🏈 Panthers 31, Rams 28 — Nov. 30, 2025 (Regular Season)
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Outcome: Carolina pulled off a significant upset over the NFC's top-seeded Rams.
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Panthers Performance:
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QB Bryce Young was efficient: 15/20, 206 yards, 3 TDs.
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Two crucial fourth-down touchdown passes (including a long 43-yard strike) swung momentum.
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Carolina's defense forced three turnovers, including two interceptions of Matthew Stafford (one returned for a touchdown) and a late strip-sack fumble that helped seal the win.
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Rams Struggles:
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Stafford threw 3 turnovers, ending his impressive streak without an interception.
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L.A.'s offense was unable to overcome Carolina's opportunistic play.
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Significance: The win snapped the Rams' six-game winning streak and knocked them from the top of the NFC standings.
🏆 Rams 34, Panthers 31 — Jan. 10, 2026 (Playoffs, Wild Card)
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Outcome: The Rams avenged the loss in a dramatic playoff game at the same stadium.
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Rams Performance:
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QB Matthew Stafford delivered a clutch final drive: 304 passing yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT.
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The key play came with 38 seconds left — a 19-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson to take the lead.
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Puka Nacua was a major factor with 10 catches for 111 yards and two total TDs.
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Panthers Fight:
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Carolina again showed grit: Bryce Young threw for 264 yards and a late touchdown to put the Panthers ahead 31-27 late.
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Jalen Coker also had a big day with career-high receiving yards and a score.
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Significance: After building a late lead, Carolina couldn't hold off Stafford's veteran poise, and the Rams advanced to the Divisional Round.
📊 Key Differences Between the Two Games
| Aspect | Nov. 30 Upset | Jan. 10 Playoff |
|---|---|---|
| Result | Panthers win | Rams win |
| Turnovers | Rams' 3 turnovers big factor | Fewer turnovers; tight offensive game |
| Momentum | Carolina controlled late with big defensive plays | Rams controlled late with Stafford's clutch drive |
| Deciding Play | Strip-sack + turnover sealed win | Stafford TD with 38 seconds left |
| Impact | Shifted NFC pecking order midseason | Advanced Rams in playoffs |
🏁 Summary
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In late November, the Panthers took advantage of Rams mistakes and fourth-down aggressiveness to win and shake up the NFC standings.
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In the January playoff rematch, the Rams' experience and clutch execution in the final minutes — especially Stafford's go-ahead touchdown — allowed them to reverse the result in a one-and-done postseason game.
