Claim: In the 1996 season, the San Francisco 49ers finished with a record of 12-4, same as Carolina Panthers (in their 2nd season in the National Football League), then followed by St. Louis Rams with 6 wins and 10 losses.
Evidence: 12–4 The 1996 Carolina Panthers season was the franchise's 2nd season in the National Football League and the 2nd under head coach Dom Capers. The franchise tied for first place in the NFC West with a 12–4 record, but lost the division title to the Carolina Panthers on the division-record tiebreaker (the Panthers had swept the Niners in the season). However, the Rams finished the season with a 6–10 record. 3rd NFC West Carolina Panthers San Francisco 49ers St. Louis Rams 6 12 12 4 4 10