Carolina Panthers vs Los Angeles Rams NFL Wild Card Round: Where to watch the match online, live stream, TV channels, and kick-off time

With Bryce Young looking to silence the doubters against a high-powered Los Angeles offense, this postseason opener promises plenty of drama. Here is everything you need to know about where to watch the game live, as well as the latest team news and head-to-head record.

How to watch Carolina Panthers vs Los Angeles Rams online - TV channels & live streams

	USA	FOX
	Worldwide	NFL Game Pass

How to watch and live stream Carolina Panthers vs Los Angeles Rams for free

With the game being live on FOX in the United States, you can watch the action free of charge with streaming platforms that offer new customers free trials of their service, including Fubo and DirecTV Stream.

Both Fubo and DirecTV Stream offer five day free trials and also offer access to other channels needed to watch all of the action throughout the playoffs (minus access to the game exclusive to Prime Video).

Stream Panthers and Rams live on FOX today!Start free trial

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sport.

Carolina Panthers vs Los Angeles Rams kick-off time

NFL Playoffs

Bank of America Stadium

The action gets underway from 4.30pm ET. Worldwide, this translates to the following:

Team news & squads

Carolina Panthers team news

GettyImages

The primary concern for Carolina lies on defense, where cornerback Robert Rochell remains in concussion protocol. He was a limited participants in practice this week and will need final clearance from an independent neurologist to play.

However, the defensive front did receive a boost this week with defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (hamstring) practicing fully, signalling he is ready to return. Linebacker Claudin Cherelus (calf/ankle) also participated fully, shoring up the linebacker corps.

On offense, the line could see a significant return. Guard Robert Hunt (bicep), currently on Injured Reserve, has been a full participant in practice. The team has kept a roster spot open, fueling speculation that he will be activated in time for kick-off.

To add depth for the postseason, Carolina activated veteran wide receiver David Moore from Injured Reserve. Moore, who has been sidelined since Week 4, provides another reliable target for Bryce Young. In corresponding moves, the team released receiver Hunter Renfrow and safety Demani Richardson.

All eyes will be on Bryce Young who enters his postseason debut in clutch form. The young quarterback orchestrated six game-winning drives this season including two fourth-down touchdown passes to beat these very Rams in Week 13.

Los Angeles Rams team news

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The headline news for Los Angeles is the expected return of star wide receiver Davante Adams. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed that Adams, who missed the final stretch of the regular season with a hamstring injury, is on track to play. His return adds a lethal red-zone weapon to an offense that already featured Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp.

The defense also gets a massive lift with safety Quentin Lake (elbow) set to return from Injured Reserve. Lake had been a key communicator in the secondary before his injury in Week 11.

However, the offensive line faces uncertainty. Starting right guard Kevin Dotson (ankle) did not participate in practice early in the week, and his status remains "to be determined". If he cannot go, the Rams may have to shuffle their protection against a stout Panthers interior.

In a timely boost, the Rams received activated veteran tight end Tyler Higbee from Injured Reserve. Higbee saw significant action in the Week 18 win over Arizona, catching a touchdown pass, and appears ready for a full workload. To make room for postseason depth, the team has adjusted its practice squad elevations, ensuing they have cover in the secondary.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford enters the playoffs playing at an MVP level. He capped off the regular season with a four-touchdown performance in the 37-20 rout of the Cardinals, cementing his status as one of the league's most dangerous passers. With Adams returning to the fold, Stafford has a full arsenal of weapons as he looks to avenge the Rams' narrow 31-28 loss to Carolina from Week 13.

Form

The Carolina Panthers (8-9) are arguably the coldest teams entering the postseason. Since their dramatic Week 13 victory over the Rams, they have lost three of their last five games, including a 16-14 defeat to Tampa Bay in the regular-season finale. Despite stumbling to the finish line, their ability to grind out close games at home has been their saving grace.

In contrast, the Los Angeles Rams (12-5) finished the season with a commanding 37-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, sapping a brief two-game losing skid. The Rams' offense has been prolific, scoring 30+ points in three of their last five outings, proving they have the firepower to overwhelm defenses if they get into a rhythm. 

Head-to-Head Record

CAR

Last 5 matches

LA

3

Wins

0

Draws

2

Wins

• Carolina Panthers

  31

  -

  28

  Los Angeles Rams

• Los Angeles Rams

  24

  -

  10

  Carolina Panthers

• Carolina Panthers

  27

  -

  30

  Los Angeles Rams

• Los Angeles Rams

  10

  -

  13

  Carolina Panthers

• Carolina Panthers

  30

  -

  15

  Los Angeles Rams

While the Rams possess the superior regular-season record, the Panthers hold the psychological advantage.

In the last meeting (Week 13, 2025), the Panthers edged the Rams 31-28 at Bank of America Stadium. That game saw Bryce Young outduel Matthew Stafford, leading two fourth-quarter scoring drives to seal the upset. Historically, Carolina leads the all-time series 14-10. The Panthers also won the franchises only previous playoff meeting against the Rams - the famous "X-Clown" double-overtime thriller in the 2003 season.