Charlotte, North Carolina, January 10, 2026
The NFC Wild Card game will feature the Los Angeles Rams taking on the Carolina Panthers today at Bank of America Stadium. With the Rams looking for redemption following their previous loss to the Panthers, key players like Davante Adams return to the lineup. Meanwhile, weather conditions could create challenges for both teams, and bettors anticipate a close matchup. This game is critical for shaping the Rams’ playoff journey and presents an opportunity for the Panthers to advance further in the postseason.
Charlotte, North Carolina
The highly anticipated NFC Wild Card game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Carolina Panthers is scheduled to kick off today, Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Rams enter the matchup as the No. 5 seed with a 12-5 record, while the Panthers, the No. 4 seed, hold an 8-9 record. The game marks a significant rematch from Week 13 of the regular season, where the Panthers secured a 31-28 victory over the Rams.
A significant development for the Rams is the absence of right guard Kevin Dotson, who has been officially ruled out for the game due to an ankle injury. This marks Dotson’s third consecutive missed game, with Justin Dedich expected to start in his place. Dotson’s absence could be particularly impactful given the Panthers’ strong interior defensive line, which is well-positioned to capitalize on any disruption to the Rams’ offensive line.
Adding to the Rams’ injury concerns, wide receiver Jordan Whittington (knee) has also been ruled out. Tight end Terrance Ferguson (hamstring) and cornerback Josh Wallace (ankle) are listed as questionable, their availability hinging on Friday’s practice performance. However, the Rams will see the return of star wide receiver Davante Adams, who missed the final three weeks of the regular season due to a hamstring issue. Adams, who led the NFL in touchdown receptions, is expected to provide a significant boost to the Rams’ offense. Safety Quentin Lake, sidelined since mid-November with a dislocated elbow, is also returning, bolstering the Rams’ defense.
Game Strategies and Key Matchups
The Rams are focused on a redemption effort, aiming to correct mistakes from their Week 13 loss to the Panthers. Key strategies for Los Angeles include minimizing Carolina’s rushing impact, winning the turnover battle, and ensuring their receivers can overcome the Panthers’ strong cornerbacks, Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. In their previous encounter, Carolina’s running backs, Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard, combined for 141 rushing yards and 203 total yards, presenting a challenge the Rams’ defense aims to contain. The Rams also committed three turnovers in that game, including a crucial pick-six and two red zone turnovers, highlighting the importance of disciplined play.
For the Panthers, their success in the previous matchup against the Rams was partly due to their effective running game, which allowed quarterback Bryce Young to be efficient in passing, completing 15 of 20 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns. The Panthers’ ground attack, led by Rico Dowdle, has been a key factor in their season, and maintaining this momentum will be crucial, especially with Dowdle having surpassed 1,000 rushing yards and reaching a $1 million bonus this season. Despite their 8-9 record, the Panthers are considered dangerous at home, with the Bank of America Stadium crowd expected to be a significant factor.
Weather and Betting Outlook
Weather conditions in Charlotte could play a role in the game’s outcome. Forecasts predict warm temperatures but unsettled conditions, including possible heavy rain, high winds, and potential thunderstorms, particularly around kickoff. Such conditions could influence momentum shifts and may favor the home team, which is more accustomed to playing in outdoor weather.
Betting odds position the Rams as 10 to 10.5-point favorites, with the over/under for total points set around 46.5. Despite being underdogs, the Panthers have a history of covering the spread after a loss and at home, especially as underdogs. The Rams, however, have a strong record against losing-streak opponents and as road favorites.
NFC Wild Card Weekend Schedule
This game is part of a busy NFC Wild Card Weekend. Other matchups include the Green Bay Packers at the Chicago Bears on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET, and on Sunday, January 11, the Buffalo Bills at the Jacksonville Jaguars at 1:00 p.m. ET, the San Francisco 49ers at the Philadelphia Eagles at 4:30 p.m. ET, and the Los Angeles Chargers at the New England Patriots at 8:00 p.m. ET. The Wild Card Weekend concludes on Monday, January 12, with the Houston Texans visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers at 8:15 p.m. ET.
The outcome of today’s game will determine the Rams’ playoff trajectory and test their ability to execute strategies effectively against a challenging opponent, particularly in potentially adverse weather conditions. For the Panthers, it represents an opportunity to defy expectations and advance further in the postseason, building on their previous victory against the Rams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When and where is the NFC Wild Card game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Carolina Panthers?
- The game is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Which key players are out for the Los Angeles Rams?
- Right guard Kevin Dotson (ankle) and wide receiver Jordan Whittington (knee) have been ruled out for the Los Angeles Rams.
- Which key players are returning for the Los Angeles Rams?
- Star wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) and safety Quentin Lake (elbow) are returning for the Los Angeles Rams.
- What were the results of the last regular-season matchup between the Rams and Panthers?
- The Carolina Panthers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 31-28 in their Week 13 regular-season matchup on November 30, 2025.
- What are the expected weather conditions for the game?
- Warm temperatures with possible heavy rain, high winds, and thunderstorms are forecasted for the game in Charlotte.
Key Features of the NFC Wild Card Game
| Feature | Los Angeles Rams | Carolina Panthers | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seed | No. 5 (NFC) | No. 4 (NFC) | Nationwide |
| Record | 12-5 | 8-9 | Nationwide |
| Game Date & Time | Saturday, January 10, 2026, 4:30 p.m. ET | Saturday, January 10, 2026, 4:30 p.m. ET | Nationwide |
| Venue | Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC) | Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC) | State-level |
| Key Player Out | Right Guard Kevin Dotson (ankle) | None explicitly stated as “out” from provided text | Nationwide |
| Key Player Returning | WR Davante Adams (hamstring), S Quentin Lake (elbow) | None explicitly stated as “returning” from provided text | Nationwide |
| Previous Matchup Result (Week 13) | Lost 28-31 | Won 31-28 | Nationwide |
| Expected Weather | Warm, potential heavy rain, high winds, thunderstorms | Warm, potential heavy rain, high winds, thunderstorms | State-level |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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