The Los Angeles Rams and Carolina Panthers kicked off the Wild Card Weekend with a matchup at Bank of America Stadium, marking the start of the 2025 NFL playoffs.
While the Rams got out to a 14-0 lead, it wouldn’t be long before the Panthers fought back, tying the game at 17 apiece after kicking a field goal on their first drive of the second half. The two franchises would go back and forth, leading to a vintage Matthew Stafford moment, driving down the field for the win as former players and NFL analysts showered the veteran with praise.
Matthew Stafford Gets Praised for MVP-Esque Performance
While it wasn’t the cleanest game, the Rams’ No. 1-ranked offense, according to PFSN’s Offense Impact Metric, came through in the end as Stafford propelled the unit to a 34-31 win.
After the Panthers blocked a punt and scored on the ensuing possession to take a 31-27 lead, the Rams seemingly had one more chance to win the game, and Stafford showed why he’s firmly in the MVP conversation.
Stafford and the Rams offense would march down the field courtesy of his arm, as he completed six of seven passes on the drive for 71 yards, culminating in a 19-yard touchdown strike to tight end Colby Parkinson.
NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero posted the touchdown catch on X, commenting, “What a drive by Matthew Stafford. What a play by Colby Parkinson.”
What a drive by Matthew Stafford. What a play by Colby Parkinson.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 11, 2026
He wasn’t the only analyst awestruck, as former NFL player and general manager, and ESPN reporter Louis Riddick also posted on X, “Incredible throw and catch. As good as it gets. Stafford is a marksman with the football.”
Incredible throw and catch. As good as it gets. Stafford is a marksman with the football.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) January 11, 2026
Fellow ESPN coworker and another former NFL player, Ryan Clark, doubled down on the MVP conversation surrounding Stafford, as well as pointing out how lucky the Rams were to move on to the next round, posting, “MVP! MVP! MVP!! Stafford delivers and man what a save for the Rams. Would be a big time disappointment.”
MVP! MVP! MVP!! Stafford delivers and man what a save for the Rams. Would be a big time disappointment.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) January 11, 2026
Another former player also gave Stafford the MVP nod after the incredible late fourth-quarter drive to take the lead. Former NFL running back LeSean “Shady” McCoy shouted out his fellow 2009 draft classmate, posting, “That’s why he’s the MVP…2009 class, I see you, Matt.” Stafford was the first overall pick by the Detroit Lions in 2009, while McCoy was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 53rd pick.
That’s why he the MVP … 2009 class I see you Matt
— LeSean Shady Mccoy (@CutonDime25) January 11, 2026
Stafford would finish the Super Wild Card Weekend matchup, completing 24 of 42 passes for 304 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception.
While they were able to scrape out the win over Carolina, they will need more consistent outings from the offense as the postseason continues.
