RAMS GET THEIR IN-WIN !!!

Rams survive Panthers' epic wild-card upset bid with incredible Matthew Stafford-to-Colby Parkinson TD pass in final minute
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by Frank Schwab
January 11, 2026

The Los Angeles Rams didn’t play well. Matthew Stafford’s poor second half, after hitting his hand on a Carolina Panther’s helmet late in the first half, was a big part of that.

But with the Rams on the verge of suffering one of the biggest upsets in NFL playoff history, Stafford came up huge.

After the Panthers blocked a punt and scored with 2:39 left to take a four-point lead, Stafford needed to lead a touchdown drive. He hit Colby Parkinson on a 19-yard touchdown pass with 38 seconds left to lift the Rams to a 34-31 win and avoid a massive loss to a Panthers team that went 8-9 during the regular season.

Before that game-winning drive, Rams star wide receiver Davante Adams said Stafford had a cold message to him:

“Let’s go snatch these guys’ hearts.”

Stafford, who missed several passes after hitting his hand on a follow-through of a second-quarter pass, completed 6 of 7 passes on the final drive, including a great pass and catch by Parkinson for the win.

The Rams didn’t play great. Their defense gave up too much and the offense went very quiet after a fast start. But their Super Bowl hopes are still alive. Barely. Stafford, who might end up winning his first NFL MVP award this year, made sure of it.

Rams tight end Colby Parkinson (84) catches the game-winning score, a 19-yard touchdown pass against the Panthers' Tre'von Moehrig on Saturday. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) (Jared C. Tilton photo