Los Angeles Rams Enter 2025 as NFC West Favorites Amid Tight Division Race

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the NFC West stands out as one of the league’s most competitive divisions. The Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Arizona Cardinals all enter the year with playoff ambitions, bolstered by significant roster moves and coaching continuity. Despite the parity, the Rams have emerged as a popular pick among analysts to win the division, thanks to a blend of veteran leadership, promising young talent, and a favorable schedule. However, the margin for error is slim, and the division race is expected to be tightly contested.

Rams’ Offseason Moves and Roster Stability

The Rams have been widely praised for their strategic offseason, addressing key roster needs while retaining several core contributors from their 2024 playoff team. The front office, led by general manager Les Snead, added high-profile players such as wide receiver Davante Adams, defensive tackle Poona Ford, linebacker Nate Landman, and center Coleman Shelton. These acquisitions complement a roster already featuring quarterback Matthew Stafford, offensive tackle Alaric Jackson, and wide receiver Tutu Atwell. The team also kept important depth pieces, providing head coach Sean McVay with a stable foundation to build.

NFL analysts generally project the Rams to win at least 10 games in 2025, with some forecasts as high as 12 victories. The consensus is that Los Angeles is well-positioned to reclaim the NFC West title, provided they avoid significant injuries and maintain their current level of play.

Matthew Stafford’s Health and Leadership

A major storyline for the Rams entering 2025 is the health and performance of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. After battling injuries in previous seasons, Stafford completed 16 games in 2024, missing only the season finale due to rest. Throwing footballs in bulk, Stafford finished with 20 touchdown passes against eight interceptions and posted his highest passer rating since the Rams’ Super Bowl-winning campaign in 2021. At 37, Stafford has publicly stated he feels healthy and motivated to continue competing at a high level.

Stafford’s experience and arm talent remain assets for the Rams. His established chemistry with receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, now joined by Davante Adams, gives Los Angeles one of the most formidable receiving corps in the division. While questions linger about Stafford’s long-term future due to his age and contract, his presence in 2025 gives the Rams a proven leader under center.

Offensive Line Improvements and the Run Game

One of the Rams’ key weaknesses in recent years has been the offensive line, which struggled with injuries and inconsistency. The front office addressed this by adding depth and competition, including the return of center Coleman Shelton and the continued development of young players like Steve Avila. Veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein remains a steadying force, and the team is expected to further bolster the unit through the draft and undrafted free agent signings.

A more stable offensive line should benefit both the passing and running games, keeping the footballs in the hands of the offense. Running back Kyren Williams emerged as a workhorse in 2024, rushing for nearly 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns. Williams’s ability to handle a heavy workload and contribute in the passing game adds balance to Sean McVay’s offense, making the Rams less predictable and more challenging to defend.

Defensive Youth Movement and Veteran Additions

Defensively, the Rams have undergone a quiet but effective rebuild. The unit features emerging stars such as defensive end Kobie Turner, who has recorded 17 sacks and 42 quarterback pressures in his first two seasons, and Braden Fiske, who led the team with 8.5 sacks as a rookie. Adding Poona Ford to the defensive line and retaining linebacker Nate Landman provide further stability.

The Rams’ secondary, which has lacked a true No. 1 cornerback since the departure of Jalen Ramsey, could see improvement with the potential signing of veterans like Stephon Gilmore. The team’s pass rush, which ranked 21st in sacks last season, is expected to receive a boost from young players and possible veteran additions such as Za’Darius Smith.

While the defense is younger and faster, the presence of established veterans remains crucial. The Rams have tried to balance youth with experience, aiming for a disruptive and opportunistic unit that can complement their high-powered offense.

Coaching Edge: Sean McVay’s Track Record

Sean McVay enters his ninth season as the Rams’ head coach with a reputation for adaptability and offensive innovation. While McVay’s regular-season record against 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is 6-10, he holds the edge in playoff success, having defeated Shanahan in the 2022 NFC Championship Game en route to a Super Bowl victory. McVay’s career win percentage is superior to Shanahan’s, and his ability to maximize talent and adjust schemes has been cited as a key reason for the Rams’ sustained success.

NFL analysts continue to rank McVay among the league’s top coaches, crediting his emotional intelligence and willingness to evolve as factors that give the Rams an edge in close games and high-pressure situations.

The NFC West Landscape: Competition Remains Fierce

Although the Rams are favored by many to win the division, the NFC West is projected to be one of the NFL’s most tightly contested races in 2025. Win projections for the Rams, 49ers, Seahawks, and Cardinals are separated by less than two games, reflecting the depth and quality of the division.

Despite significant roster turnover and salary cap challenges, the 49ers remain a threat with quarterback Brock Purdy and a core of talented veterans. However, injuries and the need to rely on rookies at key positions could impact their consistency. The Seahawks, under new head coach Mike Macdonald and with Sam Darnold at quarterback, are viewed as a potential wild card. At the same time, the Cardinals are expected to improve but still face questions about their offensive line and late-season schedule.

Schedule Analysis: Opportunities and Challenges

The Rams’ 2025 schedule presents both opportunities and challenges. They benefit from a favorable rest advantage, with eight extra days compared to their opponents, and avoid playing any team coming off a bye week. The early part of the schedule features winnable games against the Texans, Titans, and Colts, which could allow the Rams to build momentum.

However, the second half of the season includes a difficult stretch with four road games in the final six weeks and matchups against playoff-caliber teams like the Eagles, Ravens, and Lions. The Rams will also “host” the NFL’s inaugural game in Australia, resulting in a lengthy trip and losing a home game. Navigating this schedule will require depth, health, and resilience.

Outlook and Expectations

The Rams enter the 2025 season with high expectations, driven by a blend of established stars, promising young players, and a coaching staff that has demonstrated the ability to adapt and win. While they are favored by many analysts to win the NFC West, the division’s competitiveness ensures that nothing is guaranteed.

Suppose the Rams can stay healthy, particularly at quarterback and along the offensive line, and continue to develop their young defensive talent. In that case, they are well-positioned to contend for the division title and make a deep playoff run. However, the narrow margin separating the NFC West teams means that every game will matter, and the Rams will need to capitalize on their schedule advantages and roster depth to emerge on top.

The 2025 NFC West race promises to be one of the most compelling storylines of the NFL season, and the Rams will play a central role in determining its outcome.