Posted January 11, 2026

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In a wild and controversial NFC Wild Card playoff game that will go down as one of the most dramatic finishes of the 2025–26 NFL postseason, the Los Angeles Rams edged the Carolina Panthers 34–31

at Bank of America Stadium — but it’s not just the thrilling comeback that’s making headlines.

The NFL has suspended four referees who officiated the matchup, placing them on administrative leave as an internal investigation revealed that

multiple Rams infractions were overlooked or not properly enforced, and those missed calls significantly influenced the game’s outcome with Carolina left bitterly disappointed.

Panthers Take Control, Then Rams Strike Back

Carolina came out with intensity, jumping to a 14–0 lead early behind strong offensive execution and a stout defense. QB Bryce Young and RB Chuba Hubbard helped sustain drives, putting the Panthers in a commanding position. Panthers fans were electrified as their team built a lead that looked poised to carry them into a stunning playoff upset. ([turn0news24][turn0search38])

But the Rams — perennial NFC contenders — refused to fold. Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, displaying poise and playoff experience, methodically led Los Angeles back into the game. With key receptions from

Puka Nacua and clutch third‑down conversions, the Rams chipped away at the deficit. Nacua’s explosive playmaking — including a crucial touchdown reception — helped shift momentum late and set up Stafford’s game‑winning throw. ([turn0news25][turn0search18])

Missed Calls Under Investigation

After the game, NFL officiating leadership conducted a detailed review of the crew’s performance and found that multiple violations committed by the Rams — including unflagged holding and illegal motion penalties

at critical moments — were not enforced. These non‑calls occurred during pivotal drives that sustained the Rams’ possessions when Carolina’s defense appeared set to make stops. League sources say the missed callscontributed to the Panthers relinquishing their late lead, a rare and serious officiating oversight in a playoff context.

In response, the NFL has taken the unusual step of suspending all four officials from the contest

while the investigation continues, signaling the league’s commitment to holding crews accountable for enforcement accuracy in high‑stakes games.

Impact on the Panthers’ Season

For the Panthers, the loss marked the end of their first playoff season since 2017 — and it came in heartbreaking fashion. Carolina defied expectations all season, finishing

8–9 but winning the NFC South thanks to tiebreakers and late‑season heroics. They had stunned the NFL during the regular season with an upset win over the Rams, but this playoff defeat highlighted how razor‑thin the margins can be in March football. ([turn0search37][turn0search38])

Despite the loss, Panthers fans and analysts praised Carolina’s resilience and the progress they’ve made under coach Dave Canales and QB Young, who showed leadership in his first playoff action. However, the officiating controversy now overshadows what should have been a celebration of a breakthrough season.

Rams Advance, Eyes on Divisional Round

The Rams improved to 13–5 on the year and now advance to the Divisional Round, where they’ll face one of the NFC’s top seeds next. Stafford’s performance — including clutch plays in the final minutes — lifted his squad at just the right time, and the balance of their roster bodes well for a deeper postseason push.

Wider Reaction

Reaction to the news of the referee suspensions was swift and fiery. Fans, analysts, and former players took to social media and sports talk shows, calling for more transparency in officiating decisions and enhanced accountability, especially in playoff games where even one call can alter a team’s season.