What a Rams or Panthers win today means for NFC West, NFC South, NFL playoff picture originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
On paper, it doesn't stand out as a marquee matchup: Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut in Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season, there's plenty at stake for the NFC West and NFC South divisional races as well as the overall playoff picture.
The Rams enter the day at 9-2.
The Panthers are 6-6.
MORE: Yale completes an insane, historic comeback in FCS Playoffs
Here's what's at stake:
Why the Rams need a win
The Rams are currently a game clear of the Seahawks in the NFC West, leading 9-2 to 8-3. The 49ers aren't far behind at 8-4.
So the only way for L.A. to guarantee a divisional lead at the end of the day is to win.
The Rams also currently have a half-game edge on the 9-3 Bears for the NFC's top seed. So a win by Los Angeles on Sunday improves them to 10-2 and keeps them in contention for the 1-seed and the bye that comes with it.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMORE: Adam Schefter blasted for framing of latest Shedeur Sanders news
Why the Panthers need a win
The Panthers enter the day at 6-6, a half-game back of the 6-5 Buccaneers in the NFC South standings.
Given the hefty race for NFC wild card spots, the Panthers are unlikely to get one of those unless they win out.
That leaves the divisional race as Carolina's best chance at the playoffs.
They'll be underdogs for sure on Sunday, but the Panthers aren't out of it yet, so they'll certainly be chasing a win to stay within striking distance of the Buccaneers.
More news:
Baylor Scheierman's stats as a high school QB are insane
Olympic sensation Quincy Wilson commits to a Big Ten school
LeBron passes Michael in a stat that means nothing in the GOAT debate
Caitlin Clark might be the reason Steph Curry left Under Armour
Shedeur Sanders given Barack Obama-level praise by NBA champion
The new Stranger Things character was also an MLB All Star with the Brewers
