Overview
2024 Record: 10-7
General Manager: Les Snead
Head Coach: Sean McVay
Starting Quarterback: Matthew Stafford
Key Extensions:
OT Alaric Jackson (3 years, $57.75 million, $35.425 million guaranteed), RB Kyren Williams (3 years, $33 million, $23 million guaranteed)
Key Additions:
WR Davante Adams, DL Poona Ford, TE Terrance Ferguson, EDGE Josaiah Stewart
Key Departures:
DL Bobby Brown III, WR Cooper Kupp, iOL Jonah Jackson, OT Joe Noteboom, LB Christian Rozeboom
Offense
Offensive Coordinator: Mike LaFleur
2024 Ranks:
EPA/play: 16th Success Rate: 10th PPG: 20th (21.6ppg)
Projected Starting Offense (11 personnel):
QB Matthew Stafford
RB Kyren Williams
WR Puka Nacua
WR Davante Adams
WR Tutu Atwell
TE Tyler Higbee
LT Alaric Jackson
LG Steve Avila
C Coleman Shelton
RG Kevin Dotson
RT Rob Havenstein
Offense Notes:
LA’s 2024 offense can be broken down into two buckets: games where Puka Nacua played, and games where he didn’t. With Nacua missing all (or most of the game), the Rams landed at a 2-5 record. With Nacua? 8-2. He’s that important to the offense. Once it all came together, the Rams were able to take down some of the best in the conference, ultimately falling just short to the eventual Super Bowl winners.
Nacua’s importance to the team is well-documented, but other player concerns already loom for 2025. Both left tackle Alaric Jackson and quarterback Matt Stafford have missed large chunks of the offseason with respective injuries. If everyone is healthy, the Rams offense can be one of the best in the league thanks to the addition of Davante Adams. An Adams-Nacua tandem can compete for the best in the NFC and should be able to allow the Rams to compete with anyone.
Defense
Defensive Coordinator: Chris Shula
2024 Ranks:
EPA/play: 25th Success Rate: 28th PPG: 17th (22.7ppg allowed)
Projected Starting Defense (Base 3-4):
DE Braden Fiske
NT Poona Ford
DT Kobie Turner
OLB Byron Young
OLB Jared Verse
LB Nate Landman
LB Omar Speights
CB Darious Williams
CB Akhello Witherspoon
S Kam Curl
S Kamren Kinchens
Defense Notes:
Initially, I had thought that the Rams defense was better than they actually are. With splash plays coming from the young defensive line players, the Rams seemed to be a strong unit on defense. Unfortunately, the wins on the defensive side of the ball largely relied on the sacks, turnovers, and being stout in the red zone to keep them competitive.
Going into 2025, there isn’t too much change to this side of the ball. The two starters LA lost (both to Carolina) were adequately replaced. The hope for this group is internal growth from the young stars on this side of the ball. If any of Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, and Kobie Turner can take steps toward becoming the best in the league at their positions, this defense can be more impactful this season. Otherwise, it may look like more of the same.
Outlook
Overall, while the Rams did win the division last season, it wasn’t necessarily in a convincing fashion. This was a team that had a negative record for a large chunk of the season, and strung some impressive wins together once Nacua was back to take the division. Can the Rams find similar success in 2025?
The main hang-up I have with this thought is the age and/or health of this team. With Matthew Stafford (37 years old) missing time this offseason, and the other teams in the division not far behind as far as talent goes, the Rams aren’t overwhelming favorites to bring in back-to-back division crowns by any means.
If everyone can stay healthy, the sky is the limit for this team. Of all the teams Philly faced on their run to the trophy, the Rams gave them the biggest scare. When so much of what can (and has) decide your season is built upon the health of key players, I’ll always hesitate when laying out expectations for a team.
Expectation/Goal for 2025: Compete for NFC West, Wild Card
2025 Schedule
Primetime games are BOLDED, all times EDT/EST
*Week 7 game vs. Jacksonville is in London*