The Rams were not only heavy favorites to beat Carolina, but they are also one of the favorites to win Super Bowl 60 on February 8.
Despite entering the playoffs with an 8-9 record, the Panthers had home-field advantage after stumbling to the NFC South title.
The Rams, who finished the regular season 12-5, appeared on track for a direct advance to the divisional round after Puka Nacua scored the first two touchdowns.
But the Panthers regrouped and cut the score to 17-14 at halftime, before tying the score in the third quarter.
The final quarter produced four touchdowns, with the Panthers twice taking the lead, only for the Rams to answer each time through Kyren Williams and Parkinson.
Both scores came from passes by Rams quarterback Matt Stafford, the favorite for this season’s Most Valuable Player award, who accounted for 304 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.
Panthers quarterback Bryce Young threw for 264 yards in his playoff debut, plus an interception, while throwing for a touchdown and rushing for another.
