Honestly, if you missed the game, you missed a heart-stopper. The Los Angeles Rams just pulled off a win that felt more like a heist than a football game. When people ask what was the score of the Los Angeles Rams, the short answer is a thrilling 34-31 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
It happened on Saturday, January 10, 2026. This wasn't just some regular-season blowout. It was the NFC Wild Card round, and for about three hours, it looked like Sean McVay’s squad was going to be heading home early. Instead, they’re moving on to face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field tomorrow, January 18.
The Score of the Los Angeles Rams: A Game of Two Halves
The scoreboard at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte told a story of pure chaos. Early on, the Rams looked like the Super Bowl contenders many experts, like Peter King, have been hyping up all season. They jumped out to a 14-0 lead. Puka Nacua was doing Puka Nacua things, catching a 14-yard touchdown and later basically teleporting into the end zone on a 5-yard run.
Then things got weird.
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Carolina, led by Bryce Young, decided they weren't ready to die. They clawed back. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Panthers actually held a 31-27 lead with just over two minutes left. The crowd in Charlotte was deafening. You could almost feel the "here we go again" vibes starting to settle over LA fans.
Breakdown of the 34-31 Final
If you're looking for the gritty details of how that 34-31 scoreline came to be, here is the scoring progression that mattered:
- First Quarter: Rams dominated. 7-0.
- Second Quarter: Things leveled out. Rams led 17-14 at the half.
- Third Quarter: A defensive stalemate. Field goals made it 20-17.
- Fourth Quarter: Total madness. Both teams traded touchdowns, but the Rams put up 14 points in the final frame to seal it.
Matthew Stafford, who’s basically playing with bionic parts at age 37, led a 71-yard drive that would make a surgeon look clumsy. He hit Colby Parkinson for a 19-yard touchdown with only 38 seconds left on the clock. That was the dagger.
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Why This Specific Rams Score Matters
Typically, a three-point win is just a win. But this one carries baggage. Earlier in the season, back in Week 13, the Rams actually lost to these same Panthers 31-28. It was almost a mirror image.
The 34-31 final score proves that McVay can adjust. It also highlights a massive concern for the Rams: the defense. Giving up 31 points to an 8-9 Carolina team isn't exactly the kind of stat that makes you sleep well before playing Caleb Williams and the Bears.
Stafford finished the night with 304 yards and three touchdowns. He did throw one interception, which almost cost them the game, but he’s currently playing like an MVP candidate. The connection with Davante Adams (who joined the Rams in that blockbuster mid-season period) has completely changed the spacing of this offense.
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Looking Ahead to the Bears
Now that the question of "what was the score of the Los Angeles Rams" is settled, everyone is looking at the Divisional Round. The Rams are the 5-seed. The Bears are the 2-seed.
Chicago is coming off their own insane comeback against the Packers, winning 31-27. We are looking at two offenses that are clicking at exactly the right time. If the Rams' defense doesn't tighten up—specifically in the secondary where they got burnt by Jalen Coker—it might be a long, cold night in Chicago.
Tactical Takeaways
- The Stafford Factor: He is 37 and supposedly has a lingering hand issue, but he’s still the "clutch king."
- Colby Parkinson is the Secret Weapon: Everyone covers Nacua and Adams, leaving the tight end open for game-winning scores.
- Special Teams Woes: The Rams had a punt blocked that led to a Carolina touchdown. In the playoffs, that usually kills you.
If you’re tracking the Rams' journey this postseason, keep an eye on the injury report for tomorrow's game. The betting line is currently hovering around Chicago -3.5, mostly because of the home-field advantage at Soldier Field.
What to Do Next
- Check the weather for Chicago: It’s January 17, and Soldier Field is notorious for wind. If the wind is over 15 mph, the Rams' deep passing game to Davante Adams might be limited.
- Review the Rams vs. Bears history: These two teams haven't played this season, making the tape from today's game against Carolina the most relevant piece of evidence for how McVay will scheme.
- Monitor Matthew Stafford's hand injury: He looked like he was shaking it off in the fourth quarter, but a cold Chicago night can turn a "tweak" into a "problem" real fast.