The Los Angeles Rams emerged victorious in the wild-card round of the 2025 NFL playoffs, narrowly defeating the Carolina Panthers 34-31. This win sends them into the divisional round, adding excitement to their playoff journey.
Game Highlights from the Wild-Card Round
The match against the Panthers was intense, featuring a back-and-forth competition in the fourth quarter. The game saw four lead changes, showcasing the resilience of both teams. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, despite a struggle midway through the game due to an injury, threw a pivotal 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Colby Parkinson. This late-game effort by Stafford was crucial in securing the Rams’ win.
Upcoming Divisional Round Matchups
As the Rams prepare for the next stage, they await the outcomes of the remaining wild-card games to determine their opponent. The NFL’s dynamic playoff bracket re-seeds teams after each round, which means the Rams will face one of several potential teams in the divisional round. Here’s a breakdown of who they could play next:
Potential Opponents for the Rams
- Seattle Seahawks: Could face the Rams if they defeat the lowest-remaining seed.
- Chicago Bears: Would meet the Rams if they beat the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Philadelphia Eagles: The Rams could play the Eagles if they overcome the San Francisco 49ers.
- San Francisco 49ers: This matchup would occur if the 49ers win against the Eagles while the Packers beat the Bears.
The Rams’ path to a home game in the divisional round hinges on facing the San Francisco 49ers. Any other result would require them to compete on the road, despite their impressive 12-5 regular-season record.
Current NFL Playoff Bracket Overview
| AFC | NFC |
|---|---|
| No. 1 Denver Broncos (BYE) | No. 1 Seattle Seahawks (BYE) |
| No. 2 New England Patriots vs. No. 7 Los Angeles Chargers | No. 2 Chicago Bears vs. No. 7 Green Bay Packers |
| No. 3 Jacksonville Jaguars vs. No. 6 Buffalo Bills | No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles vs. No. 6 San Francisco 49ers |
| No. 4 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. No. 5 Houston Texans | No. 5 Los Angeles Rams (advanced to divisional round) |
The Rams’ next matchup is highly anticipated, with fans eager to see how the playoff scenarios unfold in the coming days.
