2025 NFC West Preview: Los Angeles Rams Football

Los Angeles, California — The Los Angeles Rams enter the 2025 NFL season with championship-level talent, a retooled offense, and a defense led by rising stars. But one storyline towers above the rest: the health of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Stafford’s Health in the Spotlight

Stafford, 37, continues to manage a lingering back injury that forced him to miss stretches of camp. The Rams limited his reps in training, often holding him out of 11-on-11 work until late August. While coaches have stressed that his reduced workload is precautionary, it’s hard to ignore the uncertainty hanging over the season.

When Stafford is healthy, the Rams can challenge anyone in the NFC. But his back issues have been a recurring concern in recent years. In his absence during camp, Jimmy Garoppolo has taken the bulk of first-team snaps, underscoring the need for a capable contingency plan.

Still, Stafford returned to full team drills in late August, a positive step toward being ready for Week 1. Whether he can stay upright over 17 games will likely determine whether Los Angeles can compete for the NFC West crown or slide back into the pack.

Offensive Firepower: Adams, Nacua and Williams

The Rams spent the offseason loading up Stafford’s supporting cast. The headline move was signing Davante Adams to a two-year deal, giving Los Angeles one of the NFL’s most consistent playmakers. At 32, Adams remains an elite route-runner with the ability to tilt coverages.

Pairing him with third-year star Puka Nacua gives the Rams a rare one-two punch at receiver. Nacua broke out in 2023 as a rookie, setting NFL records for receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486) by a first-year player. He followed up with another strong campaign in 2024, proving he’s not just a flash in the pan but a foundational piece. Together, Adams and Nacua give Los Angeles two legitimate No. 1 options who can stress defenses at every level.

The passing game should open opportunities for Kyren Williams, who earned a contract extension this offseason after becoming one of the most reliable young backs in the league. Williams combines vision, balance and toughness, making him a three-down weapon in Sean McVay’s scheme. His ability to churn out yards after contact and contribute as a receiver gives Stafford a critical safety valve.

The offensive line, often a point of concern in recent seasons, will play a key role in keeping Stafford upright and allowing the stars to shine. If protection holds, the Rams could field one of the NFC’s most dangerous units.

Defense Anchored by Jared Verse

On defense, the Rams are entering a new era without Aaron Donald, who retired after the 2023 season. But second-year pass rusher Jared Verse has quickly emerged as the face of the unit. Verse won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024, flashing elite burst and power on the edge. Coaches and analysts alike have pointed to his expanded arsenal of pass-rush moves as a sign he could make the leap into the NFL’s elite.

Verse is joined by Byron Young, creating a high-upside tandem on the edges. The Rams’ defensive staff has emphasized versatility this offseason, moving players across alignments to generate mismatches. With Verse at the center, the defense has the potential to surprise opponents who still view the unit as a rebuilding group.

The secondary remains a work in progress, but the pass rush could mask vulnerabilities on the back end. If Verse takes another step, he could become the first Ram since Donald to enter the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.

Season Hinges on Stafford’s Health

The Rams’ trajectory is simple: as Stafford goes, so goes Los Angeles. With Adams, Nacua, and Williams, the offense is built to compete with anyone. But Stafford’s back problems leave the team walking a tightrope.

If he plays 17 games, the Rams have the balance and explosiveness to push for another playoff run. If not, even with Garoppolo in reserve, the ceiling lowers dramatically.

The NFC West remains unforgiving. San Francisco is still a contender, and Seattle continues to improve. That makes Stafford’s availability not just a luxury but a requirement for the Rams to stay relevant deep into December.

Quick Look: 2025 Regular-Season Schedule

• Week 1 (Sept. 7): vs. Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium
• Week 2 (Sept. 14): at Tennessee Titans
• Week 3 (Sept. 21): at Philadelphia Eagles — an early measuring stick
• Week 5 (Oct. 5): vs. San Francisco 49ers — first NFC West showdown
• Midseason stretch: road trips to Baltimore and London (vs. Jacksonville) highlight a challenging middle slate
• Post-bye: matchups with New Orleans, San Francisco again, and Seattle loom large in the playoff chase
• Closing stretch: home against Tampa Bay, road games in Carolina and Arizona, then a brutal finish against Detroit, Seattle, Atlanta and Arizona

It’s a schedule filled with potential pitfalls, but also opportunities for statement wins if the Rams’ stars stay on the field.

Conclusion

The Rams open 2025 with optimism rooted in both veteran stability and young talent. Davante Adams brings All-Pro experience. Puka Nacua, now firmly established as a top-tier receiver in just his third season, is ready to thrive alongside him. Kyren Williams gives balance to the offense, while Jared Verse headlines a defense hungry to prove itself.

But for all the talent, the Rams’ fate rests in the hands—and back—of Matthew Stafford. If he’s healthy, Los Angeles could once again emerge as a contender in a crowded NFC. If not, the story of 2025 may look a lot different.