NFL Playoffs: Los Angeles Rams survive scare to defeat Carolina Panthers on Wildcard Weekend

The NFL playoffs are off to a hot start with the Los Angeles Rams needing a late touchdown to escape a major upset against the Carolina Panthers.

Not only were the Rams the favorite to win in Charlotte on Wildcard Weekend, they were among the favorites in the Super Bowl.

But they needed a touchdown by tight end Colby Parkinson with 38 seconds remaining to seal a 34-31 win in Charlotte.

Despite entering the postseason with a losing record of 8-9, Carolina had home advantage after falling short of the NFC South division title.

The Rams, who finished the regular season 12-5, appeared on track to advance directly to the divisional round after Puka Nakoa scored the first two touchdown goals.

But the Panthers regrouped to cut the score to 17-14 at halftime and tie the game in the third quarter.

Two touchdown passes by Chuba Hubbard and Jalen Coker put the Panthers ahead during the fourth quarter, but the Rams answered each time with Kyren Williams and Parkinson catching touchdown passes from quarterback Matt Stafford, an MVP candidate for the season.