Young shocks Rams, fires Panthers into playoff race

Bryce Young threw three touchdowns as the Carolina Panthers upset the inform Los Angeles Rams 31-28 on Sunday with the NFL playoff race tightening.

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Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams. REUTERS

(REUTERS)

Panthers quarterback Young — coming off a poor performance in a dismal defeat to the San Francisco 49ers — tossed two daring second-half touchdowns on fourth down to give Carolina a precious win in what promises to be a hectic final sprint for postseason places.

The Rams, who boasted the best record in the National Football Conference heading into Sunday's duel in Charlotte, were left ruing mistakes at key moments.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford gave up a first-quarter interception that Panthers defender Mike Jackson returned for a touchdown before a costly fourth-quarter fumble effectively sealed the Rams’ defeat.

It left the Rams at 9-3 at the top of the NFC West while the Panthers improved to 7-6 to stay hard on the heels of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South.

The Bucs remain top of the division after a 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals.