LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams continue to perform just well enough to secure victories, surprising many by positioning themselves near a playoff spot despite initial expectations of a rebuilding year.
On Sunday, the Rams boosted their record to 9-6, taking command of the NFC West with a series of four consecutive wins since Thanksgiving. Their latest triumph, a 19-9 victory against the New York Jets in frigid weather, was characterized more by grit than domination. Entering the fourth quarter down 9-6 and being outgained by nearly 100 yards, the Rams managed to replicate their largest margin of victory this season, presenting themselves as a formidable challenge for any potential playoff contender.
Remarkably, the Rams have won 8 out of their last 10 games following a bye week that saw them languishing at 1-4. Questions loomed over the futures of Super Bowl MVP receiver Cooper Kupp and quarterback Matthew Stafford, as the NFL speculated on roster changes. However, Los Angeles chose to forgo a complete overhaul of their season, with head coach Sean McVay guiding his team from last place to the top of the division.
“You don’t want to ride the emotional roller coaster that these games can take you on,” McVay remarked, emphasizing the importance of keeping a steady mindset. “Certainly that’s not complete by any stretch, but our guys have done an excellent job of not allowing the way we started, especially in those first five games, to affect what we did coming off that bye.”
This season marks the Rams’ seventh winning record in eight seasons under McVay— a noteworthy achievement considering the franchise’s history of 13 consecutive losing seasons prior to hiring the young coach in 2017. Following their Super Bowl victory in February 2022, which was followed by the worst record for a defending champion in NFL history, the Rams have skillfully navigated the space between being a powerhouse and undergoing a significant reconstruction.
Previously, the Rams also faced a slow start last season, entering their bye week at 3-6 before finishing with a strong 7-1 record. They could become the first team in NFL history to reach the playoffs in consecutive seasons after being three games under .500 each year.
While the Rams may not excel prominently on either side of the ball, their offensive talent seems to outshine their defensive capabilities. They have achieved success through a well-balanced approach, where both the offense and defense support one another by exploiting each other’s weaknesses.
This season, the Rams have exceeded 30 points only once and managed just 31 points combined in their last two outings. Their defense, however, impressively held opponents to just one touchdown over the last two games. Prior to this streak, the Rams struggled defensively as quarterback Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills scored 42 points against them.
With these consistent wins, a victory against Seattle in two weeks would secure McVay’s fourth NFC West title. “Fortunately, we’re in a position where you don’t necessarily have to rely on other things to happen if you just handle your business,” McVay added confidently.
Leading the way for the Rams is running back Kyren Williams and the offensive line, contributing to a revitalized offense. Despite a slow beginning partially due to McVay discontinuing the running game when falling behind, Williams has risen to impressive career highs with 1,243 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, thanks in part to his 122-yard effort in New York.
On the other hand, quarterback Matthew Stafford struggled, registering only 110 passing yards—the lowest since joining the Rams. Although harsh weather played a significant role, the Rams must look for more consistent passing options beyond Puka Nacua, as Kupp has recorded only 193 receiving yards over his last five games.
Defensive back Jaylen McCollough demonstrated his immense potential by logging a career-high nine tackles in just 31 snaps, impressing as an undrafted rookie alongside veteran defensive players. Conversely, cornerback Cobie Durant missed a second straight game despite being cleared from injury, leading McVay to commend the performance of veteran Ahkello Witherspoon in his absence.
The Rams have seen a notable improvement in their overall health, particularly among the offensive and defensive lines, which has contributed to their recent success. Following Tyler Higbee’s season debut, McVay reported no new injuries arising from their game.
As the Rams approach their next matchups, they need to win at least one of the final two games to secure their first NFC West title since 2021. They will face Arizona at home, but cannot clinch the division unless the Seahawks lose. Currently occupying the NFC’s third seed, the outcome of the final games is crucial, as both the third and fourth seeds will end up facing formidable NFC North teams in the first round.
