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Carolina Panthers edge rusher D.J. Wonnum was involved in Matthew Stafford's mid-game finger injury scare during the Rams' wild-card win. Stafford hit his throwing hand on Wonnum late in the first half, an incident that temporarily affected the Rams quarterback's performance. While X-rays on Stafford's finger were negative, Wonnum's contact was the direct cause of the concern.
Matthew Stafford, a 2025 AP NFL All-Pro, led the Rams to a 34-31 wild-card victory over the Panthers, completing 24 of 42 passes for 304 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Despite hitting his throwing hand in the second quarter, which initially affected his play, X-rays were reportedly negative. Stafford delivered clutch fourth-quarter execution, throwing two decisive touchdowns, including a 19-yard game-winner to Colby Parkinson with 38 seconds left, culminating a 7-play, 71-yard drive. Coach Sean McVay lauded his "MVP type of stuff."
Davante Adams returned to action for the first time since Week 15, recording five receptions on 13 targets for 72 yards in the Rams' 34-31 wild-card win over the Panthers. Despite showing some rust, Adams was targeted heavily, with the passing offense flowing through him and Puka Nacua. He came alive in the second half, logging three receptions for 58 yards in the final two quarters, highlighted by a 23-yard catch. Adams is expected to be more consistent and retain a key role in the divisional round.
Blake Corum rushed 11 times for 45 yards and added two receptions on two targets for 13 yards in the Rams' 34-31 wild-card win over the Panthers. He worked in a nearly even split with Kyren Williams, totaling 13 touches to Williams' 15. Corum was moderately efficient but unable to break any big gains, with his longest rush going for eight yards. While Kyren Williams is expected to have a larger role in the divisional round, Corum should retain a significant workload.
Colby Parkinson capitalized on an expanded role as a top-two tight end due to Terrance Ferguson's hamstring injury. He connected with Matthew Stafford for a crucial 19-yard touchdown, giving the Los Angeles Rams a late lead over the Carolina Panthers. This decisive 19-yard score, which ended a seven-play, 71-yard drive, was key in the Rams' 34-31 wild-card victory, answering Carolina's go-ahead score and securing the narrow win.
Rico Dowdle recorded five rushes for nine yards and one reception on two targets for six yards in the Panthers' 34-31 wild-card loss to the Rams. He has been particularly inefficient to close the season, averaging only 3.3 yards per carry across Carolina's final four regular-season contests. Dowdle lost his status as the team's lead back in the playoff loss, with Chuba Hubbard out-touching him 15-6. He is headed to free agency for the second consecutive offseason and is likely to be signed as a complementary back.
Chuba Hubbard rushed 13 times for 46 yards and two touchdowns in the Panthers' 34-31 wild-card loss to the Rams, adding two receptions for 13 yards. He worked as the clear lead back, out-touching Rico Dowdle 15-6. Hubbard punched in scores from one and three yards, with one touchdown initially giving the Panthers the lead after a 52-yard catch by Jalen Coker. He regained a significant role late in the season, with Dowdle set to become a free agent.
Bryce Young completed 21 of 40 passes for 264 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, adding three rushes for 24 yards and a 16-yard rushing score in the Panthers' 34-31 wild-card loss to the Rams. In his playoff debut, Young displayed 'late-game magic,' connecting with Jalen Coker for a 7-yard passing TD and long gains. Despite the loss, his performance, which included a pass-heavy approach, has sparked "big money" contract discussions. The Panthers are expected to pick up his fifth-year option, making him the likely 2026 starting QB.
Tetairoa McMillan recorded five receptions on seven targets for 81 yards in the Panthers' 34-31 wild-card loss to the Rams. He played a key role on a second-quarter touchdown drive with consecutive 14 and 22-yard receptions. McMillan closed his rookie season having topped 70 receiving yards in three of his last five games, positioning him for a potential step forward in his sophomore year. He was projected for high target volume given the Panthers' pass-heavy approach.
