Welcome back to On The Rampage Weekly, where I dive into everything Los Angeles Rams and beyond—from roster questions to playoff scenarios to bold predictions and media highlights. This week, we’ve got a lot to unpack, so let’s get to it.
Rams Playoff Outlook: Early Wins Might Not Tell the Whole Story
As we look toward the 2025 season, it’s shaping up to be a fascinating year for the Los Angeles Rams. With the schedule now officially released, Rams fans are circling key matchups and calculating wins—but there’s more beneath the surface than win-loss columns. The Rams could be 3-1 or even 5-2 by late October, and yet, we still might not know exactly who they are.
Why?
Because the early part of their season is dominated by AFC opponents, not NFC rivals. And in a playoff chase where conference and divisional records often decide tie-breakers, games against teams like the Colts or Titans—while important—don’t move the needle in terms of postseason positioning.
Here’s What to Watch Early On:
- Week 1: Texans at SoFi—Houston struggled last year and could be a tone-setter for the Rams.
- Weeks 2–4: Titans, Colts (both had losing records), and the Eagles—Philadelphia will be the Rams’ first true NFC measuring stick.
- Week 5: Circle this one—Thursday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers at home.
If all breaks right, the Rams could be 4-1 heading into a tough road game against the Ravens. If they survive that, a 5-2 start is very realistic. But even at 5-2, they might only be 1-1 in the NFC. Meanwhile, the 49ers—who have a far easier strength of schedule thanks to last year’s poor finish—will be racking up NFC matchups.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: The Rams face the Eagles, Ravens, and Lions—all teams with 12+ wins last season. The 49ers? They’re set to play the Browns, Giants, and Bears—all teams that won 3 to 5 games. That’s a massive difference when conference records start to matter down the stretch.
NFC West Will Be a Photo Finish—Every Detail Matters
The NFC West often comes down to razor-thin margins. Just last year, the Rams and Seahawks both finished 10-7, both went 4-2 in the division, and both finished 6-6 in the conference. The Rams edged them out in part due to earlier wins—before they even played Week 18, they had clinched the division.
That makes games like Week 5 vs. the 49ers all the more crucial. That could be the swing game that decides the division months later.
Bold NFL Predictions: Will Stafford Get His Flowers This Time?
Let’s take a step back from the schedule and throw out a few bold predictions for the 2025 NFL season:
- Matthew Stafford Will Win MVP (Or At Least Deserve It)
Stafford’s early MVP odds are straight-up disrespectful. After another strong season and a playoff push with a retooled offense, he’s still being overlooked. With weapons like Davante Adams and a deeper O-line, Stafford has a chance to light it up this year. And let’s not forget—he’s already proven he can win it all. - The Steelers Will Stay Above .500… Again
It seems like every year we think Mike Tomlin’s magic has run out, and every year he pulls out another non-losing season. Even with a murky QB situation and a thinner roster, Tomlin always finds a way. - New Blood in the MVP Race
Could Jayden Daniels crash the QB party in MVP voting? Absolutely. But don’t sleep on Stafford making a run if the Rams stay healthy and win 11+ games.
Jared Verse Joins The Rich Eisen Show
Rams rookie pass rusher Jared Verse recently joined The Rich Eisen Show and made it clear—he’s coming in with a chip on his shoulder. Verse spoke about his journey from Florida State to the NFL, emphasizing how he’s ready to contribute immediately on a defense that needs him to step up with Aaron Donald now retired.
Verse’s energy, drive, and physicality are a welcome addition to a Rams defense in transition. He’ll be thrown into the fire early, and everything we’ve heard so far points to a guy who wants the smoke.
Do the Rams Still Have a WR Problem?
On paper, the Rams made a big splash this offseason by signing Davante Adams. But they also lost a lot—Cooper Kupp is gone. So is Demarcus Robinson. That leaves the Rams thinner at wide receiver than many fans realize.
Here’s what the current WR depth looks like:
- WR1: Davante Adams (no question here)
- WR2: Puka Nacua (assuming health)
- WR3: Tutu Atwell (showed flashes but still unproven)
- WR4/5: Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith, and rookie Konata Mumpfield
It’s clear Sean McVay is counting on internal development. Atwell and Whittington performed admirably when thrust into bigger roles due to injuries last season. Atwell ranked top 10 in the league in yards per route during that stretch. But over a 17-game season? That’s a different beast.
