The one factor that will define the season for the Rams

The Los Angeles Rams have moved as Matthew Stafford has since acquiring the veteran quarterback in January 2021. When he's available, the team is successful. That won't change in 2025.

Stafford proved to be the missing piece on an otherwise all-around dominant Rams team. Improved quarterback play was all it took to elevate L.A. to Super Bowl Champions.

In Stafford's second go-round with the Rams, though, the team clearly felt his absence. L.A. limped to a 5-12 record in 2022, failing to even come close to defending its championship. Stafford managing just nine injury-riddled games during this lost season was no coincidence. 

Following that disastrous stretch, Stafford has proven his value over the last two seasons. After returning to full health, he helped the Rams return to the postseason with back-to-back 10-7 campaigns, even receiving the second Pro Bowl nod of his career in 2023. 

It's clear that Stafford's health is directly correlated with the Rams winning games. So it's understandable why there is concern regarding back issues that sidelined him throughout training camp and the preseason.

Head coach Sean McVay confirmed that Stafford would practice in full this week and would be ready to suit up for Week 1. But at 37 and entering his 17th NFL season, he won't be getting any more durable.

If Stafford goes down for an extended period, the Rams could be in real trouble.

Jimmy Garoppolo is returning as L.A.'s backup quarterback after filling in for a single contest in 2024. While it's difficult to determine how he'll perform with this squad from one outing, one doesn't have to look far to see how Garoppolo fared in the driver's seat.

The 2014 second-round pick has been nothing but average since signing a massive five-year deal in 2018. Garoppolo failed to capitalize with an ultra-talented San Francisco 49ers offense. His disastrous play with the Las Vegas Raiders prompted star receiver Davante Adams to request a trade.

In every recent opportunity, Garoppolo has struggled to show his worth as a starting quarterback. Even with an offense loaded with Pro Bowl skill players, including receiver Puka Nacua, running back Kyren Williams and, ironically, Adams, Garoppolo is difficult to trust.

If Stafford can manage a third-straight healthy season, this Rams squad shouldn't have an issue making the playoffs. If not, L.A. could be looking at a rebuilding phase — one that will start with a search for a new quarterback.