NOTHING COULD BE FINER

Rams to open playoffs at Carolina after Stafford helps secure fifth seed

- BY GARY KLEIN

COLBY PARKINSON dives for the go-ahead, 21-yard touchdown at the end of the third quarter, the first of three in a row scored by L.A.

(ROBERT GAUTHIER Los Angeles Times)

The Rams are headed to Carolina for the playoffs.

Their 37-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at SoFi Stadium, combined with the Atlanta Falcons’ victory over the New Orleans Saints, helped the Rams move up to the No. 5 seed for the NFC playoffs.

The Rams earned a rematch against the No. 4-seeded Panthers, who defeated the Rams at Bank of America Stadium in Week 13 but are the only playoff team with a losing record (8-9). They're seeded higher than the Rams by virtue of winning the NFC South.

Matthew Stafford passed for four touchdowns, Puka Nacua caught a touchdown pass and increased his league-leading receptions total, and the defense was just good enough as the Rams bounced back from losses at Seattle and Atlanta to finish 12-5.

The Seahawks (14-3) are seeded No. 1 and will have a first round bye. The No. 2 Chicago Bears (11-6) play host to the No. 7 Green Bay Packers (9-7-1), and the No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles (11-6), the defending Super Bowl champions, will play host to the No. 6 San Francisco 49ers (12-5).