By Steve Reed

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — In a thrilling kickoff to the NFL playoffs, Matthew Stafford delivered a decisive 19-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson with just 38 seconds remaining, securing the Los Angeles Rams a heart-pounding 34-31 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Saturday’s wild-card showdown.

Stafford showcased his prowess, completing 24 of 42 passes for an impressive 304 yards and three touchdowns. Puka Nacua shone brightly with 10 catches totaling 111 yards, contributing two touchdowns to propel the Rams (13-5) into the divisional playoffs as they surpassed their 10 1/2-point favorite status.

Despite the loss, Carolina’s Bryce Young put up a valiant effort, throwing for 264 yards and a touchdown while also running in a score. Jalen Coker delivered a standout performance with nine receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown, and Chuba Hubbard added to the offensive push with 46 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, the Panthers (8-10) ended their season with a string of defeats, losing four of their last five games.

The Panthers initially trailed 14-0, but they mounted a fierce comeback to seize a 24-20 lead, thanks to Hubbard’s second rushing touchdown early in the fourth quarter.

Not to be outdone, Stafford, who earned All-Pro honors earlier in the day, orchestrated a comeback for the Rams. He connected with Kyren Williams for a critical 13-yard touchdown pass, reclaiming a 27-24 lead and setting the stage for their eventual victory.

Los Angeles appeared to be in charge after getting a stop on defense giving Stafford the ball back.

But a holding penalty put the Rams behind the sticks and forced a punt, which Isaiah Simmons blocked to set the Panthers up the Rams 30.

Four plays later, Young found Coker in the left corner of the end zone for a 7-yard scoring strike to give Carolina a 31-27 lead 2:39 left, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

But Stafford quickly moved the Rams 71 yards in seven plays with Panthers two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn on the sideline with a concussion, finishing it off with a perfectly placed pass to Parkinson near the right side of the goal line. Parkinson, who had two TDs last week, forced his way into the end zone for the score.

It was nearly the second time this season the Rams lost to the Panthers as a 10 1/2-point underdog. Carolina won 31-28 on Nov. 30.

Carolina’s last attempt to move into field-goal range ended when Jimmy Horn dropped a fourth down pass from Young.

Carolina was hoping the return of former quarterback Cam Newton to Bank of America Stadium to hit the “Keep Pounding” drum before the game would give the Panthers a little extra mojo early, but things didn’t start well.

After the Rams defense came up with a stop on fourth down at midfield on Carolina’s opening drive, Stafford quickly moved the offense downfield and found Nacua for a 14-yard touchdown pass over the middle for a 7-0 lead.

Nacua made it 14-0 on a 5-yard run following Young’s interception.

Carolina cut the lead 17-14 at halftime after a 1-yard touchdown run by Hubbard and a 16-yard scramble by Young, the second-longest TD run of his career.

The Rams had a chance to build on the lead, but Nacau dropped a potential third TD on a pass down the right sideline from Stafford just before halftime.

Stafford sets Rams mark
Stafford surpassed Kurt Warner for the most postseason passing yards and completions in Rams history.

UP NEXT

Rams: advance to the divisional round.

Panthers: season over.