What an exciting game to open the 2026 NFL playoffs. Carolina Panthers quarterback, Bryce Young had the chance to show the league what he’s got and win his first postseason game. L.A. Rams quarterback, Matthew Stafford with the chance to continue his Hall Of Fame legacy and grab another postseason win. To start the game, it looked like the Rams were going to walk away easily with the game. Puka Nacua started the game with 2 Touchdowns. The Rams went up 14-0. The Panthers punched back with a touchdown of their own with a 1-yard touchdown run by Chubba Hubbard. This touchdown really gave the Panthers life as they avoided having the game get out of hand.
The Rams went down the field and punched back with points with a field goal by Harrison Mevis. The score is now 17-7, Rams winning with 5:24 left in the 2nd quarter. The Panthers then pull off a really impressive drive to end the half. Bryce Young on 3rd&10 from the Rams 16 yard line, runs it in for the Touchdown, making the score 17-14 Rams at halftime.
After half, both teams exchange field goals, making the score 20-17 Rams. The Panthers strike back with a touchdown. It is 24-20 Panthers! Could the Panthers pull off this improbable upset? The Rams march down the field and strike back with a 13-yard touchdown scored by Kyren Williams. But then the Panthers do it again with a touchdown! 31-27 Panthers in front. With 43 seconds left of the game, Matthew Stafford to Colby Parkinson 19 yard touchdown! 34-31 Rams on top. The Panthers still have a chance to tie the game and send it to OT. But on 4th&10, Jimmy Horn Jr drops the pass, and that leads to the loss for Carolina. What a game to start the playoffs, the Rams advance.
