Few analysts are higher on the Los Angeles Rams heading into 2025 than Rich Eisen. The NFL Network host not only picked the Rams to repeat as NFC West champions, but went a step further, calling them “the class of the entire conference” — even ahead of the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
“I think the Rams may wind up by the end of the day the class of the entire conference,” Eisen said. “The team that gave the Eagles the hardest time in the playoffs last year. And again, the way that the Rams finished [in 2024] might splash over into the way they start this year.
“I love their young defense. I love their front seven. Let’s protect Matthew Stafford, please, and let’s see what this guy can do with the protection up front and [head coach Sean] McVay and running the play action and running the football. They might be the class of the conference.”
Eisen’s excitement reflects just how much optimism surrounds the Rams this season, but Los Angeles will still have to navigate a difficult NFC West. The San Francisco 49ers enter 2025 healthier and eager to reclaim the division. The Seattle Seahawks spent the offseason revamping both sides of the ball, and even the Arizona Cardinals — once considered a rebuilding team — have added pieces to remain pesky within the division.
Still, they appear to be in position to make another run if they can keep their most important player upright. As Eisen and countless others have noted, Los Angeles will go only as far as Matthew Stafford’s health allows. McVay remains one of the NFL’s sharpest offensive minds, and the roster is deep with talent, but everything hinges on the veteran quarterback staying on the field.
As long as Stafford is under center, though, voices like Eisen’s will continue to back the Rams as legitimate contenders — and perhaps the best the NFC has to offer in 2025.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!