Not many in the sports-betting industry are giving the Carolina Panthers much attention.
The NFC South-champion Panthers (8-9) earned their first conference crown since 2015 and initial postseason appearance since ‘17. Sure, they backed in via a tiebreaker, losing their final two regular-season games and were saved by the Atlanta Falcons’ Week 18 win.
The Panthers finished with a sub-.500 record and were outscored by 69 points. They posted one three-game losing streak and alternated wins with losses during Weeks 9-17.
That’s partly why the Panthers, who will host the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, open the NFL Wild Card round as -10.5 underdogs, according to BetOnline Sportsbook. The Rams-Panthers kick off the NFL playoffs at 4:30 p.m. ET.
“I’m so excited about us bringing football back to Bank of America Stadium,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said during a teleconference Monday. “That is a real advantage.”
All signs point to #Panthers ILB Claudin Cherelus rejoining the starting lineup for Saturday’s #NFL Wild Card matchup versus visiting #Rams … pic.twitter.com/pdPlswVmlZ
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) January 9, 2026
Carolina Panthers Want to Create ‘Beast Quake’ II
Canales, a long-time Seattle Seahawks assistant coach, recalled the “Beast Quake.”
“We were all yelling so much,” Canales recalled. “The stadium was actually swaying. The whole building was moving. I popped up on my feet. I was yelling so loud when I sat back down after the touchdown, I almost fainted.
“Like, all the blood had rushed to my head.”
Can Canales replicate the spirit in Charlotte, N.C.?
“Just an amazing memory, an electric moment,” Canales said. “I’m really excited to create some memories and moments here at Bank of America Stadium.”
The Panthers’ rebuild has been buoyed by 11 first-year players, with four draft picks earning significant rotational roles, including potential rookie of the year candidate Tetairoa McMillan.
Their roster does include postseason experience. Ironically, six veterans earned Super Bowl LVI rings with the Rams, including defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson, safety Nick Scott, linebacker Christian Rozeboom, nose tackle Bobby Brown III and guard Austin Corbett. Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Turk Wharton also hoisted the Lombardi Trophy.
The Panthers topped the Rams, 31-28, during a Week 13 matchup, but few expect a repeat performance.
Only two players dressed for the Panthers the last time they earned a postseason trip, right tackle Taylor Moton and long snapper JJ Jansen.
Putting on the final end zone decorative touches for #Panthers #NFL Wild Card matchup vs #Rams at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday … pic.twitter.com/2HTzL1FNyO
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) January 8, 2026
NFL Wild Card Games Odds
Here is a look at the odds for the games during NFL Wild Card Weekend, according to BetOnline Sportsbook:
| Games | NFL Wild Card Games Odds |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers | Rams, -10.5 |
| Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears | Packers, -1 |
| Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars | Bills, -1 |
| San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles | Eagles, -5 |
| Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots | Patriots, -3.5 |
| Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers | Texans, -3 |