The Rams also drafted TE Terrance Ferguson in Round 2, signaling a potential shift to more two-tight-end sets. But let’s not forget—the most pass-heavy formations in today’s NFL are still built around three WRs.
Should the Rams Pursue a Free Agent Like Gabe Davis?
Recently released by the Jaguars, Davis could offer the Rams an experienced depth piece without threatening the growth of young receivers. He’s a solid route-runner, a physical blocker, and a known commodity. The downside? Less opportunity for Whittington and Atwell to grow.
For now, the Rams seem content with what they have—but if injuries pile up, don’t be surprised if a move gets made mid-season.
Conclusion: Rams Are Contenders, But The Road Is Full of Twists
The Rams are poised for a major year. Stafford has the weapons and protection to return to MVP form, the defense is filled with young, hungry players like Jared Verse, and the team as a whole has a chip on its shoulder.
But fans shouldn’t get too comfortable with a fast start. Until they start stacking NFC wins—especially against teams like the Eagles and 49ers—their playoff fate will remain uncertain.
Sean McVay and Les Snead have built something special again, but they’ll have to prove it against the best of the NFC.
And as always, we’ll be here On The Rampage to break it all down, every step of the way.
Tags: #RamsHouse #MatthewStafford #JaredVerse #RamsWRs #NFLPlayoffs #NFCSchedule #RamsSchedule2025 #OnTheRampage #SeanMcVay #NFLNews #DonLichterman
On The Rampage: Rams Weekly Update with Don Lichterman
Welcome to this week’s edition of On The Rampage, where we break down everything you need to know about the Los Angeles Rams. From contract negotiations and strategic moves, to offseason camps and next year’s draft picks, this week’s developments show why the Rams are not only building for now—but for the future. Let’s dive in.
🌴 Rams Take Minicamp to Maui: A Strategic Move to Expand Their Reach
The Rams are taking their talents—and their training—to Hawaii this summer.
From June 16-18, the Rams will host their minicamp on the island of Maui, marking a bold step in the franchise’s ongoing efforts to grow its brand beyond the Southern California market. As the only NFL team to hold mandatory offseason training outside the continental United States, the Rams are capitalizing on their popularity as a championship-caliber franchise with a fanbase that spans far beyond Los Angeles.
This move isn’t just about football—it’s about culture, outreach, and market expansion. Hawaii has long held NFL roots, especially with the Pro Bowl formerly hosted in Honolulu. By bringing minicamp to Maui, the Rams hope to cultivate a new generation of fans and tap into the Pacific Islander heritage deeply intertwined with football.
💰 Kyren Williams: Betting on Himself in a Contract Year
Running back Kyren Williams has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, but that might not be enough to secure a long-term deal just yet.
Williams finished 2024 with 1,299 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Impressive numbers on paper—but a deeper dive reveals concerns. Williams led the NFL in fumbles by a non-QB and ranked in the bottom half of explosive run metrics and missed tackles forced. The Rams selected Auburn’s Jarquez Hunter in this year’s draft, a dynamic back with elite burst and one of the highest explosive play rates among college RBs.
That pick alone tells you everything about how Les Snead views the future of the backfield: committee-style, diverse skill sets, and cost-effective depth.
“The wear and tear on running backs is real,” said Snead. “We’re building a committee that allows us to run the football effectively without overloading one guy.”
With Hunter and second-year back Blake Corum now in the mix, Williams will have to prove he’s not just the lead back—but the one worth keeping.
📈 Rams Cash in on Falcons’ Gamble: A 2026 First Round Pick Could Become Gold
One of the most underrated moves of the offseason might turn out to be one of Les Snead’s best.
The Atlanta Falcons, in desperation mode, traded their 2026 first-round pick to the Rams in exchange for a late first-rounder in 2025. The gamble? Atlanta thinks it’ll be a playoff team. The reality? They might be one of the worst.
This is a franchise with:
- A head coach without a winning season since 2010
- A rookie QB (Michael Penix Jr.) with three NFL starts
- No major free agency additions
- A defense that ranked 28th in points allowed per drive
- And now, two rookie edge rushers expected to start right away
The Falcons’ 2024 wins were smoke and mirrors—most of their victories came against bottom-tier teams. A tough 2025 schedule awaits them, and unless Penix defies the odds, that 2026 first-rounder could be top-5 material.
