Bryce Young fired three touchdown passes as the Carolina Panthers snapped the red-hot Los Angeles Rams’ six-game unbeaten run with a shock 31–28 victory on Sunday.

The Carolina quarterback delivered two bold fourth-down touchdown throws in the second half to secure a vital win as the playoff race tightens. The Rams, owners of the NFC’s best record entering the matchup in Charlotte, were undone by costly errors at crucial moments.

Matthew Stafford threw a first-quarter interception that Mike Jackson returned for a Panthers touchdown, and a late fourth-quarter fumble from the Rams quarterback sealed their fate.

The result drops the Rams to 9–3 but keeps them atop the NFC West. Carolina, now 7–6, stay firmly in the hunt in the NFC South, where Tampa Bay remain in first place after edging Arizona 20–17.

The Rams looked set to extend their winning streak early in the fourth quarter when Stafford orchestrated an 89-yard touchdown drive, highlighted by a spectacular one-handed grab from Puka Nacua. Kyren Williams finished the series with a short rushing score for a 28–24 lead.

But Young answered immediately, connecting with Tetairoa McMillan on a brave 43-yard fourth-down strike to restore a 31–28 Carolina lead. Stafford’s subsequent fumble ended any chance of a comeback.

Young — the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft who has struggled for consistency early in his career — said he had unwavering belief in his teammates during the two fourth-down conversions.

“I just trust my guys,” Young said. “There’s no big conversation. I know who they are and the competitors they are. I’ll always have confidence in them.”

“I’m so proud of this group — the resilience, the finish, the ability to go blow for blow with an amazing team,” Panthers head coach Dave Canales added.

Bills overpower Steelers

Elsewhere, Josh Allen led the Buffalo Bills to a commanding 26–7 road win over Pittsburgh, a bruising defeat that left Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers battered.

Rodgers’ afternoon hit a low point when a forceful sack by Joey Bosa sent him face-first into the turf, causing a fumble that Buffalo’s Christian Benford returned for a touchdown.

Buffalo improved to 8–4 as they continue to chase the AFC East-leading New England Patriots (10–2), who host the New York Giants on Monday.

San Francisco also stayed in the playoff hunt with a comfortable 26–8 win over the Cleveland Browns, improving to 9–4 — just behind the Rams in the NFC West.

The Jacksonville Jaguars (8–4) strengthened their postseason prospects with a 25–3 victory over the Tennessee Titans, climbing to first in the AFC South after the Indianapolis Colts fell 20–16 to the Houston Texans.

Broncos keep rolling

In Sunday’s late game, the Denver Broncos (10–2) needed overtime to extend their impressive run, edging the Washington Commanders 27–26 at FedEx Field for a ninth straight win.

Denver took early control through two field goals from Will Lutz, though both offenses struggled for rhythm before Chris Rodriguez Jr put Washington ahead with his fourth touchdown of the year.

Bo Nix pulled the Broncos level before halftime with a falling touchdown throw to Courtland Sutton, and the teams traded scores in the third quarter. Two late Jake Moody field goals sent the contest to overtime.

RJ Harvey punched in a short touchdown to give Denver the first strike in the extra period. Washington responded with a dramatic fourth-down touchdown from Marcus Mariota to Terry McLaurin but failed on the two-point attempt, handing the Broncos the win.

“We’ve been battle-tested all year,” Denver linebacker Nik Bonitto said. “There’s no situation that’s new to us. It was just a matter of finding another way to win, and we did.”