All posts by : Don Lichterman

The wait is finally over. After a whirlwind offseason, a competitive preseason, and countless storylines shaping the Los Angeles Rams’ roster, the 2025 NFL regular season kicks off this Sunday at SoFi Stadium. The Rams open against the Houston Texans at 4:25 p.m. EDT, with CBS providing live coverage for what promises to be a matchup of fast starts, explosive offenses, and high-stakes defensive battles.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Week 1—news, features, player watchlists, injuries, and more.

Injury Report – Rams Ready to Go

As of Friday’s final injury report, the Rams’ outlook for Week 1 is as close to ideal as it gets. Alaric Jackson (LT) and Ahkello Witherspoon (CB) are both listed as “good to go”, with head coach Sean McVay emphasizing that the team “expects to have all hands on deck” for Sunday’s opener.

• Matthew Stafford (QB) confirmed he’s fully healthy, putting any concerns about past injuries aside. “I feel good, ready to go,” Stafford told the media.
• Davante Adams (WR), Puka Nacua (WR), and other offensive weapons are set to start.
• McVay and defensive coordinator Chris Shula also indicated that defensive leaders like Jared Verse and Kobie Turner are ready for an early impact, signaling a fully stacked Rams roster.

Key takeaway: Health is rarely this good heading into Week 1, and the Rams are poised to bring maximum talent to the field.

Preseason Recap – Momentum Heading Into Week 1

The Rams finished the 2025 preseason 2-1, a record that doesn’t tell the full story but gives insight into team readiness:

Highlights:

• The offense showed explosiveness, particularly in the two wins, with Stafford, Adams, and Nacua connecting on multiple deep passes.
• The defense displayed versatility and aggressiveness, with Jared Verse and Kobie Turner leading a pass rush that could carry over from the playoffs.
• Close games, especially the Week 4 loss at Cleveland, provided valuable high-pressure reps for younger players like Terrance Ferguson (TE) and Braden Fiske (DL).

Preseason success has created momentum, but Week 1 will be the first real test.

Key Players to Watch – Rams Offense

The Rams’ offensive firepower is concentrated around a few crucial names:

• Matthew Stafford (QB): Veteran leadership remains central. His health, combined with his experience with Sean McVay’s offense, sets the tone for the Rams’ passing game.
• Davante Adams (WR): The offseason acquisition is a game-changer. Adams’ chemistry with Stafford and ability to stretch the field opposite Puka Nacua is pivotal.
• Puka Nacua (WR): Stepping into a larger role after Cooper Kupp’s departure, Nacua’s explosiveness will be a major focus for Houston’s secondary.
• Kyren Williams (RB): Voted team captain and coming off a contract extension, Williams is expected to balance power and versatility in the backfield.
• Blake Corum (RB): A complementary piece with an increased role, especially in passing situations.
• Terrance Ferguson (TE): Rookie tight end with upside in McVay’s system.
• Alaric Jackson (LT): Key to protecting Stafford and establishing the run game, Jackson’s return from blood clot issues is one of the season’s feel-good storylines.

Key Players to Watch – Rams Defense

The defensive unit, orchestrated by Chris Shula in Year 2, is built for disruption:

• Jared Verse (OLB): 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year and a versatile pass rusher capable of flipping games.
• Kobie Turner (DL): The anchor of the defensive line; 17 career sacks over two seasons and consistent improvement.
• Kam Curl (S): Defensive playmaker and versatile coverage presence.
• Poona Ford (NT): Free-agent addition to bolster run defense while contributing to pass rush.
• Nate Landman (ILB): Rookie captain whose leadership and football IQ will help direct the defense on the field.

Other contributors like Ahkello Witherspoon (CB), Darious Williams (CB), and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (CB) will be tested against Houston’s aerial attack.

Offseason Features & Storylines

Leadership & Captainship

• Kyren Williams and Nate Landman exemplify Rams leadership. Williams emphasized that being voted captain meant more than his contract; Landman quickly earned his teammates’ trust in Year 1 and now shoulders the responsibility of guiding the defense.
• McVay’s mentorship of Chris Shula has built confidence in the Rams’ defensive schemes, allowing Shula to make adjustments and develop trust on both sides of the ball.

Health Comebacks

• Alaric Jackson overcame blood clots and intensive rehabilitation to be ready for Week 1—a story of resilience.
• Matthew Stafford is fully focused on the Texans, setting aside lingering concerns about his back.

Culture & Community

• The Rams celebrate Latino and Hispanic culture as part of their “Kow Before You Go” campaign at SoFi Stadium, welcoming fans back to the stadium experience.
• SoFi Stadium also rolled out new food and beverage options for 2025, elevating the gameday atmosphere.

Partnerships & Fan Experience

• The California Lottery partnership introduces team-themed scratchers with million-dollar prizes, giving fans both excitement and a chance to support public education.
• Fans will see the Rams in new 2025 jerseys, including a “near-black Midnight” alternate uniform for the NFL’s Rivalries program.

Matchup Preview – Rams vs Texans

Offense vs Defense:
The Rams’ high-octane offense faces Houston’s aggressive defensive front. The Texans will likely test Stafford early with pressure schemes, but L.A.’s offensive line—anchored by Jackson—aims to protect the quarterback and open lanes for Williams and Corum.

Defense vs Offense:
The Rams’ pass rush led by Verse and Turner could disrupt Texans QB Jimmy Garoppolo. Kam Curl and Ahkello Witherspoon will have key roles in neutralizing deep threats, while Landman marshals the linebacker corps to contain Houston’s run game.

Keys to Victory:

1. Fast start: J.B. Long emphasizes the importance of scoring early and establishing rhythm.
2. Offensive line dominance: Jackson must hold the edge, allowing Stafford to operate efficiently.
3. Defensive pressure: Verse, Turner, and Poona Ford need to create chaos in the backfield.
4. Ball security: Minimize turnovers and capitalize on Texans’ mistakes.

Looking Ahead

The Rams open 2025 with the promise of health, leadership, and depth across the roster. Fans can expect explosive offensive plays, aggressive defensive schemes, and a season-long narrative of resilience and leadership.

SoFi Stadium is ready, the players are ready, and Rams Country is primed to welcome the 2025 season with energy and optimism.

Kickoff: Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 4:25 p.m. EDT, CBS.
Location: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CA.