🏆 Les Snead: Mastermind Behind the NFL’s Best Front Office?
In a league where dynasties rise and fall with shocking speed, the Rams have managed to stay competitive while rebuilding on the fly—and that’s due in large part to GM Les Snead.
ESPN’s Mina Kimes praised the Rams as a shining example of how a team can win now and build for later—a balance most franchises fail to strike.
“The Rams pulled off one of the hardest things to do in professional sports: staying competitive while retooling,” said Kimes.
Since going all-in to win the Super Bowl in 2021 with the now infamous “F Them Picks” mantra, the Rams have executed one of the cleanest retools in NFL history:
- Cut ties with big contracts (Jalen Ramsey, Leonard Floyd)
- Ate $75M in dead money
- Drafted foundational pieces like Puka Nacua, Steve Avila, Byron Young, and Kobie Turner
- Transitioned post-Aaron Donald with five top-100 picks to reload the defense
Their newest star, Jared Verse, is the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year. Paired with Braden Fiske, Kam Kinchens, and others, this young core gives L.A. a new window of contention—even as legends like Donald and Kupp transition out.
🧱 Rams Defensive Line: Rebuilt, Resilient, and Already Dangerous
Pat McAfee recently spotlighted one of the more overlooked stories of the Rams’ resurgence: the rapid reassembly of their defensive front.
Even with Aaron Donald’s retirement, the Rams were 10th in defensive EPA per play from Weeks 7–17 last season. That’s no accident.
In true “Moneyball” fashion, Snead didn’t try to replace Donald with one man. Instead, he rebuilt the line in the aggregate:
- Jared Verse (top-15 pick)
- Braden Fiske (Donald’s Florida State teammate)
- Kobie Turner (elite interior pressure as a rookie)
- Byron Young (edge speed for days)
It’s a versatile, fast, and high-motor unit that should keep the Rams defense near the top of the league in 2025.
🧠 The Evolution of the Tight End Room: Redman & Torres Bring Blocking Back
While headlines were stolen by second-round pick Terrance Ferguson, the Rams also added two undrafted tight ends with real potential—Mark Redman (Louisville) and Anthony Torres (Toledo).
Both bring a blocking-first mentality to a room that’s often favored receiver-style tight ends. Redman is a West Coast technician with reliable hands and sound technique, while Torres is a gritty, long-limbed MAC product who overcomes adversity with raw power and team-first play.
Redman: Smart, polished, with high football IQ. Strong in combo blocks, solid route fundamentals, but limited YAC threat.
Torres: Former team captain with a 7-year college journey. Tough, versatile, and physical. Could challenge for a special teams or practice squad role.
While they face a crowded room with Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, and Ferguson, Redman and Torres will likely get a real chance to shine in preseason games.
🏈 Championship Window Reopened: Rams in Contention Mode Again
Once the Rams lifted the Lombardi Trophy in 2021, many expected a short-lived era of success. After all, “F Them Picks” was supposed to come with a heavy price.
But three years later, the Rams are proving that the window is still open.
They’ve swapped one core for another:
Then — Donald, Kupp, Stafford
Now — Verse, Nacua, Stafford
Even if Matthew Stafford doesn’t get another ring, the Rams’ retool has already defied expectations. With two first-round picks in 2026 (including Atlanta’s), the cap space to make moves, and a front office full of forward-thinkers, this team is built to contend now and next.
Final Word from Don
The Rams have turned a so-called rebuild into a reload.
They’re expanding their global footprint, playing smart with contracts, betting on youth, and making front-office decisions that are years ahead of the competition. Whether it’s scouting under-the-radar tight ends or fleecing desperate GMs like Atlanta’s Terry Fontenot, this is a team that knows exactly what it’s doing.
So buckle up, Rams fans. Because while everyone else is guessing how to sustain success, the Rams are showing how it’s done—one savvy move at a time.
Until next week, stay On The Rampage. On The Rampage: Rams Weekly Report. Stay loud. Stay proud. Stay on the rampage.
— Don Lichterman