Kyren Williams rushed 13 times for 57 yards and added two receptions for 18 yards in the Rams' 34-31 wild-card win over the Panthers. His performance was highlighted by a crucial 13-yard touchdown reception from Matthew Stafford midway through the fourth quarter, which temporarily gave Los Angeles the lead. Despite a modest rushing total due to a pass-heavy game script, his score was pivotal. Williams saw only two more touches than Blake Corum, a trend that may persist.
Jalen Coker had a significant impact in his NFL postseason debut for the Carolina Panthers, recording nine receptions on 12 targets for 134 yards and a touchdown in the 34-31 wild-card loss to the Rams. He led the team in receiving stats, including a 7-yard touchdown catch late in the fourth quarter that gave the Panthers the lead. Coker also made long receptions of 52 and 37 yards, achieving his highest single-game yardage total despite missing the first half of the regular season with a quadriceps injury. He is now seen as capable of forming a solid wide receiver duo with Tetairoa McMillan in 2026.
Puka Nacua, recently recognized as a 2025 Associated Press NFL All-Pro Team member, delivered a dominant performance in the Los Angeles Rams' 34-31 wild-card win. He recorded 10 receptions on 18 targets for 111 yards and a touchdown, adding three rushes for 14 yards and an additional score. Nacua started hot with a touchdown on the first possession and capped another drive with a 5-yard score from Matthew Stafford. Despite a dropped pass, he broke up a potential interception late, playing a key role and remaining a focal point for the upcoming divisional round.
Analyst Greg Olsen, alongside Joe Davis, provided commentary and breakdown for the Los Angeles Rams' 34-31 wild-card victory over the Carolina Panthers. Prior to the game, Olsen had emphasized "aggressiveness" as a key factor for the Panthers to achieve an upset. Following the chaotic matchup, Olsen and Davis analyzed the Rams' survival in the thrilling contest.
Jaquan Brisker played a pivotal role in sealing the Chicago Bears' 31-27 wild-card win over the Green Bay Packers. As the Bears secured their first playoff victory in 15 years, Brisker deflected Jordan Love’s desperation heave on the final play of the game, preventing a potential game-tying or winning score and preserving Chicago's dramatic comeback from an 18-point deficit.
Green Bay Packers QB Malik Willis (right shoulder/hamstring) is active for Saturday's wild-card game at Chicago, serving as the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Jordan Love. Willis initially injured his right throwing shoulder in a Week 16 loss and aggravated it in a Week 17 start. After being inactive in Week 18, he returns to the backup role as coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Love would start the wild-card round. Desmond Ridder will be the emergency third quarterback.
San Francisco 49ers star linebacker Fred Warner, who is recovering from a dislocated ankle, might return for the NFC Championship. FOX Sports NFL Insider Jay Glazer reported that the 49ers are 'holding out hope' for his availability in the crucial upcoming game.
Julian Edelman, alongside Terry Bradshaw and the "NFL on FOX" crew, demonstrated how the Los Angeles Rams' offense generates explosive plays. The segment provided insights into the team's offensive strategies and execution.
Los Angeles Rams TE Terrance Ferguson (hamstring) has been declared inactive for today's game against the Panthers. His absence means Colby Parkinson and Tyler Higbee are expected to be the clear top two tight ends in terms of pass routes, with Davis Allen stepping in as the No. 3 option.
Los Angeles Rams TE Davis Allen is set to be the No. 3 tight end in terms of pass routes for today's game against the Panthers. This shift occurs as fellow TE Terrance Ferguson (hamstring) has been declared inactive. Colby Parkinson and Tyler Higbee are expected to be the clear top two options.
Los Angeles Rams TE Tyler Higbee is expected to be one of the clear top two tight ends in terms of pass routes for today's game against the Panthers. This increased role comes as fellow TE Terrance Ferguson (hamstring) has been declared inactive. Colby Parkinson will also see an expanded role, with Davis Allen as the No. 3 option.
