Saturday brings the opening game of the 2026 NFL playoffs between the Los Angeles Rams and the Carolina Panthers. The Rams are headed to Charlotte, where they took a disappointing loss earlier this season.
Can Los Angeles reach a better outcome this time around?
Carolina barely earned a postseason berth. They took a Week 18 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and only won the NFC West because the Atlanta Falcons went on a late-season tear to force a three-way tie in the division. It’s not difficult to argue that the Panthers are the worst team to make the playoffs, which is why the Rams are currently 10.5-point favorites according to most major sportsbooks.
But the Rams should not take the Panthers lightly. This is an opponent that has already caught them by surprise once this season. LA has Super Bowl aspirations and must take care of business Saturday afternoon.
I have several burning questions ahead of the playoff rematch. You, the fans, will answer them below.
Let’s get started.
