So, you're looking for the Carolina Panthers score today, Sunday, January 18, 2026. Here’s the blunt reality: there isn't one. The Panthers aren't playing today because their rollercoaster 2025-2026 season hit a wall exactly eight days ago.
While the NFL Divisional Round is currently in full swing with other teams fighting for a spot in the Super Bowl, the Panthers are back in Charlotte, probably already looking at draft boards and nursing the sting of a playoff exit that was honestly closer than anyone expected. It’s a weird feeling for fans. On one hand, the team actually made the postseason. On the other, they’re watching today’s games from the couch after a heartbreaker at Bank of America Stadium.
The Score That Ended the Run
If you’re still thinking about that last game, it was a wild one. On Saturday, January 10, the Los Angeles Rams edged out the Carolina Panthers with a final score of 34-31.
It wasn't a blowout. Not even close.
In fact, the Panthers held a 31-27 lead with less than three minutes left on the clock. Bryce Young had just connected with Jalen Coker for a 7-yard touchdown that sent the stadium into a complete frenzy. For a second there, it felt like the "Cardiac Cats" were truly back. But then Matthew Stafford did what veteran quarterbacks do. He marched the Rams 71 yards in under two minutes, eventually finding Colby Parkinson for a 19-yard touchdown with only 38 seconds remaining.
👉 See also: Why the Marlins Won World Series Titles Twice and Then Disappeared
How They Even Got There
Let’s be real for a second—nobody had the Panthers winning the NFC South this year. Most experts predicted another five-win season at best. Instead, Dave Canales managed to squeeze an 8-9 record out of this group. Yes, they won a division with a losing record. It's the kind of "ugly-but-effective" football that makes people outside of the Carolinas roll their eyes, but if you’re a fan, you’ll take a home playoff game any day of the week.
The regular season was a total mess of streaks. They started 0-2, then won four of their next five, including a 30-0 shutout against the Falcons that had people thinking the defense was elite. Then they hit a mid-season slump, getting absolutely demolished 40-9 by the Buffalo Bills.
What really saved the season was Week 13. That was the first time they played the Rams, and they pulled off a 31-28 upset. That single win basically gave them the tiebreaker and the confidence they needed to limp into the top of the NFC South.
Breaking Down the Bryce Young Progress
You can’t talk about the Panthers' current state without talking about Bryce Young. He finished the Wild Card loss with 264 passing yards and a touchdown, but more importantly, he looked like he actually belonged.
✨ Don't miss: Why Funny Fantasy Football Names Actually Win Leagues
Early in the year, he was still taking too many sacks and looking hesitant. By the time the playoffs rolled around, the connection with Jalen Coker and Tetairoa McMillan had become the backbone of the offense. Coker, in particular, has turned into a massive steal. He caught 9 passes for 134 yards in that playoff game.
Still, the stats don't lie. The Panthers' offense ranked 27th in the league for points scored this season. They averaged a measly 18.3 points per game. You just can't win big in the modern NFL when you're struggling to crack 20 points, which is why today’s Divisional Round features teams like the Rams and 49ers instead of Carolina.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 8-9 Record
People love to clown on the NFC South for being "trash."
It’s an easy narrative.
🔗 Read more: Heisman Trophy Nominees 2024: The Year the System Almost Broke
But if you look at the actual games, the Panthers were remarkably resilient. They went 3-3 in the division, which isn't great, but they beat the Cowboys and the Dolphins. Those aren't "accidental" wins. Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero deserves a ton of credit here. The defense ranked 15th in the league for points allowed, which is pretty impressive considering how often the offense went three-and-out and left them stranded on the field.
Key Stats from the 2025-2026 Season
- Final Record: 8-9 (Regular Season), 0-1 (Postseason)
- Division Finish: 1st in NFC South
- Home Record: 5-4
- Total Points For: 311
- Total Points Against: 380
What Happens Now?
Since there is no Carolina Panthers score today, the focus shifts to the front office. General Manager Dan Morgan has some massive decisions to make. The team is young—like, really young. Guys like Nic Scourton had solid rookie years (Scourton actually tied the team lead in sacks), but the roster still feels three or four players away from being a true contender.
The biggest need? Probably more protection for Bryce. Even though he’s getting rid of the ball faster, the interior line got bullied in the final minutes against the Rams.
If you're looking for football to watch today, you're stuck with the rest of the NFL playoff bracket. The Panthers won't be back on the field for a meaningful game until September 2026. Until then, fans are left with the "what ifs" of a 3-point playoff loss and the hope that a losing record was just a stepping stone to something better.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check the Draft Order: Since the Panthers made the playoffs, their first-round pick will be later than usual (likely around 19th or 20th). Start looking at interior offensive line prospects and edge rushers.
- Monitor Coaching News: Teams are going to come sniffing around Ejiro Evero again for head coaching jobs. Losing him would be a massive blow to the progress the defense made this year.
- Watch the Divisional Round: Keep an eye on how the Rams perform today. If they go on a deep run, it makes that 34-31 loss look a lot more "valiant" and a lot less like a missed opportunity.