The 2025 Los Angeles Rams will enter the season with high hopes for a return to playoff contention after a couple of seasons of rebuilding. The Rams, now more focused on younger talent and player development, were determined to balance veteran leadership with emerging stars. As they navigated the transition from a Super Bowl-caliber team to a more future-focused squad, the 2025 season presented both challenges and opportunities for growth. Here’s a look at how the season unfolded:
Key Highlights:
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Regular Season Record:
- The Rams finished the regular season with a 10-7 record, marking a significant improvement from their previous seasons. This return to competitiveness earned them a wild-card spot in the NFC playoffs.
- The Rams finished second in the NFC West, behind the San Francisco 49ers, but ahead of the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals.
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Quarterback Play:
- Matthew Stafford (QB) remained the team’s starting quarterback and played with a sense of urgency in what could be one of his final seasons with the Rams. Stafford, with a stronger offensive line and more consistent weapons around him, put together a solid campaign.
- Stafford threw for 4,200+ yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, showing that he was still capable of leading a potent offense.
- The Rams also began to experiment with Stetson Bennett (QB) as a potential future starter, though Stafford’s strong play kept him firmly at the helm. Bennett showed flashes of potential in limited action but wasn’t yet ready to take over full-time.
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Emerging Stars and Offensive Growth:
- Puka Nacua (WR) continued to evolve into a top-tier wide receiver, finishing the season with over 1,200 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. His chemistry with Stafford continued to grow, making him one of the top breakout stars of the year.
- Cooper Kupp, after being fully healthy for the season, returned to his dominant form, posting 1,100+ yards and 8 touchdowns. His presence, paired with Nacua’s emergence, made the Rams’ receiving corps one of the more dangerous units in the league.
- Kyren Williams (RB) continued to be a dual-threat, rushing for 1,200+ yards and 9 touchdowns, while also contributing in the passing game with over 400 yards receiving.
- Cam Akers (RB) was also productive in a complementary role, finishing with over 600 yards and 4 touchdowns, providing depth to the Rams’ backfield.
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Improved Offensive Line:
- The Rams’ offensive line, which had been a point of concern in recent years, showed improvement. With some new additions through the draft and free agency, they provided more protection for Stafford and opened up better lanes for the running backs.
- The line allowed fewer sacks than in previous years and was a key factor in the offense’s success.
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Defense:
- The Rams’ defense continued to be effective, who finished the season with 12 sacks and 25+ pressures. While the team had some of the league’s best defensive players, he was supported by a more well-rounded defensive unit.
- The secondary, led by Derion Kendrick and Jalen Ramsey’s replacement, showed promise. Troy Hill (CB) and Jordan Fuller (S) were also key contributors to the Rams’ top-10 pass defense.
- The Rams finished 7th in total defense, with a solid pass rush and improved secondary play helping to limit big plays.
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Special Teams:
- Matt Gay (K) continued to be one of the most reliable kickers in the league, with several long field goals and clutch kicks, finishing the season with a high accuracy rate.
- Johnny Hekker (P), still one of the best punters in the game, continued to control field position with his booming punts.
- Special teams coverage was generally strong, and the Rams’ ability to capitalize on turnovers and special teams opportunities provided valuable momentum in tight games.
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Coaching:
- Sean McVay faced a critical year in 2025. After a couple of rebuilding seasons, McVay showed that his ability to adapt and evolve as a head coach was still strong. With a more balanced offensive approach, McVay helped Stafford and the offense to put together one of the best years since their Super Bowl win in 2021.
- McVay’s play-calling was more diverse, with an increased focus on establishing the run and using play-action to open up passing lanes.
- McVay also emphasized the development of younger players, particularly the defense, and it paid off with strong performances from rookies and second-year players.
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Playoff Picture:
- The Rams secured a wild-card spot in the 2025 NFC playoffs, but they were quickly eliminated in the first round after a hard-fought loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Despite the defeat, the Rams showed that they were back on the right track, and the postseason appearance marked an important step forward in their rebuilding process.
- The Rams’ playoff run helped show that they were competitive again and that their younger talent could be developed into a core for future success.
Notable Players:
- Matthew Stafford (QB) – Strong leadership and solid production in 2025, throwing for over 4,200 yards and 30 touchdowns.
- Puka Nacua (WR) – Continued to emerge as a top target in the passing game.
- Cooper Kupp (WR) – Fully healthy and back to his Pro Bowl-level form.
- Kyren Williams (RB) – Dual-threat back with strong numbers in both rushing and receiving.
- Aaron Donald (DT) – Still dominant, finishing with double-digit sacks and providing pressure up front.
- Bobby Wagner (ILB) – Strong leadership and production in his later years.
- Derion Kendrick (CB) – A promising young cornerback who emerged as a key player in the secondary.
The 2025 Los Angeles Rams took significant steps forward in their rebuilding process. With the return of Matthew Stafford’s strong play, the emergence of Puka Nacua, and the continued dominance of the defense, the Rams were able to regain competitive form and return to the playoffs. Despite an early exit in the playoffs, the 2025 season laid a strong foundation for future seasons, with young players stepping up and the team finding more balance across both offense and defense. The Rams were once again a competitive force in the NFC, and with more development from their young talent and some additional cap space in the offseason, the 2026 season looked promising for the Rams’ playoff hopes and potential Super Bowl contention.