Carolina quarterback Young threw two bold fourth-down touchdowns in the second half to secure a vital victory for the Panthers as they approach the crucial final phase of the playoff race.

The Rams - who held the best record in the National Football Conference before Sunday's game in Charlotte - were left regretting errors at critical moments.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw an interception in the first quarter that Panthers defender Mike Jackson returned for a touchdown, and a costly fumble in the fourth quarter effectively ended his team's chances.

The win leaves the Rams with a 9-3 record atop the NFC West, while the Panthers improved to 7-6, staying close behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South. The Bucs remain division leaders after a 20-17 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

The Rams looked set to extend their winning streak early in the fourth quarter when Stafford orchestrated an impressive 89-yard touchdown drive to give the visitors a 28-24 lead.

This drive featured an incredible one-handed catch by Rams receiver Puka Nacua, setting up a short rushing touchdown by Kyren Williams on the following play.

However, Young answered with a gutsy 43-yard touchdown pass on fourth down to Tetairoa McMillan, giving the home team a decisive 31-28 lead after Stafford's late fumble.

"I'm extremely proud of this team – their resilience, determination, and ability to match an outstanding opponent blow for blow," Panthers head coach Dave Canales said after the game.

In other early Sunday matches, the San Francisco 49ers comfortably defeated the struggling Cleveland Browns 26-8 to stay firmly in playoff contention, improving to 9-4 and remaining just behind the Rams in the NFC West.

The Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4) are also closing in on a playoff berth following a 25-3 victory against the Tennessee Titans.

This win propelled the Jaguars to the top of the AFC South after the Indianapolis Colts suffered a narrow 20-16 defeat to the Houston Texans.

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