Stafford and Nacua Power Rams Playoff Surge Following All-Pro Selection

2026-01-11 general

Los Angeles, Saturday, 10 January 2026.
Fresh off earning First Team All-Pro honors, Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua immediately validated their status, combining for a pivotal touchdown to drive the Rams’ Wild Card momentum.

Immediate Returns on All-Pro Talent

The Los Angeles Rams’ offensive engine is firing on all cylinders during the Wild Card matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, January 10, 2026 [5][7]. Quarterback Matthew Stafford connected with wide receiver Puka Nacua for a 14-yard touchdown pass, giving Los Angeles an early advantage in the postseason contest [1][7]. By the second quarter, the Rams had established a 10 10-point lead, with Nacua accounting for two total touchdowns in the game’s opening stages [4][5]. This dominant performance arrives immediately following the announcement that both Stafford and Nacua were selected for the 2025 Associated Press First Team All-Pro roster [2]. The recognition highlights the immense value of the duo; Stafford secured his spot after leading the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 passing touchdowns during the regular season [2]. Notably, Stafford threw just eight interceptions, joining Tom Brady as the only quarterbacks in history to record at least 45 touchdowns with eight or fewer interceptions in a single season [2].

Unanimous Value and Market Expectations

Puka Nacua’s impact on the Rams’ valuation as a contender is statistically undeniable. The receiver was a unanimous selection, receiving 100% of the first-place votes (50 out of 50) after leading the league with 129 receptions [2]. He also ranked second in receiving yards with 1,715 and averaged a league-leading 107.2 receiving yards per game [2]. This marks Nacua’s first appearance on the First Team and his second All-Pro honor in just three NFL seasons [2]. From a market perspective, the Rams entered the postseason as significant favorites, with books positioning them as 10 to 11-point favorites against the 8-9 Panthers [5][6]. Despite finishing as the No. 5 seed with a 12-5 record, the Rams’ offensive output—ranking first in the NFL in total yards and points—has positioned them as a formidable force against a Carolina team making its first playoff appearance in eight years [3].

Playoff Atmosphere and Execution

The Wild Card game at Bank of America Stadium has seen the Rams capitalize on Carolina’s errors, including an interception thrown by Panthers quarterback Bryce Young in the first quarter [4]. While the Panthers managed a touchdown via Chuba Hubbard, the Rams extended their lead with a 46-yard field goal by Harrison Mevis in the second quarter [4][5]. Compounding Carolina’s difficulties, key offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu was carted off the field with a knee injury early in the contest, further tilting the probability of success toward Los Angeles [4][5]. As the game progresses, the immediate translation of regular-season accolades to postseason production suggests that the Stafford-Nacua connection remains the central asset in Los Angeles’ pursuit of a Super Bowl run.

Sources

NFL Playoffs Los Angeles Rams