of stability at the sport’s most critical position. For this playoff game, however, all focus is on Stafford’s ability to dissect a Panthers defense that will be keyed on stopping him.
The broader context makes this Wild Card matchup particularly intriguing. The Panthers, defying the odds to reach the postseason, represent the unpredictability of the NFL playoffs. A victory would be a monumental achievement for the franchise. Conversely, the Rams enter as the more experienced and, on paper, superior team, expected to make a deep playoff run. The clash between Carolina’s gritty, record-defying resolve and Los Angeles’ star-powered roster sets the stage for a compelling January football narrative, where a player like Derrick Brown can shift the momentum with a single disruptive play.