Wild Card Weekend kicks off with the Los Angeles Rams facing the Carolina Panthers, marking a key matchup in the NFL playoffs. The Rams, as a wild card team with a 12-5 record, are looking to prove their strength against the 8-9 Panthers, who hold home field advantage as the NFC South champions. The game will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. ET on FOX. This contest follows the Panthers' earlier victory over the Rams in Week 13, raising the stakes for this playoff encounter.

By the Numbers
  • Rams record: 12-5
  • Panthers record: 8-9
State of Play
  • The Rams are aiming to demonstrate their superiority following a regular season loss to the Panthers.
  • This marks the start of six total first-round playoff games during Wild Card Weekend.
What's Next

The winner of the Rams vs. Panthers game will advance in the playoffs, with implications for future matchups depending on how they perform. Following this game, other key matchups will continue to unfold throughout the weekend.

Bottom Line

This playoff game serves as a crucial test for both teams, with the Rams needing to prove their capability against a lower-seeded Panthers team that previously defeated them. A win for either side sets the stage for further playoff success.