2026 NFL Playoffs: Wild Card Round Update
The 2026 NFL Playoffs have kicked off, and the first Wild Card game has concluded with the Los Angeles Rams edging out the Carolina Panthers 34-31, securing their spot in the divisional round. The Rams initially surged to a 14-0 advantage, but the Panthers fought back, keeping it a nail-biter. Ultimately, Matthew Stafford connected with Colby Parkinson for the winning touchdown with just 38 seconds left on the clock, allowing Los Angeles to move forward.
Next Opponent for the Rams
The Rams are set to learn who they’ll face either Saturday night or Sunday evening. The playoff bracket has been re-seeded for the divisional round, with the top-seeded Seahawks matched against the lowest remaining seed, while two mid-tier teams will also compete. If the Bears defeat the Packers on Saturday, the Rams will play against the Bears, Eagles, or Seahawks. That determination hinges on the outcome of the Sunday matchup between the 49ers and Eagles. However, if the Packers pull off an upset over the Bears, the Rams will take on the winner of the 49ers-Eagles clash next week.
Franchise History and Possible Matchups
vs. Seattle Seahawks: 26-29 in the regular season, 2-0 in the postseason — In their regular season matchups, the Rams and Seahawks split victories with just a three-point margin. The Rams won at home, 21-19, yet fell short 38-37 in Seattle. Their last playoff encounter was in the wild card round, where the Rams prevailed 30-20.
vs. Chicago Bears: 38-54-3 in the regular season, 1-1 in the postseason — Last season, the Rams faced off against the Bears, but unfortunately lost 24-18. The two franchises haven’t met in the playoffs since 1986, when the Bears triumphed 24-0 in the NFC Championship en route to their only Super Bowl title.
vs. Philadelphia Eagles: 18-24-1 in the regular season, 2-2 in the postseason — The Rams’ recent matchup against the Eagles saw them falling 33-26 in Week 3, with the Eagles scoring a late touchdown. Earlier in 2025, these teams clashed in the divisional round of the playoffs, and the Eagles came out on top, winning 28-22.
vs. San Francisco 49ers: 71-78-3 in regular season, 1-1 in postseason — Historically, these division rivals have split their regular season series, each winning on the other’s turf. Despite their long-standing rivalry, they’ve faced each other in the postseason only twice, with the Rams winning the last encounter 20-17 in the 2022 NFC Championship.
Rams’ Playoff Journey
This marks the Rams’ second consecutive year advancing to the divisional round. Last season saw them reach this point before losing to the Eagles. Their last victory in the divisional round was in 2022, where they defeated the Buccaneers on their path to a Super Bowl win. This will be the LA Rams’ 21st appearance in the divisional round.
