The NFL playoffs are set to begin on Saturday with the Los Angeles Rams taking on the Carolina Panthers. The two teams previously met on November 30th, with the Panthers pulling off a 31-28 upset.
Despite the 8-9 record, the Panthers were able to clinch the NFC South and the fourth seed in the NFC playoffs. The Rams finished as the fifth seed with a 12-5 record.
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Despite losing the division to the Seahawks, the Rams are led by a firepower offense thanks to veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford and stud wide receiver Puka Nacua. Stafford currently has the slight edge over Drake Maye for NFL MVP while Nacua finished second in the league with 1,715 receiving yards.
In the previous matchup, the Rams offense had trouble with turning over the football. The team had three turnovers, including two interceptions from Matthew Stafford. The Rams defense also had trouble containing Bryce Young, as the Panthers quarterback had one of his best games of the season with 206 passing yards on 15/20 passing and three touchdowns. Running back Chuba Hubbard had 124 total yards and a touchdown.
This time around, the Rams will need to do a much better job at holding on to the football, and finishing the game off strong. The Rams had a 21-17 lead at halftime in the last matchup, and only scored seven more points the entire game. The Rams also went 4/6 in the redzone, which contributed to their struggles.
As for the Panthers, it’s the first time back in the playoffs since 2017-18 season and the first time they won their division since 2015-16. It will also be Bryce Young’s first NFL playoff game since the quarterback was drafted first overall in the 2023 draft.
