So, you’re looking for the score. Honestly, if you’re checking the ticker today, January 16, 2026, you won’t find a live NFL game for Carolina. That’s because the Panthers' rollercoaster of a season actually came to a heartbreaking halt just a few days ago.
In their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade, the Carolina Panthers lost to the Los Angeles Rams 34-31 in the Wild Card round.
It was a wild one. Down 14-0 early, Bryce Young looked like he might fold, but he didn't. He led a furious comeback that actually had the Panthers up 31-27 with less than three minutes left on the clock. Then Matthew Stafford happened. A 19-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson with only 38 seconds left basically sucked the air out of Bank of America Stadium.
What’s the score of the Carolina Panthers? Recap of the Wild Card Heartbreak
The final score of 34-31 doesn't quite capture how close Carolina came to pulling off the upset. They actually beat these same Rams 31-28 earlier in the regular season, so the confidence was there.
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Bryce Young finished the game with a respectable stat line, finding Jalen Coker for a late 7-yard score that briefly gave fans hope of a divisional round berth. Chuba Hubbard was a workhorse too, racking up two rushing touchdowns. But the defense, which had been surprisingly stout under Ejiro Evero all year, just couldn't get that one final stop against the Rams' veteran passing attack.
Why the 2025-2026 Season Actually Mattered
Look, an 8-9 record usually isn't something to throw a parade for. But for Carolina? This was huge. They won the NFC South—becoming the first team in NFL history to win two division titles with a losing record. It sounds kind of funny when you say it out loud, but a division title is a division title.
General Manager Dan Morgan and Coach Dave Canales seem to have finally found a rhythm. Bryce Young set career highs this year:
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- Passing Yards: 3,011
- Touchdowns: 23
- Completion Rate: 63.6%
Because of that progress, the team officially picked up his fifth-year option yesterday (January 15). That’s a $26.5 million vote of confidence for the 2027 season. They aren't just "trying things out" anymore; they're building around him.
What’s Next for the Panthers in 2026?
Now that the pads are off, the front office is looking at a much harder schedule for next fall. Since they won the division, they have to play a first-place schedule in 2026.
The 2026 opponents are already locked in. They’ll be hosting the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Seattle Seahawks at home. On the road, they’ve got tough trips to face the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Philadelphia Eagles.
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It’s going to be a gauntlet. The "easy" days of the NFC South being a total disaster might be over, especially with Atlanta showing signs of life.
Actionable Steps for Fans
Since there's no game today, here is how you can stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 season:
- Watch the Draft: Carolina holds the 19th overall pick. They desperately need more protection for Young or another vertical threat to pair with Tetairoa McMillan.
- Monitor the Secondary: Jaycee Horn made the Pro Bowl, but the rest of the unit struggled in that Rams loss. Expect a lot of movement here in free agency.
- Check NHL Scores: If you're seeing a "Panthers" score today that says something like 3-2 or 4-1, you’re likely looking at the Florida Panthers (NHL), who happen to be playing the Carolina Hurricanes tonight. Don't let the names confuse you!
The season is over, but for the first time in a long time, it feels like the foundation in Charlotte isn't made of sand.