Los Angeles Rams’ Blockbuster Mid-Season Trade Ignites Super Bowl Buzz

The Los Angeles Rams kept their postseason ambitions on track Sunday, defeating the Carolina Panthers 31-17 on the road in a pivotal Week 13 matchup that showcased quarterback Matthew Stafford’s red-hot form and a defense rounding into shape just in time for December football. Stafford wasted no time rewriting record books, tossing a four-yard strike to Cooper Kupp on the opening drive to set a new NFL mark of 28 consecutive touchdown passes without an interception, eclipsing Tom Brady’s previous standard. The veteran finished 26-of-34 for 312 yards, three touchdowns and zero turnovers, carving up a Carolina secondary that had no answers for Kupp (9 rec., 112 yards) or the suddenly explosive rookie Puka Nacua (6 rec., 91 yards, TD). While the passing game headlined, Los Angeles also leaned on a balanced ground attack. Kyren Williams returned from a three-week ankle issue to log 85 rushing yards and a fourth-quarter score that iced the contest. His presence compensated for rookie Jarquez Hunter, who was ruled inactive earlier in the morning as he manages a lingering hamstring tweak. Defensively, coordinator Raheem Morris dialed up relentless pressure that produced four sacks and held Panthers quarterback Bryce Young to 189 passing yards. All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald recorded two of those sacks, propelling him past the 115-career-sack milestone and reminding voters why he remains in the Defensive Player of the Year discussion. Rookie corner Tre Tomlinson sealed the win midway through the fourth quarter with a leaping interception, the first of his career, silencing a Charlotte crowd hoping for a late comeback. Sunday’s victory pushes the Rams to 8-4, good for the NFC’s No. 6 seed with four games remaining. They return to SoFi Stadium next week for a marquee showdown against the first-place San Francisco 49ers, a clash that will carry major NFC West and playoff-seeding implications. Key SEO takeaways: • Los Angeles Rams vs. Carolina Panthers final score 31-17 • Matthew Stafford sets NFL record for consecutive TD passes without an interception • Aaron Donald surpasses 115 career sacks; Tre Tomlinson grabs first interception • Week 13 win strengthens Rams’ NFC Wild Card position ahead of 49ers matchup Rams fans and fantasy managers alike should monitor practice reports this week for updates on Hunter’s hamstring status and Williams’s workload, but Sunday’s performance underscores that Sean McVay’s squad is peaking at the right moment—just as the playoff race hits full throttle.