Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half during the NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Rams-Panthers takeaways: Matthew Stafford shines in wild-card win

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jan 10, 2026 8:17 PM ET

The NFL playoffs began Saturday afternoon with a matchup between the No. 5 seed Los Angeles Rams and the No. 4 seed Carolina Panthers.

In a game that many expected to see Los Angeles cruise through and advance to the Divisional Round turned out to be much different than what was thought. Here are four takeaways from the Rams' 34-31 win.

Matthew Stafford delivered when it mattered most

After struggling in the second and third quarters, Stafford stepped up and delivered in the fourth quarter. He completed 12 of 15 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns.

Stafford's 146 passer rating in the fourth quarter was his highest in the fourth quarter of any game this season.

Puka Nacua cemented himself as the best receiver in the NFL

If there was any doubt heading into Saturday that Puka Nacua was the best receiver in the NFL, he silenced those critics. Nacua hauled in 10 catches for 111 yards and one receiving touchdown.

Nacua added three rushing attempts for 14 yards and a touchdown, giving him 125 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. Nacua showcased his already known ability to make big plays in crunch time, including two big-time fourth quarter reception in Los Angeles' game-winning drive.

Puka Nacua

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WR Jalen Coker had his coming-out party

Second-year receiver Jalen Coker formed a trustworthy relationship with quarterback Bryce Young last season. Coker was injured before the start of this season, leaving that partnership out to dry for multiple weeks.

The two regained their connection in Saturday's loss, as Coker hauled in nine catches for 134 yards and a touchdown. Coker may have cemented himself as Young's top target next season ahead of rookie standout Tetairoa McMillan.

Bryce Young proved he's the franchise quarterback

Despite a costly interception, third-year quarterback Bryce Young proved that he is the franchise quarterback in Carolina.

Young finished with 264 passing yards and a touchdown through the air. In the ground game, he added 24 yards and a rushing touchdown. Even in the loss, it appears that Young made a significant stride in Year 3 with the Panthers and has cemented himself as the quarterback for the foreseeable future in Charlotte.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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