Rams vs. Panthers AI Picks for Wild Card Weekend: NFL Playoff Predictions & Projected Stats

The 2026 NFL playoffs kick off today at 4:30 p.m. ET when the Carolina Panthers (8-9) host the road favorite Los Angeles Rams (12-5) at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. - and our Rams vs. Panthers AI picks expect a sour end to Carolina's first home playoff game in a decade to kick off NFL Wild Card Weekend.

We've trained the latest ChatGPT model to offer its exact score prediction and projected stat leaders for both teams, as well as its best player prop pick today. To be clear, these picks are intended as fun entertainment - you can catch all of our expert picks (from actual humans) with our NFL playoff predictions ahead of the Wild Card Round.

🤖 Rams vs. Panthers AI picks: NFL Wild Card Weekend

See all of our NFL AI predictions with projected scores for every wild-card game.

🔢 Rams projected stats

• Passing leader: Matthew Stafford — 24/36, 286 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
• Rushing leader: Kyren Williams — 19 carries, 88 yards, 1 TD
• Receiving leader: Puka Nacua — 8 receptions, 112 yards, 1 TD

🔢 Panthers projected stats

• Passing leader: Bryce Young — 20/34, 231 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
• Rushing leader: Rico Dowdle — 15 carries, 67 yards
• Receiving leader: Tetairoa McMillan — 6 receptions, 81 yards

🔮 Rams vs. Panthers prediction

This matchup tilts toward Los Angeles because of offensive structure and playoff experience. When Matthew Stafford is protected, the Rams are comfortable pushing the ball downfield and forcing defenses to defend the entire width of the field, and Carolina has struggled all season to consistently get off the field against efficient passing games. With Kyren Williams keeping the Rams ahead of schedule, Los Angeles is positioned to control tempo early.

Carolina can move the ball in stretches, but sustaining drives and finishing possessions remains an issue — especially once they fall behind. As the game wears on, the Rams’ ability to convert in the red zone and avoid negative plays creates separation. By the fourth quarter, Los Angeles is able to lean on balance and close this one out without letting it turn into a late-possession game.

Score prediction: Rams 34, Panthers 17

🤖 Rams vs. Panthers player prop pick

See the latest NFL odds and our (human) experts' NFL picks for every wild-card game.

⬆️ Puka Nacua Over 90.5 receiving yards

This matchup sets up well for Puka Nacua because the Rams’ passing game should dictate terms early. Carolina has struggled to consistently disrupt quarterbacks, and when Matthew Stafford has time, Los Angeles is comfortable attacking the intermediate areas of the field where Nacua does most of his damage. With the Panthers likely forced into softer coverages once they fall behind, Nacua projects to see favorable looks on high-percentage throws.

The game script also supports steady volume. The Rams are expected to control tempo but not completely abandon the pass, especially in the first three quarters, and Nacua remains Stafford’s most trusted target on money downs. Even if Los Angeles leans on Williams late, Nacua’s early usage and ability to generate yards after the catch put him in a strong position to clear this number before the fourth quarter.

Best prop pick: Puka Nacua Over 90.5 receiving yards

👀 Rams vs. Panthers betting insights

Here are the most popular Rams vs. Panthers player props at BetMGM as of this morning:

📺 How to watch Rams vs. Panthers: NFL Wild Card Weekend

• Date: Saturday, Jan. 10
• Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, N.C.)
• TV: FOX