Are the Los Angeles Rams True Super Bowl Contenders in 2025?
After a rollercoaster 2024 season that saw the Los Angeles Rams rally from a rocky start to claim the NFC West crown, the conversation has quickly shifted from surprise playoff team to legitimate Super Bowl contender. The evidence is stacking up in their favor. Last year, the Rams showed signs of real growth, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Despite falling short against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Divisional Round — in a game decided by less than a touchdown — L.A. established itself as one of the toughest outs in the conference. Heading into 2025, there’s no reason to believe expectations should be any lower.
The Rams return with a seasoned core, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, who continues to anchor one of the league’s most reliable passing attacks when healthy. Protecting him will be Alaric Jackson, whose return solidifies a critical position on the offensive line — one that was often the difference between Stafford’s success and the Rams’ struggles in recent years. But the biggest offseason headline might be the arrival of veteran star Davante Adams, a move that instantly elevated the Rams' offense from dangerous to elite. Pairing Adams with Puka Nacua, who shattered rookie receiving records last season, gives Stafford a dynamic duo that few teams can match. While parting ways with Cooper Kupp was a tough but necessary decision, the tradeoff seems poised to pay off in both durability and production.
Defensively, the Rams addressed their most glaring postseason weakness by bringing in Poona Ford to plug the interior. After being gashed on the ground by Saquon Barkley in the playoffs, the Rams prioritized fortifying the defensive front. Combined with the development of their young, fast-rising defensive unit, it’s clear that L.A. isn’t interested in a rebuilding phase — they’re gearing up for a title push. Even national voices like Rich Eisen and Pro Football Focus’ Dalton Wasserman have joined the chorus of optimism. Eisen singled out the Rams’ young defense and overall roster depth as reasons for long-term confidence, even suggesting he believes the Rams are in a better position than division rival San Francisco heading into the season. “They’ve got a young defense, they’re positioned well, and I like what they’re doing,” Eisen said on his show.
Wasserman echoed that sentiment, writing, “They have loaded up to make one more run at a championship. The Rams head into 2025 as legitimate NFC contenders.” Of course, the NFC is still a battlefield. The Eagles, Commanders, Lions, and Packers all stand as serious obstacles, while the rest of the NFC West — including the always-dangerous San Francisco 49ers — will no doubt have something to say in the division race. However, for the Rams, the formula is clear with a healthy Matthew Stafford, a retooled and balanced receiving corps, and a fortified defense with young playmakers and key veteran additions. If those elements hold steady, there’s no reason Los Angeles can’t make a deep postseason run in 2025. The pieces are in place, the coaching remains top-tier, and the hunger for another Super Bowl is alive and well in L.A.
