Matthew Stafford’s late heroics lift Rams past Panthers in wild-card thriller

Matthew Stafford spoke after the Los Angeles Rams’ comeback win over the Carolina Panthers to advance to the NFC Divisional Round.

Matthew Stafford learned of his first-ever first-team All-Pro selection on Saturday. 

Several hours later, Stafford jogged onto the field in Charlotte shortly before the Los Angeles Rams and Carolina Panthers opened this year’s NFL postseason.

Stafford, an NFL MVP candidate, proceeded to engineer two fourth-quarter scoring drives to rally for a 34-31 win. The wild-card round victory also punched the Rams a ticket to next week’s NFC divisional round.

While the Rams were the favorites entering Saturday's game, it took a 19-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to tight end Colby Parkinson in the game's final minute to secure the victory.

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Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson catches a 19-yard touchdown pass in the NFC wild-card game at Bank of America Stadium, Saturday, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

After a quick start, Stafford did appear to injure a finger on his throwing hand before halftime. The Rams nursed a slim three-point lead when both teams headed to their respective locker rooms at the end of the second quarter.

RAMS' MATTHEW STAFFORD NAMED FIRST-TEAM ALL-PRO QUARTERBACK OVER PATRIOTS' DRAKE MAYE AMID HEATED MVP RACE

The Panthers and Rams exchanged field goals in the third quarter to maintain Los Angeles' narrow lead heading into the game's final frame. The third quarter was highlighted by Stafford's lone interception of the afternoon.

Bank of America Stadium on Saturday in Charlotte. (David Jensen/Getty Images)

Bryce Young’s touchdown pass to Jalen Coker put the Panthers ahead 31-27 with less than