The Los Angeles Rams came into the 2024 NFL season as an underdog in the NFC West. Many people counted them out, especially after they started their season with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua landing on the IR immediately. Combined with a 1-4 record after five weeks, the Rams did a complete turnaround, leading to a 10-7 record and being crowned the division champs. Ultimately, they would fall to the Eagles in a snowstorm, but how they battled through adversity shows that this young team is ready to step up to the next level. The only question is who will be their quarterback for the 2025 season.
QB: Matt Stafford
Matt Stafford started the season up and down with no stars around him other than his running back, Kyren Williams. In the end, Stafford finished the season with 3,762 passing yards, 20 TDs, and only throwing eight INTs. He played great during their playoff run, but he’s hinted at retirement going into the future. With no clear backup to take over, the Rams will either have to make an offer to free agent “Catwalk” Jimmy Garoppolo or figure out what they’re doing with Stetson Bennett.
RB: Kyren Williams
Many thought that there was no way Kyren Williams would finish the season healthy or as productive as he was. As the lead bellcow for Sean McVay’s offense, Williams amassed 1,299 rushing yards, 34 receptions, 182 yards receiving, and 16 total TDs for the year. Rookie running back Blake Corum looked great at the end of the regular season when the Rams finally started giving him carries before getting hurt. This running back will once again be leaned on heavily going into next season, regardless of Stafford’s future.
WR: Puka Nacua
Puka Nacua started the season by disappointing many fans and fantasy football teams by heading to the IR. When Nacua returned, he quickly reminded us how dominant a wide receiver he was by finishing the season with 79 catches for 990 yards and four total touchdowns.
WR: Cooper Kupp
Cooper Kupp came back to earth as a wide receiver after a great run that led him to a Super Bowl victory. Since then, injuries have plagued him, with many people saying he’s washed up. With trade rumors surfacing again you could see the Rams trading him away at this point of his career. However, he is such a vital part of the offense that he still compliments Nacua perfectly. It may not be the best situation for fantasy players, but for the Rams, it’s perfect if they choose to keep him on the team.
Defense
Jared Verse
Jared Verse had a stellar rookie season and won Defensive Rookie of the Year this year. Verse started slow at first, but by the time we heard him say he hates green, we witnessed him turn into the next Aaron Donald.
Bradon Fiske
When I watched Jared Verse call Bradon Fiske right before the Rams selected him, I knew something special was brewing. Fiske became a problem in the middle with the test of the defense stepping up providing one of the league’s most dominant defensive lines in the league. We’re looking at the next version of the Fearsome Foursome as both Verse and Fiske look to fill Merlin Olsen and Deacon Jones’s shoes going into the future.
Kamren Kitchens
The Rams decided to revamp their defense through the draft, and Kamren Kitchens was part of that. Kitchens barely had any playing time at the beginning of the season, but as injuries piled up, Kitchens stepped in nicely, giving him a bright future in Chris Shula’s defense.
Coaching: Sean McVay
Sean McVay is signed through 2026, giving him ample time to consider if he needs time away or if another contract is on order. McVay revamped the defense and showed why his offensive prowess is a force to be reckoned with. Outside giving defensive coordinators nightmares, McVay should be back for what could be Stafford’s swan song before he prepares the team for the next coach. As a Rams fan, I want him to stay forever, and for now, things look like they’re going that way. No matter what, one thing is for sure, and that is McVay has the confidence of Les Sneed, Stan Kroenke, and all of the amazing Rams fans.
