Los Angeles Rams 2025 Preview: Stafford’s Health Could Define an Explosive Offense

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Rams’ 2025 Offense: High Ceiling, High Risk

Every year, when NFL analysts try to predict what the Los Angeles Rams are going to look like, one word comes up over and over again: offense. Sean McVay’s fingerprints are all over this franchise. Ever since he took over, the Rams have been known for explosive plays, creative schemes, and a knack for keeping defenses on their heels. Even in years when the defense wasn’t exactly shutting anyone down, the offense managed to carry the load.

But here’s the big question heading into 2025: can they still do it?


Why the Rams’ Offense Is Always Worth Talking About

You can’t ignore what McVay has built in L.A. Before Matthew Stafford ever came over from Detroit, the Rams were already making waves. After he arrived, they reached the mountaintop with a Super Bowl win in 2021. And the formula looked simple: pair an elite quarterback with McVay’s system, surround him with dynamic playmakers, and watch the fireworks.

That’s why Sheil Kapadia of The Ringer recently ranked the Rams as the 11th-best offense heading into the season—not elite, but definitely a team with plenty of upside. Even with questions swirling around Stafford’s health, the supporting cast and system keep them in the conversation.


Stafford: The Centerpiece and the Question Mark

The story of this offense in 2025 really boils down to one man: Matthew Stafford. If he’s healthy and firing on all cylinders, the Rams are dangerous. If he’s not, well… let’s just say things get complicated fast.

  • Stafford has been with the Rams for four seasons. In three of those, he’s started at least 10 games.

  • All three times? The Rams had a top-10 offense.

  • Stafford + McVay = usually fireworks.

But there’s a catch. This past summer, Stafford missed several weeks with a nagging back injury. He only recently returned to practice, and back issues aren’t something that just magically disappear. Combine that with signs of decline last season, and you can see why some fans are nervous.


Red Flags from 2024

Let’s rewind a bit. Late last season, McVay actually rested his starters in Week 18—even though the Rams still had playoff seeding on the line. That decision raised eyebrows. Was it about strategy, or was it more about protecting their aging quarterback?

Then came the offseason drama. The Rams gave Stafford permission to seek a trade. Sure, money was a big part of it, but think about what that really signals. If L.A. was 100% locked in on Stafford being the future, would they even flirt with the idea of moving on?

The numbers tell a story too:

  • When Stafford was pressured, he ranked 28th out of 36 quarterbacks in EPA per play.

  • On snaps without play-action, he was 21st in the league.

Translation: Stafford isn’t the same guy who can thrive in any situation anymore. He needs the right conditions. And that means the Rams have to be smart about how they use him and how they protect him.


The Supporting Cast Is Loaded

Now let’s shift gears, because it’s not all doom and gloom. If Stafford is out there and reasonably healthy, this offense is scary good.

Here’s what they’ve got:

  • Puka Nacua – the breakout star who quickly became Stafford’s go-to target.

  • Davante Adams – yes, that Davante Adams, one of the best receivers of this generation, now wearing Rams colors.

  • Kyren Williams – a versatile running back who can carry the ground game and catch passes.

  • Terrance Ferguson – a rookie tight end added through the draft who could provide another dimension.

On paper, that’s a lethal mix of youth, star power, and versatility. The kind of lineup that makes defensive coordinators lose sleep.


The Offensive Line Question

Of course, every great offense needs solid protection, and this is where the Rams could run into trouble. Their offensive tackle situation is… let’s just say unsettled. With Stafford’s health already hanging in the balance, this group will be under the microscope all year. Keeping Stafford upright is priority number one.

If they can’t, all those shiny weapons don’t matter nearly as much.


Why the Rams Are So Hard to Predict

This is what makes the Rams such a fascinating team right now. They’re not easy to project. On one hand, the ceiling is sky-high—McVay, Stafford, Nacua, Adams… that’s a recipe for fireworks. On the other hand, the floor could be a mess if injuries or offensive line struggles pile up.

Think about it like this:

  • If Stafford plays 15-17 games? You’re probably looking at another top-10 offense.

  • If he misses serious time? The Rams could tumble down the rankings fast.

Jimmy Garoppolo is a capable backup. He can win you games. But let’s be real—he’s not leading this team to a Super Bowl. The Rams know it, and that’s why they doubled down on keeping Stafford happy this offseason despite his contract demands.


The Big Picture: Still Dangerous

At the end of the day, the Rams are still one of the most intriguing offenses in football. They may not be a lock for elite status, but their potential to compete with anyone is undeniable.

A few takeaways to keep in mind:

  • Stafford’s health is the make-or-break factor. Without him, the whole machine sputters.

  • The supporting cast is elite. Few teams can match a WR duo like Nacua and Adams.

  • McVay still has the magic. His schemes can maximize even an imperfect roster.

  • The offensive line is the wild card. If they keep Stafford clean, the sky’s the limit.


Final Word

So, are the Rams a contender or a team on the brink of falling apart? The truth is, they’re both. That’s the beauty and frustration of this squad in 2025. If you’re a fan, buckle up. This season is going to be a roller coaster.

McVay’s Rams have always been about offense, and that hasn’t changed. But now, it all hinges on whether Matthew Stafford can hold up and deliver his A-game for 17 weeks. If he does, this group will light up the scoreboard and remind everyone why L.A. is still one of the most fun teams in the NFL to watch. If he doesn’t… well, we may be talking about “what could’ve been” instead of playoff runs.

Either way, expect fireworks—because with the Rams, there’s never a dull moment.