The Carolina Panthers are considered massive underdogs against the Los Angeles Rams in their NFL Wild Card matchup, with betting odds reflecting a significant talent disparity between the two teams. Oddsmakers have listed the Panthers as approximately 10 to 10.5-point underdogs, which is an unusually large spread for a home playoff team.
Carolina has already pulled off a massive upset against the Rams this season in Charlotte, but this also means that Los Angeles knows exactly what the Panthers are capable of and they won’t overlook them this time. It’s no secret that a lot of things need to go Carolina’s way to pull off this massive upset, so here are six things that must happen for the Panthers to do the unthinkable one more time.
The Panthers’ Upset Blueprint
1. Dominate Time of Possession: A Ground-and-Pound Strategy
The Panthers’ path to victory starts with controlling the tempo and keeping Matthew Stafford and the Rams’ potent offense off the field. A strong showing from running backs Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard will be essential. They must grind out first downs and wear down the Rams’ defensive front. This means successful third-down conversions, limiting three-and-outs, and extending drives to limit LA’s opportunities. A run-heavy approach limits Stafford’s chances and tires his defense, creating opportunities late in the game.
2. Defense Creates Chaos: Force Stafford into Mistakes
While the Panthers’ pass rush isn’t elite, they must find ways to disrupt Stafford, who is prone to mistakes under pressure. The blitz package needs to be effective, but more importantly, the front four must generate pressure, forcing hurried throws, and the secondary needs to capitalize on any errant passes, similar to the three turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble) they forced in their last meeting. With key defenders potentially back, Carolina must create turnovers, especially in the red zone, and limit the big plays that fuel the Rams’ attack.
3. Young’s Brilliance: Clutch and Efficient Play
Quarterback Bryce Young must elevate his game, showcasing the clutch ability he’s demonstrated when it matters most. He needs to make smart decisions, avoid negative plays (especially on early downs), and efficiently move the chains. In an upset scenario, Young can’t afford unforced errors, he must deliver under pressure, find soft spots in the Rams’ defense, and exploit them for timely completions, keeping drives alive and capitalizing on any red-zone chances.
4. Capitalize on Opportunities: No Missed Chances
Against a team like the Rams, the Panthers can’t afford to leave points on the field or miss potential game-changing plays. This means converting field goals, capitalizing on turnovers with points, and executing on fourth downs when necessary. The Rams’ offense is efficient, but they can be aggressive, and the Panthers must be opportunistic when those aggressive plays backfire, flipping field position and momentum.
5. Special Teams Supremacy: The Hidden Factor
In tight playoff games, special teams often make the difference. Carolina needs flawless kicking and coverage, with no muffed punts or missed field goals. A big return or a well-executed fake could provide the spark the underdog needs. This unit must win its hidden yardage battle, setting up the offense with good field position and preventing the Rams from gaining an easy advantage.
6. Win the “Fourth Quarter” Mentality: Stay Resilient
Ultimately, an upset hinges on belief and execution when the pressure is highest. The Panthers must play with desperation and discipline for four quarters, weathering the Rams’ inevitable surges and responding with resilience. If they can keep the game close into the fourth quarter, their ability to make plays and control the pace gives them a real chance to flip the script and shock the NFC West leaders.
Main Image: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
