Matthew Stafford, Rams Thrill Fans While Surviving Upset Bid vs. Bryce Young, Panthers

Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams avoided an upset in the Wild Card round of the playoffs on Saturday, defeating the Carolina Panthers by the final score of 34-31 at Bank of America Stadium.

With 43 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Stafford connected with tight end Colby Parkinson for a go-ahead touchdown.

Bryce Young and the Panthers' offense couldn't move the chains on their next drive, sealing the final result.

Young was impressive in his playoff debut despite the loss, finishing 21-of-40 for 264 yards and one touchdown compared to one interception. He also rushed for 24 yards and a score.

As for Stafford, he finished 24-of-42 for 304 yards and three touchdowns while getting picked off once.

Fans and pundits praised his performance as the Rams advanced to the divisional round.

Los Angeles started the game on a high note, taking a 7-0 lead following a failed fourth-down conversion by Carolina during its opening drive.

An interception by Young set the Rams up in Panthers territory, jumping out to a 14-0 edge early in the second quarter courtesy of Puka Nacua.

Carolina finally got on the board with Chuba Hubbard's one-yard touchdown run, but Los Angeles extended its lead to 10 points with a 46-yard field goal from Harrison Mevis.

The Rams had multiple opportunities to pull further ahead prior to halftime, but couldn't do so.

They advanced into the Panthers' red zone before a pass from Stafford fell incomplete on fourth down. Nacua also dropped a ball that could have potentially scored a touchdown on Los Angeles' next drive, eventually leading to a punt.

In the meantime, Carolina stayed within striking distance after Young scrambled for a 16-yard touchdown.

Los Angeles led 17-14 at the half.

Both teams traded field goals in the third quarter, but momentum swung in the Panthers' favor after Stafford was picked off near the end of the period.

Carolina then drove down the field before Hubbard scored his second touchdown of the game to give the Panthers a 24-20 lead.

The Rams quickly responded, as Kyren Williams found the end zone on a short reception to cap off a 67-yard drive.

While Carolina was forced to punt on its next possession, Los Angeles' offense also stalled on its next drive before a punt was blocked.

The Panthers took advantage of the opportunity, as Young connected with Coker for a seven-yard score.

Parkinson's final touchdown was too much for Carolina to overcome, though. On fourth down with the game on the line, rookie receiver Jimmy Horn couldn't haul in a pass from Young.

Nacua put together an impressive game despite the early drop, catching 10 passes for 111 yards and a score. He also rushed for 14 yards on three attempts, adding his second touchdown on the ground.

Davante Adams factored in Los Angeles' passing attack as well, amassing 72 yards on just five catches.

The Rams finished the game with 411 total yards, averaging 5.7 yards per play.

Los Angeles has now made a divisional-round playoff appearance for the fourth time in six seasons.