NFL Wild Card weekend kicks off Saturday at 4:30 pm ET with the Los Angeles Rams visiting the Carolina Panthers. Despite finishing 8-9, the Panthers won their division and get to host this game against a Rams team that finished the season 12-5. The Rams are 10-point favorites and are undoubtedly the better team of the two; however, one of the Panthers biggest wins of the season actually came at home against these very same Rams. 

Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) reacts against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Of course, the playoffs are a completely different atmosphere than a regular-season game in the middle of the season, so expecting the same result that we saw in the regular season is unrealistic. Not only do we have the Rams, who have a Super Bowl-winning head coach and quarterback, but we also have a young and inexperienced Panthers team and a quarterback making his playoff debut. All signs point to the Rams being in control here.

Nov 24, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) drops back to pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Taking this a step further, the stats indicate that the Rams are a far superior team in every way. The Rams offense ranks 2nd in the league in yards per game, 1st in passing yards per game, 7th in rushing yards per game, and 1st in points per game. On the other hand, the Panthers rank 27th in total yards, 26th in passing yards, 19th in rushing yards, and 27th in points scored. This is a complete mismatch offensively, and defensively, both teams rank in the middle of the pack. 

Nov 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Although the Panthers might score 20+ points in this game, the Rams are likely to score upwards of 30 points, and with their successful playoff history and experience, expect them to come away with the win on Wild Card Weekend. 

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