If you’re checking your phone or asking around about what was the score of the panthers game, you’re likely feeling one of two things: the sting of a close loss or the confusion of a season that just wouldn't quit. Honestly, the most recent outing for the Carolina Panthers was a heartbreaker. On Saturday, January 10, 2026, the Panthers fell to the Los Angeles Rams with a final score of 34-31 in the NFC Wild Card round.
It was close. Kinda too close.
This game wasn't just another tally in the loss column; it was the end of a wild, improbable run that saw a team with an 8-9 record somehow claw their way to the top of the NFC South. If you missed the live broadcast, the energy at Bank of America Stadium was electric, right up until the final whistle. Bryce Young threw for 264 yards, and Jalen Coker emerged as a massive bright spot with 134 receiving yards, but in the end, the Rams just had a bit more gas in the tank.
🔗 Read more: How to Run a Bracket for 10 Teams Without Ruining the Tournament
Breaking Down the Panthers Game Score and Key Plays
When looking at the score of the panthers game, the 34-31 finish tells a story of an offense that has finally found its rhythm under Dave Canales, even if the defense struggled to contain the Rams' late-game surges. Carolina actually led at various points, and for a minute there, it felt like the "underdog" narrative was going to carry them straight into the divisional round.
The scoring summary looked like a rollercoaster.
Carolina fought back from an early deficit, using a mix of Chuba Hubbard's grinding runs and Bryce Young's improved pocket presence. But let’s be real—34 points is a lot to give up in a playoff game. The Rams exploited gaps in the secondary that have been a nagging issue all season.
Why the 8-9 Record Mattered
Most people get wrong the idea that an 8-9 team doesn't "deserve" to be there. But the Panthers clinched the NFC South because they won the games that mattered within the division. They finished the regular season with a tough 16-14 loss to the Buccaneers on January 3, but their earlier body of work—including a massive 30-27 overtime win against Atlanta in Week 11—gave them the tiebreaker edge.
It’s been a weird year for the South. Basically, every team finished with the same record (8-9), but Carolina took the crown.
The "Other" Panthers: NHL Update
If you actually meant the ice hockey team from Florida, the situation is much brighter. The Florida Panthers have been on a tear. Their most recent game on January 12, 2026, saw them take down the Buffalo Sabres with a score of 4-3. Before that, they handled the Ottawa Senators 3-2 on January 10.
So, if you’re a fan of the cats on ice, you’re probably smiling. If you’re a fan of the cats on the turf, you’re likely looking toward the 2026 NFL Draft.
What’s Next for Carolina?
Now that the season is officially over, the focus shifts. Dan Morgan and Dave Canales have a lot of work to do. They found their quarterback, which is the hardest part of the puzzle. Bryce Young’s growth this season was undeniable, especially compared to the shaky rookie year we all witnessed.
The defense needs a total overhaul in the secondary. Giving up 34 points in a home playoff game is a tough pill to swallow. You can't expect to win titles if you're constantly in a shootout.
Actionable Steps for Fans
- Review the Draft Order: With the season over, keep an eye on the mid-first-round picks. The Panthers need an edge rusher or a shutdown corner.
- Watch the Post-Game Pressers: Canales usually gives a very honest assessment of what went wrong in the play-calling during that final Rams drive.
- Check the Cap Space: Carolina has some room to move this offseason, and fans should look for them to be aggressive in free agency to bolster that defensive line.
The season ended on a 34-31 loss, but for the first time in nearly a decade, there is actually a reason to be optimistic in Charlotte. The rebuild is ahead of schedule.