Who do Rams play next? Explaining opponent in 2026 NFL playoff bracket

The Los Angeles Rams and Carolina Panthers matched up in the first game of Wild Card Weekend. 

The Rams came into the game as double-digit favorites against the Panthers and got out to an early 14-0 lead, but several mistakes let Carolina back into the game. It took the Rams scoring with 38 seconds left in the game, and one more defensive stand to escape Charlotte and advance to the next round of the playoffs. 

Los Angeles knew it advanced on Saturday, but had to wait for Sunday evening to learn who they would play in the NFC divisional round. 

Here is more on who the Rams will play next weekend. 

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Who do the Rams play next?

The Rams' next opponent has been determined. The San Francisco 49ers upset the Philadelphia Eagles to advance.

The No. 6-seeded 49ers are now the lowest seed remaining in the NFC. That means they will go on the road to take on the No. 1-seeded Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round. 

The No. 5-seeded Rams will still go on the road, but they will now take on the No. 2-seeded Bears at Soldier Field. If San Francisco had lost, Los Angeles would have gone on the road to face Seattle. 

The Rams did not play the Bears during the regular season. 

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NFL playoff bracket 2026