Bryce Young threw three touchdowns as the Carolina Panthers upset the Los Angeles Rams 31-28 on Sunday with the NFL playoff race tightening.

Panthers quarterback Young ¡ª coming off a poor performance in a dismal defeat to the San Francisco 49ers ¡ª tossed two daring second-half touchdown passes on fourth down to give Carolina a precious win in what promises to be a hectic final sprint for postseason places.

The Rams, who boasted the best record in the NFC heading into Sunday's duel in Charlotte, were left ruing mistakes at key moments.