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NFL Insider Names Rams as One of Most ‘Vulnerable’ 2024 Division Winners

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Rosenblum | Last updated May 28, 2025 7:22 PM ET

The Los Angeles Rams, fresh off their 2024 NFC West title, have been labeled one of the NFL’s most vulnerable division winners heading into the 2025 season, according to a recent CBS Sports analysis shared by Cody Benjamin.

Despite a strong finish last year, with five consecutive December wins and a near-upset against the Philadelphia Eagles in the postseason, the Rams face a challenging road to retain their crown.

The addition of star wide receiver Davante Adams bolsters an already potent offense led by Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua, forming what some call the best 1-2 receiver punch of Stafford’s career.

However, concerns linger. Nacua’s injury history and the team’s reliance on aging veterans like Stafford and Adams raise questions about consistency.

The Rams’ defense, while young and promising with 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, may not progress as hoped, adding to their vulnerability.

The NFC West is a gauntlet, with a revitalized San Francisco 49ers, a Seattle Seahawks team led by Sam Darnold, and an Arizona Cardinals squad earning high draft grades.

A first-place schedule pitting the Rams against powerhouses like the Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and Detroit Lions further complicates their path.

While Sean McVay’s late-season surge in 2024 showcased resilience, the Rams’ streaky performance and tough competition make their title defense precarious.

As Benjamin notes, the Kansas City Chiefs remain the least vulnerable, while the Rams’ grip on the NFC West appears tenuous at best.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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